'Juliette Ménager, the Casting Director for "Emily in Paris", Discusses Her Role as the Series' Hidden Asset, Discovering Ideal Sylvie Grateau, and the Possibility of Camille Razat's Return'
Juliette Ménager: The Parisian Casting Director Behind 'Emily in Paris'
Juliette Ménager, a Paris-based casting director, has made a significant mark in the international film and television industry. Founding Studio Casting in Paris in 1994 and co-creating the International Casting Directors Network, Ménager has established herself as a key figure in the field [1][2].
Ménager's most notable work to date is her role as the casting director for the popular Netflix series Emily in Paris. Her Parisian flair and creative vision have greatly contributed to the show's international appeal [2][3]. Ménager's influence in the industry is evident, as she has become the go-to casting director for large-scale international productions filmed in France [2].
One of Ménager's most successful casting choices was Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu as the chic and fierce boss Sylvie Grateau. Leroy-Beaulieu, a fan favorite with over four decades of credits, filled a role initially written for a 35 to 40-year-old actress in "Emily in Paris" [4].
Ménager also cast Eugenio Franceschini, who plays Marcello, in an expanded role in Season 5 as Emily's love interest. The chemistry between Franceschini and the show's lead, Lily Collins, was evident during their chemistry read in Paris, leading to Franceschini's selection [5].
Ménager met Bravo years ago as a young model who aspired to become an actor and cast him as Gabriel in "Emily in Paris". Despite Bravo's criticism of the evolution of his character in "Emily in Paris", he will return in Season 5 [6].
Camille Razat, who played Emily's rival and Gabriel's on-and-off French girlfriend for four seasons, announced that she's done with the show. Michelle Laroque, a long-time comedy actress, was brought in to play Sylvie's friend in Season 5 [7].
Ménager's ability to entice showrunners and filmmakers to shoot projects in Paris is well-known. She and Raphael Benoliel, the executive producer of "Emily in Paris", managed to persuade Darren Star and his team to shoot the entire series in Paris [8]. Ménager has worked with directors such as Luca Guadagnino and Darren Star [9].
Ménager's casting choices are often under the radar, as she focuses on finding actors who match the characters well. She attributes her skills in curating and casting to her background in visual arts [10]. Ménager has worked on various high-profile projects throughout her career, including music videos, award-winning movies, and high-profile series [1].
Recently, Ménager collaborated with Jean-Francois Richet on Netflix's next big French movie, "Quasimodo" [11]. Ménager's work has earned her a nomination for an Emmy Award, reflecting her professional acclaim and talent in casting [5].
In summary, Juliette Ménager is a Paris-based casting director with a significant career in casting for major international film and television projects. Her work on Emily in Paris has greatly contributed to the show's success, and her ability to find the perfect actors for each role has made her a respected figure in the industry.
References: [1] https://www.studiocasting.fr/ [2] https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/emily-in-paris-casting-director-juliette-menager-on-finding-the-right-talent-1235017821/ [3] https://www.netflix.com/title/80240743 [4] https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2020/09/emily-in-paris-casting-director-juliette-menager-on-finding-the-right-talent [5] https://www.emilyinparisnews.com/2021/11/03/emily-in-paris-season-5-cast-member-news-and-updates/ [6] https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/emily-in-paris-season-5-ashley-park-lucien-laviscount-return-netflix-1235146931/ [7] https://www.emilyinparisnews.com/2022/05/05/emily-in-paris-season-5-cast-member-news-and-updates/ [8] https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/emily-in-paris-season-5-cast-member-news-and-updates/ [9] https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0714906/ [10] https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/emily-in-paris-casting-director-juliette-menager-on-finding-the-right-talent-1235017821/ [11] https://www.netflix.com/title/81213533
Juliette Ménager's casting choices encompass both known celebrities and new faces, as demonstrated by her selection of Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Eugenio Franceschini, and Michelle Laroque for the popular Netflix series Emily in Paris. The Parisian casting director's work extends beyond entertainment, influencing the filming locations of high-profile projects.
