From her vibrant ninth arrondissement apartment in Paris, casting director Juliette Ménager reflects on the whirlwind success of the Netflix hit series, “Emily in Paris.” With her keen eye for talent and knack for bringing characters to life, Ménager has become a powerhouse in the world of casting.
Having worked on a plethora of acclaimed projects over her 30-year career, Ménager has established herself as a go-to casting director for international productions filming in France. From music videos to award-winning films and high-profile series, she has consistently delivered top-notch performances from actors across the globe.
One of Ménager’s standout casting choices was Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, who captivated audiences as the chic and fierce boss Sylvie Grateau in “Emily in Paris.” Leroy-Beaulieu, initially cast in a role meant for a younger actress, brought a depth and sophistication to the character that elevated the show to new heights.
Ménager’s ability to bridge language barriers and cultural differences has been instrumental in bringing together diverse casts for her projects. With a keen understanding of what resonates with audiences across different countries, she has cultivated a reputation for curating the perfect blend of talent for each production.
Drawing on her culinary background, Ménager likens casting to crafting a fine meal, where each ingredient plays a crucial role in the final dish. She approaches each role with the same level of care and attention, ensuring that every actor is the perfect fit for their character.
Raised by parents with diverse backgrounds, Ménager credits her inquisitive nature and eye for detail to her upbringing. She understands the importance of visualizing a character and bringing them to life on screen, drawing on her own experiences to empathize with filmmakers from different cultures.
For Ménager, the success of a project lies in the collaborative effort of the entire team. From directors to writers, each member plays a vital role in shaping the final product. Her collaboration with show creator Darren Star on “Emily in Paris” was a testament to this synergy, with Leroy-Beaulieu’s casting being a standout moment in the series.
As she continues to make waves in the world of casting, Ménager remains committed to finding hidden gems and showcasing their talents on the global stage. With an eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she continues to shape the landscape of international cinema with her innovative casting choices. The hit Netflix series “Emily in Paris” has captured the hearts of viewers worldwide with its charming storyline and lovable characters. Behind the scenes, casting director Victoire Ménager plays a crucial role in bringing the show to life by finding the perfect actors to portray each character.
One standout casting choice that Ménager is particularly proud of is Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, who portrays Sylvie Grateau in the series. Leroy-Beaulieu’s self tape immediately caught the eye of show creator Darren Star, despite the character of Sylvie originally being intended for a much younger actress. Ménager describes Leroy-Beaulieu as a genius choice for the role, highlighting her comedic timing and talent.
In the upcoming fifth season of the show, Ménager introduces Michelle Laroque as Sylvie’s friend, bringing in a fresh dynamic to the series. Finding the right actress for the role was a challenge, but Ménager’s instincts led her to Laroque, who impressed the entire team with her comedic talent and chemistry with Leroy-Beaulieu.
Eugenio Franceschini, who plays Marcello in the series, also caught Ménager’s attention for his role as Emily’s love interest. Ménager was determined to find an Italian actor with a soft look and charm, and Franceschini fit the bill perfectly. His chemistry with lead actress Lily Collins sealed the deal, making him a valuable addition to the cast.
Ménager’s keen eye for talent also led her to cast Lucas Bravo as Gabriel, a role that has catapulted his career to new heights. Despite Bravo’s initial criticisms of his character’s development, he will be returning for the upcoming season. However, Camille Razat, who played Emily’s rival, has decided to take a break from the show, leaving the door open for a potential return in the future.
While some French actors may be hesitant to join the cast of “Emily in Paris,” Ménager remains undeterred in her search for the perfect talent. Despite facing rejection from established actors, she continues to find unique and talented individuals to bring the show to life. Actors like Bruno Gouery have benefitted greatly from their roles in the series, leading to new opportunities in other projects.
Overall, Ménager’s dedication to finding the right actors for each role has been instrumental in the success of “Emily in Paris.” Her ability to recognize talent and chemistry among the cast members has contributed to the show’s popularity and continued success. Fans can look forward to more exciting casting choices and storylines in the upcoming season, thanks to Ménager’s expertise and keen eye for talent. The entertainment industry is constantly evolving, and casting director Ménager is at the forefront of these changes. With a career that has led her to work predominantly with American directors and showrunners, Ménager finds herself in high demand in a niche that is a “non-stop job.”
Over the past decade, the casting process has undergone significant transformations, particularly with the rise of self-tapes. Ménager notes that this shift has made the casting process more democratic, allowing a wider range of talent to audition and resulting in an artistic profusion. Despite changes in budgets and shooting times, the expectations remain high, reflecting the ongoing importance of casting in creating compelling narratives on screen.
Recognition for casting has also seen a shift, with prestigious award shows like the Oscars and the Berlin Film Festival now acknowledging the vital role of casting in the filmmaking process. The introduction of a best casting category at the Oscars in 2026 and the awarding of a Silver Bear for casting at the Berlin Film Festival demonstrate the growing appreciation for the art of casting.
While Ménager’s focus has shifted away from French productions, she recently collaborated with director Jean-Francois Richet on Netflix’s upcoming French film, “Quasimodo.” Starring Vincent Cassel as the iconic character from Victor Hugo’s novel “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame,” the film promises to be a grand spectacle requiring strong and well-trained actors.
Reflecting on her collaboration with Richet, Ménager emphasizes the importance of understanding the director’s vision and bringing it to life on screen. With a background in period projects like “Versailles,” “Marie-Antoinette,” and “Franklin,” Ménager’s expertise in casting actors who can embody historical characters and bring authenticity to their performances is evident.
As Ménager continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of casting in the entertainment industry, her dedication to finding the right talent for each project ensures that audiences will be treated to captivating performances that bring stories to life on screen.
