Kerin Castillo Talks Netflix’s ‘Zero Day,’ Booking a Seagram’s Commercial | Success Story

Kerin Castillo’s journey into acting started with a lifelong dream, and gained momentum through a national competition that opened many doors. That includes booking commercials for Seagram’s whiskey and working alongside Robert De Niro in the Netflix series Zero Day.

The Costa Rican actor’s story offers an insightful look into the realities of building a career in entertainment, and the role Casting Networks plays in that process.

Insights From Kerin Castillo

Consistently update your Casting Networks profile with their best photos and videos to increase audition opportunities.

Embrace authenticity and let your true personality shine during auditions, as casting directors want to see the real person behind the performance.

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How did you decide to become an actor?

All my life, I wanted to be an actor. When I saw movies, I was like, “I want to be the next, I want to be that person, I want to be there.” That’s my dream.

I’ve been modeling and acting, and taking acting and runway classes to achieve that goal. It’s my passion. I feel very grateful for the opportunity. I’ve met amazing people in my experiences as an actor.

I became an actor in a national competition, and that opportunity opened so many windows and doors. One of them was to be in a commercial, then I was in a music video, and then I had the opportunity to work in an independent film.

I said, “Really? You want me to be there?” They said, “Yes. I like your attitude, I like your profile, I like your energy.” I was able to create a lot of things and live amazing moments with that production.

How did you first discover Casting Networks?

When I had the opportunity to travel to the U.S. for work, I was living in New York with friends.

They kept telling me, “New York offers huge opportunities for everyone. You have to take risks, take the chance, and truly apply yourself.” I started searching online for casting platforms, and that’s how I discovered Casting Networks.

Photo courtesy of Kerin Castillo.

You booked roles in a Netflix series and commercials through Casting Networks. Tell me a little bit about those.

My first booking through Casting Networks was a commercial for Seagram’s, the alcoholic beverage brand. Then, I had the incredible opportunity to work with Netflix on the production of Zero Day, alongside the legendary Robert De Niro.

What was the audition for that like?

I submitted photos and videos, and they sent me the script for the series. I had two auditions for that booking.

What happened when you got to the set?

I had to call my mom because she was in Costa Rica. We couldn’t take videos or photos on this set. They gave us [covers] for cell phones and other accessories to maintain privacy until the show was released on Netflix.

I remember the fitting day was with this huge crew with a lot of clothes. They asked us to bring some options, but ultimately, they gave us all the clothes for the filming.

They took measurements and [we] also tried on different kinds of clothes. That was super amazing. I lived that in my dreams, and then to be there living [my dream] in my real skin. That was unbelievable.

I remember thinking, “My God, I’m actually going to be working with [Robert De Niro], standing right next to him!” I’ve seen so many of his films, and I truly felt blessed by that opportunity. The entire production was amazing — the people, the atmosphere, everything.

I spent a week working on set, with long hours and many takes, but it was an indescribable experience. I highly recommend Casting Networks to everyone; it’s a platform where you can truly grow, achieve your goals and make your dreams come true.

What was the Seagram’s production like? What were you doing there?

For the Seagram’s commercial, we filmed in a limo and at a party. We shot videos and photos of us getting in and out of the limo, and walking through the streets to a bar after the party.

It was super cool because I’d always seen productions filming on the streets when I was out walking or going to work. In the city, it feels like there’s a production on every corner, and you often see notices about filming in the area. Suddenly, I was part of it! I was one of those people they were filming.

I met a lot of people, and made two new friends from that commercial. The experience was amazing. It was super quick. We spent about 18 hours on that production. We had to film on the subway, in the market and the limo. It was amazing.

Photo courtesy of Kerin Castillo.

What would you say helps somebody succeed on Casting Networks?

First of all, you have to submit your information, your best photos, your best videos, and if you have [videos of] some of your major auditions, you can upload them, too. At first, I was a little bit scared of doing that, but then the opportunities started to appear on my profile that day. Daily, I have between three and five options for auditions that fit my profile.

I want to be there. I want to do modeling. I want to be in commercials. I want to be in music videos. I want to be acting. I have a lot of opportunities to be in each one.

You have to be yourself. You have to believe in yourself, and you have to achieve your goals until the end. No matter how many doors or windows they can close in front of your face, you can stay loyal to your dreams, and you have to work every day to make them come true.

You just have to be yourself. That’s my best advice for every person.

What’s some audition advice that you have for your peers?

Feel free to be dumb or silly in your auditions. You don’t have to be so serious. People want to know the real you.

The directors are the people who will say, “I want to know you better. I want to know who I’m getting. I want to know who this person is, not just in front of the camera.”

You can put your effort and your soul into every audition, and that’s going to be the key to your success.

Final Takeaways

Beginning your acting career can feel overwhelming, but Kerin Castillo’s journey shows that with passion and persistence, doors will open. From entering competitions to using casting platforms, every step counts. Here are some simple tips to help new actors get started and keep moving forward.

Enter competitions and take every opportunity that comes your way to gain experience and exposure.

Use casting platforms like Casting Networks and keep your profile updated with your best photos and videos.

Be yourself in auditions. Don’t be afraid to show your personality, even if it means being silly or vulnerable.

Stay patient and keep working hard, even when you face rejection or closed doors.

Take classes and keep improving your craft while building connections in the industry.