Brigitte Kali Canales
1) Has there been a Casting Director that has encouraged and/or supported you in your career?
I feel very fortunate to be able to answer this question with a vibrant yes. Jessica Sherman is that person for me. She has been incredibly encouraging and supportive in my career. A year ago she booked me for the role of Rhonda in a film called "Thumper" - which got my work to be seen at TriBeCa! I remember her telling me "You've got to go! You have to be there. These opportunities don't always happen!" And I remember going home that night and thinking about it for a good while and eventually deciding she was right. I couldn't take this gift for granted. One of my most treasured memories of that event was racing up the stairs to meet with the cast and seeing that they were all on the red carpet already. Jessica saw me. Grabbed my coat off my back and threw me onto the red carpet so I could be a part of the photo shoot taking place with the rest of the cast. It's the little things like that that really stick with me. Not only in my mind but in my heart. Had I not had Jessica to guide and inspire me to go, I probably wouldn't have gone. So you can imagine how much gratitude I feel.
2) What work are you most proud of?
Wow, this is a tough one. I can't say I am more proud of any job because I just feel so fortunate to get to do what I love, but being a part of "Thumper" is high up there. While it's also a completely different experience, I also loved being on the fast paced set of "Baby Driver". It taught me a lot! We had many shots from many angles - which was a very neat experience. But the project I've found that affected me the most as a human being, and indirectly gave me pride for my work, was for the Netflix show "Bloodline". I played the role of Cristina Colon - a young Latina girl who had been trafficked into the US and nearly lost her life in the process. She was tortured and threatened to be burned alive. Not too many people can relate to something like that. I had to dig deep in order to bring the right work to this role. That meant educating myself on human trafficking and researching the harsh reality which isn't spoken about enough in our day to day lives. I was proud to play that role. I took it as an opportunity to be the voice of these children and young women who are snatched of their innocence and left with deep scars for the rest of their lives.
3) How did you get your SAG-AFTRA card?
I actually got my card when I was about 10 years old. I had auditioned for a national commercial spot for AT&T. It was actually one of my first commercial auditions. I got pretty lucky and made it to the callback and was then put on hold for it. A few days later I was released and the commercial had unfortunately been cancelled. About a month went by and they held auditions again for the same role I had been put on hold for prior. Turned out the client didn't like anyone and I got real lucky this time around and got a direct booking!
4) What was your first IMDBPro credit and how did you feel when you saw it?
It was for the A & E show "The Glades" and I felt like all the hours and hard work I'd been putting in were finally worth it. Nothing feels like that first official credit. Whether its one line or twenty scenes, its simply such an empowering and inspiring moment. It reminds you that hard honest work does pay off and dedication and persistence are key in the fulfillment of any big dream.
5) How has IMDBPro helped you market yourself to filmmakers?
Well, at one point in my career I was sending my IMDB-Pro link to film makers, producers and agencies. My team now handles my submissions but for a good amount of time IMDB-Pro was one of the tools I used most to get my material and resume out there. In my opinion, it also lets the creatives know what kind of projects you've been a part of, all in one place.
6) Any funny casting room stories?
Gosh yes! One time I went in for a pretty amazing project for what could've been one of those life changing roles. Well, I might've hyped myself up too much! Sometimes, when I'm not in the right head space and I let those "what-if's" get in the way, my nerves can get the best of me. It doesn't happen often anymore but back when this took place I was still learning how to deal with this head game. Long story short, I start my scene, and in the middle of a pivotal moment in the scene I somehow manage to spit as I say my line. I couldn't believe what had happened. I literally froze for a good full second with my eyes wide opened and then proceeded with my dialogue to pretend like nothing happened. But it did. And it was obvious. I simply could not fathom the fact that a chunk of spit had just flown out of my mouth at the most opportune moment of my life. This was absolutely not aesthetic. It was actually pretty gross. Unfortunately, this did not have a happy ending. And the truth is, I have yet to be called back in by this CD again. But what's a gal to do? I guess spit happens. On a positive note, I've stopped overdoing the hydration before an important meeting. I'm a fast learner.
7) Tell us a fun fact about you outside of acting:
I LOVE music. I still write with a friend and help him out on all kinds of music projects. Back when I lived in Miami I used to have a bilingual band, we played cumbia, rock and folk. Those were some real fun times but we've all gone our separate ways due to the distance.
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