"The Swearing Jar' Casting Director Matthew Lessall is in the House!

We look at the art of film and television casting today with acclaimed casting director, and gay man, Matthew Lessall. Matthew's latest accolade is an Achievement in Casting nomination for a Canadian "Oscar" bestowed by the Canadian Screen and Television Academy. The nomination recoginizes his work on The Swearing Jar, Described as "intelligent, hopeful and heartbreaking", Michael casted Patrick J. Adams, Adelaide Clemmons, Douglas Smith, and Kathleen Turner as its stars. A romantic musical, the film is about a music teacher who both loves her husband, and falls in love with another musician. A two-term former Casting Society of America (CSA) president, Matthew was born in London and raised in New York. After graduating from DePauw University, with a degree in Communications, Lessall moved to London to study acting at LAMDA, but ended up finding his niche in Casting. With his prophetic eye for great talent, Matthew cast Anna Kendrick in her first major film role, having done the same for many other now-celebrated actors. His resume includes casts for productions and co-productions for Australia, Canada, Dominican Republic, Germany, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, and the UK. Most of his projects have earned Official Selection laurels – and numerous wins - at Cannes, TIFF, Venice, Sundance, San Sebastian, Tribeca, Outfest, SXSW, and a host of other significant festivals, oftentimes securing immediate distribution deals. With co-host Brody Levesque