Casting director, Lori Lewis, is the owner of FreeSpirit Casting LLC, launched 5/1/13.
Lori’s return to casting was prompted by repeated requests from producers, directors and talent urging her to end her hiatus and get back into the game.
In 2001, Lori’s career in casting began organically when she volunteered one day at an extras casting company. The next thing she knew, she was off on the road helping find extras for THE RING followed quickly by working on THE HUNTED. By the time those projects ended, Lori was hooked on casting.
She next went to work for a principal casting company in Portland, OR where Lori quickly proved to her boss she knew her stuff. Within her first two years, Lori was given total responsibility for running the Commercial Casting Division, including all decisions on talent. When the films began to roll in, Lori’s responsibilities were expanded to include running the local talent casting sessions for TWILIGHT, UNTRACEABLE, EXTRAORDINARY MEASURES and more. One of her fondest memories was running camera and sound in the callbacks for FEAST OF LOVE where she had the privilege of “listening in” as Robert Benton directed the talent. It was an incredible lesson.
Lori reignited her return to the casting world by casting the award-winning indie film DEEP DARK, followed by other indie films LILY ON SATURDAY and LOSING ADDISON. More recent films Lori has had the privilege to work on include ERNIE & EMMA, IN SPITE OF OURSELVES and the soon to be released indie horror film THE GROVE. Her additional credits include short films, music videos and numerous commercials.
Lori knows how stressful and impersonal auditioning can feel, especially these days where self-tapes are predominant. This is why it is priority number one on every project she casts that every actor has all the support they need in order to be successful. Consistent feedback from actors, agents, directors and producers is that communication while working with Lori is always top notch. She always treats others with respect, is highly organized, positive and calm under pressure. Plus, she has a fairly good sense of humor!