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Greg Apps Casting Director profile
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Meet Greg Apps

I have been casting now for over 35 years and have been responsible for putting numerous stars in their first stand out roles.

My log line “Casting Tomorrow Stars Today” simply relates to the fact that I find the next big star before they pop.

Some of the names I have helped discover are Russell Crowe, Eric Bana, Jacki McKenzie, Rachel Griffiths, Guy Pearce, Hugo Weaving and more recently Geraldine Hakewill in Channel 7’s break out series ‘Wanted’. This is just a small smattering of names.

My career started as an actor in such films as Sunday Too Far Away, and Mad Dog Morgan with the late Dennis Hopper. Plus the original production of Rocky Horror Show, playing Brad.

So yes you can see I have been around for quite a while.

I believe anyone can cast an actor. In today’s world all you need is a computer.

But finding the character that works within the genre and story is another thing altogether. This should be what casting is all about.

It is for this reason that I choose not to do fast turn around television where character is secondary to physical attributes.

If you truly want memorable characters, then I’m your man.

If you want celebrity casting where you need a ‘poster’ cast, please find someone who is better suited for your project.

I am passionate about what I do. I am passionate about actors and most of all I am passionate about great characters.

If your project is character driven then I’d love to hear from you.

I am currently the inaugural President of the Casting Guild of Australia.

Who I've Discovered

Greg cast Eric in his beak out role of ‘Chopper Reid’. Since then Banner has gone and been the star of many US and international films and series.

Greg discovered Russell and cast him in his first feature film being ‘Proof’ along with Hugo Weaving. He then went on and cast Russell in his break out role in ‘Romper Stomper’. We all know the great films Russell has gone on to star in.

Greg discovered Hugo in the film ‘Proof’. Hugo has gone on to star in many international and local films and series.

Greg cast Guy in his first four feature films ‘Heaven Tonight’, ‘Hunting’, ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’ and ‘Flynn’. Guy has gone on to be a sought after name for international productions.

Greg cast Jacquie in her first screen role in ‘Romper Stomper’. He then cast her in the Michael Rymer film ‘Angel Baby’ along with John Lynch. Jacquie has gone on to forge both a national and international reputation for both her stage and screen work.

Greg discovered Alex in ‘Man Thing’ a Marvel feature film and is currently starring in Hawaii 5’0.

Greg cast Rhada as a young girl in ‘Love & Other Catastrophies’. Rhada has gone on to star in Woody Allens’ films as well as several other US features.

Eric Bana
Eric Bana
Russell Crowe
Russell Crowe
Hugo Weaving
Hugo Weaving
Guy Pearce
Guy Pearce
Jacquie Mckenzie
Jacquie Mckenzie
Alex O’loughin
Alex O’loughin
Rhadha Mitchell
Rhadha Mitchell

What I Know

The digital age has allowed me to forge a path – mostly of my own making. After 30 plus years in casting I feel I have cast everywhere, for everyone, on every project.

Which of course is not true. But it feels like it. Major US feature films for Paramount, Warner’s, Fox. Pilot Season for Fox, ABC and CBS. Power Rangers for Disney for six years.

I have cast on nearly every continent! I have auditioned remote villagers in the highlands of New Guinea through to top fashion models. I preferred the remote villagers.

My list of credits can be found here

What I Don't Know

  • Why peanuts are an ingredient in dynamite
  • Why all of the clocks in Pulp Fiction always say 4.20
  • Why 42 is the answer to life, the universe and everything
  • Why actors think getting the dialogue correct is the key to a good audition

What You Should Know

I am currently the President of the Casting Guild of Australia. I was on the Board of the Australian Film Institute for seven years. I was honoured to be named in the IF Magazine 2003 list of the 20 Most Influential People in the Australian Film Industry.

In this industry that we would all love to be part of, I am fortunate to have sat at the table of plenty – as far as casting is concerned. If it is time to vacate my seat for the next person, I will do so graciously.

And it is time to pass on to actors, the next generation, what I know from 35 years in an casting studio, auditioning actors. If you seek my opinions go to my training website The Audition Technique

In the Press

Bana turns in a star-making performance reminiscent of Russell Crowe’s head banger in the comparably violent “Romper Stomper”

New York Times
Chopper

Shining through this film is Eric Bana’s performance… and he’s surrounded by a depth of performance rarely seen in Australian films

Margaret Pomeranz, The Movie Show
Chopper

…was a major box-office success in its native Australia, and it made an overnight star of its leading man, Russell Crowe

New York Times
Romper Stomper

A minimalistic but multilayered production, “Proof” profits too from excellent performances from its trio of players…

Washington Post
Proof

Portrayed by Australian comic Bana – a brave casting decision that pays off admirably…

Empire
Chopper

Stylistically striking and featuring a clutch of stunning performances from emerging local talent, this is a remarkable achievement… The three leads are stunning, and their performances have real subtlety.

FilmInk
Wasted On The Young

Thanks to Saville’s tightly controlled direction and a superlative cast, the mere exchange of glances builds as much suspense as the kinetic action sequence that opens the pic.

Variety
Felony

Perth writer/director Lucas meshes the familiar (“Gossip Girl” fans will feel at home) with the fresh, crams it with some of the best performances you’ll see from a young cast

FilmInkCrikey.com
Wasted On The Young

…Bana’s riveting performance, a grim, grinning portrait of a real bad, real funny, real mad bastard

NZ Herald
Chopper

… the actors have been very well chosen…

Janet Maslin, New York Times
Proof

… Crowe’s tragic-hero qualities (at his hatemongering worst, he’s hiply glamorous)

Washington Post
Romper Stomper

Tanya (Pia Miranda), the bassist, has the gaunt, dolorous manner of a sexy butch-pixie… the brittle ruthlessness of her delivery will make you sit up in happy anticipation of her scenes

New York Times
Garage Days

Since the real Chopper is again behind bars, the film depends entirely on its casting, and in… Eric Bana the filmmakers have found… a future star. He creates a character so fearsome and yet so clueless and wounded

rogerebert.com
Chopper

Weaving is always a pleasure to watch – his every expression meaningful and Byrne, a stark and lovely contrast… All the cast is excellent

Louise Keller, Urban Cinefile
The Tender Hook

… inspired casting

Urban Cinefile
Welcome to Woop Woop

The performances on screen throughout Chopper never fail to hit the mark

e.filmcritic.com
Chopper

Fabulous performances from a top, top cast

Urban Cinefile
Sample People

Phoenix 2 is an ensemble piece and it is hard to fault any of the actors. They are all excellent…

Sandra McLean, TV Week
Phoenix 2

… the performances throughout are exceptional…

Futuremovies.com
Romper Stomper

Proof benefits immeasurably from a trio of powerful performances

Moviereviews.com
Proof