Jennifer Presser, the renowned casting director, has recently forged a groundbreaking alliance between her company, Break Away Casting, and the London-based TV and film production company, Shot of Tea. This partnership has been characterized as a “new collaborative production model” that aims to promote underrepresented scripts and talent within the industry. Presser will assume the role of creative producer for Shot of Tea projects, marking a significant shift in her career. Despite this collaboration, both companies will continue to operate independently, combining their expertise to make a remarkable impact on the entertainment landscape.
Shot of Tea, founded in 2017 by Aletha Shepherd, has gained recognition for its focus on character-driven films and television series. By joining forces with Break Away Casting, Shepherd aims to leverage their collective talents to produce innovative and compelling content that reflects the diverse stories and perspectives found in today’s society. This partnership is a testament to the shared vision of both companies to champion underrepresented narratives and offer emerging talent a platform to shine.
Jennifer Presser’s move into the UK market earlier this year, with the establishment of the London office for Break Away Casting, has garnered attention within the industry. Presser brings a wealth of experience to the table, having worked on critically acclaimed films such as The Help and Up In the Air. Additionally, she has contributed to the success of Sundance title Alice (2022), starring Keke Palmer and Common. Her remarkable portfolio also includes co-casting the US television series Claws for two seasons, which earned her a CSA Artios nomination in 2019. Presser’s impressive track record demonstrates her commitment to excellence and her ability to identify exceptional talent.
Presser emphasizes the need to bridge the gap between the casting and production processes, which has historically hindered collaboration within the industry. This partnership between Break Away Casting and Shot of Tea represents a step towards resolving these issues, fueled by the determination of the next generation of talent to effect lasting change. By fostering creative and modern collaborations, innovative models like this one have the potential to overcome the obstacles that have plagued the industry for far too long. Presser believes that the elongated periods of strike action experienced this year are indicative of wider problems that need to be addressed.
Shot of Tea and Break Away Casting share a common goal: nurturing emerging talent and championing underrepresented narratives. This partnership serves as a significant milestone in their mission to combat inaccessibility and inequality in the entertainment industry. By pooling their resources, expertise, and passion for storytelling, both companies are actively working towards a more inclusive future. This collaboration will undoubtedly create opportunities for aspiring actors, writers, and other creatives who have traditionally faced barriers in breaking into the industry.
The collaboration between Break Away Casting and Shot of Tea marks a significant milestone in the entertainment industry. This partnership not only showcases the ambition to promote underrepresented voices but also reflects a commitment to innovative storytelling and a determination to bridge the gap between casting and production processes. As the industry evolves, collaborations like this will undoubtedly shape a more diverse and inclusive future for the entertainment world.