Every year hundreds of commercials are filmed in Georgia, capitalizing on the crew, actors and infrastructure shared by the booming film and television production industry, and playing an important role in the careers of many.
One of those impacted by the commercial film industry is Brian Beegle, a Georgia-based Casting Director and owner of Brian Beegle Casting.
“Georgia is among the leaders in film, television, and commercial productions” says Brian. “It’s exciting to see Georgia build up multiple facets of the production industry here.”
Growing up in Buckhead, Brian was a child actor booking commercials and film roles in Atlanta. After college, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career, working five simultaneous day jobs while going to auditions. Even after a handful of successful bookings, Brian felt a calling to come home to Atlanta in 2005.
Six months after he returned home, Brian booked a role in “We Are Marshall,” partially filmed in Atlanta and Rome. Brian was then offered the opportunity to work for Stilwell Casting, a large casting agency in Atlanta. The owner, Annette Stilwell, cast Brian in his first commercial when he was eight years old.
“I saw Georgia as a land of opportunity,” says Brian. “The film industry was on an upward trajectory, and it still is. It’s thrilling to see it thriving and to witness the strong talent pool based in Georgia.”
Brian learned under Melissa McBride, a well-known casting director and actress, who left the agency in 2008 when she was cast as Carol in “The Walking Dead.” Brian stepped in as casting director.
Commercials were among the first to resume in 2020 after the pandemic shutdown. Brian started his own company, Brian Beegle Casting, in late 2020, and business is booming. He booked more than 40 projects in seven months and writes and directs commercials. He also teaches acting classes to all levels of actors.
“The film industry in Georgia is tight-knit,” says Brian. “That’s what makes us different here — we fight hard for each other. A win for one of us is a win for all of us.”