introducing
“what’s next!:
A Special THREE-part Event!”
ZBS INVITES ALL CLIENTS AND GUESTS OF Sovereign Talent Group,
Gina Stoj Management,
Casting Professionals Jamie Ember + Lauren Herrel
TO ATTEND
“what’s Next!: A Special THREE-part event!“ including:
• An exclusive Panel Discussion moderated by Zak Barnett between Casting Directors Jamie Ember and Lauren Herrel, focused on visioning for “What’s Next!” in the industry.
• A ZBS Sample Class taught by ZBS owner and Master Teacher, Zak Barnett.
• An In-Studio reception for those in attendance with light snacks and refreshments to mingle and hang out!
ZBS Panel Event: “WHAT’s NEXT!”
The panel will be an enlightening conversation moderated by Zak Barnett between Casting Directors Jamie Ember and Lauren Herrel.
This three-part special event is a continuation of ZBS’ “What’s Next!” series— a dynamic response to the roller coaster of challenges the industry has faced, from the upheavals of recent fires, the pandemic, and industry strikes to AI. In this series, we’re not just asking “What’s Next?”; we’re creating a think tank around the answer. This series is your ticket to innovation, offering a fresh approach to navigating and evolving in our fast-paced industry. This is an opportunity to redefine that industry together.
ZBS SAMPLE CLASS
Also, a very special Enrollment offer will be announced in this class! You don’t want to miss out!
DETAILS:
When: Thursday, Sep 11
Panel & Sample Class Timings: 3:00 – 6:00 PM PT
Where: Hybrid (In-Person at ZBS Studios or Online via Zoom)
Address: 332 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA. 90036
Following the event: An in-studio reception will be held from 6:00 to 7:00 PM PT to mingle and enjoy light snacks!
Notes:
- Please be prepared to stay for the entirety of the event.
- No late admissions will be allowed to enter.
- Space is limited so we ask that you take your confirmation to heart and confirm only if you plan on attending.
- If you confirm and there’s an emergency, please email brian@zakbarnett.com as soon as possible so we can let the ZBS staff and your rep know that you won’t be attending. Thank you and we’re excited to welcome you to “What’s Next!”.
FILL out the form below to register!
Meet the Panelists:
Zak is widely regarded in the industry for cultivating a generation of breakout stars. His clients, past and present, range from Broadway to Hollywood to Bollywood, from critically acclaimed up-and-comers to breakout stars and icons.
Currently, Zak has over 250 students working as series regulars on major television shows, as well as hundreds of others working as guest stars, co-stars, and major roles in both studio and independent films. Among his students and clients, past and present, are numerous NAACP, SAG, People’s Choice, Golden Globe, and Emmy winners. He also consults for directors, productions, and networks, to ensure both individual actors and entire casts rise to the occasion of their best performance possible.
Jamie Ember was most recently the co-casting director, alongside Joseph Middleton, for Colleen Hoover’s REMINDERS OF HIM for Universal; and the casting director for the feature film THELMA (2024) – for which she was nominated for an Artios Award for Outstanding Achievement in Casting for a Studio or Independent Comedy Feature. Jamie’s other recent credits include THE RECRUIT seasons 1 and 2 for Netflix and THE INSTIGATORS for Apple. She was also the co-casting director on NATIONAL ANTHEM (2024) and SNAG (2023).
Lauren Herrel is a Casting Director and Producer in Los Angeles, CA. Upon completion of her college career, she had already worked on the popular show “One Tree Hill”, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and with Sarah Finn Casting Co. on hit movies such as “Captain America: The First Avenger” for Marvel in addition to projects with iconic directors and producers that include Ron Howard, Brian Grazer, and Jon Favreau. She has cast and produced on projects for Walt Disney Studios, Sony, Screen Gems, ABC, CBS, HBO, Lucasfilm, and independent production houses, among others. More recently, Lauren produced and cast the 2024 Goya Award-nominated Spanish/English language feature film “Simón” that premiered on Netflix in June 2024, and wrapped US/Mexico casting for season 1 of the award-winning Lucasfilm/Disney+ Star Wars series “Andor” starring Diego Luna. She is currently in development on various projects via her production company, Jolly Pirate Productions, and does casting for both studio/network projects and independent features. She studied film along with earning degrees in International Business and Spanish from The University of North Carolina Wilmington.
I’ve worked with him for four years. He’s passionate about what he does, and it makes us passionate. We’re a family. ZBS is a community…a second home
Whenever I get a script I always ask myself, WWZD—What would Zak Do?
During the camera tests and throughout rehearsals and filming on my Netflix series, “Julie and the Phantoms”, Zak’s work with our young actors provided them with the tools that enabled them to accomplish outstanding work. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear he was a magician
Zak speaks the language of the soul and is able to stir his actors on the deepest levels of artistic and personal transformation.
His connection to his students is unlike anything I’ve seen…the work is incredibly brave
Zak Barnett taught me to love my craft. Before I came to the studio I loved acting and I knew it was all I wanted to do, but I didn’t know why. I found myself in a place where I was giving good auditions, but I wasn’t feeling fulfilled. Going through his classes allowed me to find my own wants and meld them into one. I learned to love the art of acting and find joy in making something special, something only I could create.
He’s made a lot of impact and a lot of change… I cannot recommend him enough!