11 Questions with Casting Director, Linda Phillips Palo

Linda Phillips Palo, MA ‘75, BA ‘72 is a casting director who won the Artios, the highest casting honor, for Sophia Coppola’s “The Virgin Suicides.” She has worked with Francis Ford Coppola on John Grisham’s “The Rainmaker,” Jack,” “The Secret Garden,” “Wind,” “Jeepers Creepers II,” and “The Young Black Stallion” for IMAX/Disney. She has worked with George Lucas (Radioland Murders), Phil Joanou (Heaven’s Prisoners), Dwight Yoakam (South of Heaven, West of Hell).

Linda will be co-teaching an acting and casting workshop at UBC2C.

Q1: What was the last project you added to your resume? Midlife, Happiness Runs and a project we just finished work on called “The Champagne Society.”

Q2: What was your first job in the industry? I worked as a secretary with a Master’s Degree (from UB) for Francis Ford Coppola.

Q3: Who were your mentor/s? Casting Director Jennifer Shull and Producer/Casting Executive Fred Roos

Q4: What did you study while a student at UB? I studied American Studies which was a great overall program where I was able to design my own theater program.

Q5: What’s your favorite memory of UB? My work and my studies at the American Studies Department. Also the Media Study Department.

Q6: If you could go back to UB now as a student what course would you take? I’d take a class in how to become a casting director. Do you have one?

Q7: What’s the last book you read? “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead. The Dirty Life and Times of Warren Zevon” by Crystal Zevon

Q8: What would you be doing if you weren’t working in the entertainment industry? Figuring out how I could get work in the entertainment industry. More acting and writing.

Q9: What was the smartest career decision you ever made? Moving to California

Q10: What would you still like to accomplish career-wise? Everything, Act, write, keep casting and play the guitar more. I love what I’ve accomplished and hope to continue on. Get better known for my comedy.

Q11: Can you offer any advice for people breaking into the industry? Never give up

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