In this exclusive interview for Casting Networks, we spoke with acclaimed casting directors Collin Daniel and Brett Greenstein about their work on the breakout comedy Nobody Wants This.
From the challenge of casting a “hot rabbi” to tips for nailing your next self-tape, they share invaluable insight into what makes performances stand out—and how actors can stay on casting directors’ radar. Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just starting out, their advice is both practical and refreshingly candid.
Insights: Lessons from Brett Greenstein & Collin Daniel
- Chemistry was critical to casting Nobody Wants This—especially for the leads and siblings.
- Strong self tapes don’t require fancy equipment—just clear choices and professional basics.
- Improvisation should be minimal unless requested, especially during first-round auditions.
What stood out to you when you first read the script for Nobody Wants This?
Collin Daniel: The biggest thing was: how are we going to find the hot rabbi? [laughs]. Kristen Bell was already attached, so we had a major piece of the puzzle. But that character—the hot rabbi—was key, and we knew that casting him right would affect casting his brother and Kristen’s sister. The script really depends on the chemistry between those two leads.
Brett Greenstein: Exactly—it’s a two-hander, not just one point of view. So we needed someone who could really hold their own with Kristen—not necessarily a star, but someone who could lead the show with her. It’s a small pool: hot, funny, Jewish guys. So it wasn’t a wide, open-ended search—it was quite specific.
Once the leads were cast, how did you approach casting the siblings?
Collin Daniel: Funny enough, when we interviewed for the job, we pitched Justine Lupe as the sister. We’d worked with her before on a comedy pilot and knew how hilarious she was. She’d just come off Succession, so we brought her up as a potential match. She was excited to audition, and her chemistry read with Kristen was amazing. It was so clear they clicked.
Brett Greenstein: For the brother, we needed someone with big comedy chops—someone who could make the scenes pop. We saw the most actors for that role. But once we had Tim and Adam in a room together, it was electric. Adam’s face lit up reading with Tim—it was obvious they were the right pair.
Collin Daniel: After months of reading the same scene, when someone finally makes it feel alive and has real chemistry with the cast, it’s the greatest feeling in casting.
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What makes a self-tape stand out to you?
Brett Greenstein: Start with the basics—good lighting, clear sound, a solid reader. You don’t need fancy gear. We see great auditions recorded on phones. What really matters is making an informed, specific choice that brings the character to life. You don’t have to go big or off-book—just do something that shows you get the role.
What’s one piece of broad advice you’d give to actors auditioning?
Collin Daniel: Be prepared, and stick to the script. We just saw tapes this morning where actors were clearly right for the role, but they improvised too much. It changes the rhythm and flow of the scene. Unless it’s asked for, improv should be limited, especially in the first audition. Maybe add a line to end the scene, but don’t rewrite it.
Brett Greenstein: Yeah, especially for multi-cam, where the timing is so specific. Single-cam can be looser, but even then, don’t overdo it. Make a smart choice and stick with it.
If an actor gets a callback, should they keep everything the same?
Brett Greenstein: Absolutely. Do exactly what you did in your first tape. That’s what got you the callback. Sometimes actors overthink it and show up with something totally different—maybe they got coached and now it’s too big or unnatural. But we liked the original for a reason. Don’t change until you’re getting actual feedback from producers or a director.
If an actor makes a strong impression but doesn’t book the role, is there a professional way to stay on your radar?
Brett Greenstein: Yes, but always go through your reps. Agents and managers are our communication link to actors. We welcome a reminder, like, “Hey, you liked them for Nobody Wants This, would they work for this new role?” It keeps the conversation going without being too direct.
Collin Daniel: Unfortunately, we just don’t have the time or bandwidth to respond to individual actors directly. But if you made a great impression, we’ll remember you. We keep track of those people and think of them for future roles.
Has anything changed for casting in Season 2 of Nobody Wants This?
Collin Daniel: We’ve got some really fun guest stars this season. The big difference is now that the show’s a global hit, we started getting calls from agents saying, “So-and-so loves the show and wants to be on it.” That didn’t happen in Season 1. It’s a great problem to have.
Final Takeaways:
- Treat every audition like a job interview, but let go of the outcome and move on.
- Chemistry reads can be the deciding factor—it’s not always just about you.
- Leave a lasting impression, and trust that casting will remember you when the right role comes.
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