Welcome Joel Thurm:
We’re joined on the Starline by casting director, producer, photographer and author of “Sex, Drugs and Pilot Season”. The man who got Joaquin and River Phoenix their first agents and is directly to blame for David Hasselhoff, we welcome Joel Thurm.
Joel, let’s go Beyond the Mic, your family life was challenging with a demanding father and a Orthodox-light household and did those early days influence your work?
How did you go from Pre-med at Hunter to one of the most prolific casting directors in Hollywood?
How did Italy changed the way you looked at yourself and the way you looked at the world?
Joel, you’ve been blessed with luck in your career. What was the one offer that changed your life?
The Rockin’ 8:
It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions; answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure.
1. Favorite museum of all time?
2. Show that you wanted to cast but didn’t get the job?
3. The Rat Pack was the greatest collection of talent in one place. Is there a group of actors that could be considered the New Rat Pack?
4. Show that David Merrick produced that you couldn’t stand?
5. What color was your 65 Mustang? Do you wish you still had it today?
6. Who are the top 3 greatest performers you’ve ever seen live?
7. What tabloid story that made you got the angriest?
How would Hollywood would have been if TMZ existed in the 50’s & 60’s?
8. Have you achieved all your things on your bucket list?
The Back Half:
Who designed the cover?
Many people create entertainment. But TV collapses the credits so they are unreadable. What are your thought on credits today?
Why was telling this story so important?
What story was too dark to put in because of the hurt memories?
Do you have any regrets after not being able to serve for Vietnam?
Best moment behind the scene with Pearl Bailey?
What’s the biggest truth and misconception about Hollywood?
There are so many movies now that currently could not be made today. Especially because the content would not fit today’s vigorous standards.
“These kinds of moment should be interpreted in the context of their time and not by current standards.” With biases hyper examined today, how has society changed for better or worse?
How did AIDS change the way Hollywood looked at the way they cast actors and actresses?
You’ve heard the expression “you’ll never work again in this town again” many times. Why did that old phrase make you laugh?
The Casting Book:
Best secret in your casting book?
Favorite memory for TV?
Which huge star did you pass on?
Biggest success?
What made John Travolta & Oliva Newton John so perfect in your mind?
Which story didn’t make the book because of editors or publishers?
One Big Question:
What you consider your legacy?
The Wrap:
His 65 Mustang was stolen, didn’t want to be cannon fodder and loved long distance riding. He would have liked to have cast West Side Story. “Sex, Drugs and Pilot Season” is the book, Joel Thurm is the author, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today.
And that my friends is Beyond the Mic.
Listen to other Beyond the Mic conversations with authors here.
Buy Joel’s book here.
