Casting about to find the perfect actor for the role

Casting director Sheila Jaffe (above, with Ethan Hawke) has worked on a number of feature films and TV shows, including ''The Sopranos.'' (Nicholas Del Pesco/Getty Images/file 2004)

With so many movies and TV shows being shot in Boston these days, Hollywood is looking for talented local actors. One Tinseltown type with her eyes peeled is casting director Sheila Jaffe, who recently assembled the actors for the Spike TV pilot "Madso's War." Jaffe's stellar resume includes small-screen hits such as "The Sopranos" and "Entourage," and dozens of indie and A-list feature films, including "The Italian Job," "Slums of Beverly Hills," and "Basquiat." Saturday, Jaffe is teaching a day-long master class for experienced Boston actors. (Before you get all excited, we're told the session at the InterContinental Hotel is just about sold out.) Last week, we talked to Jaffe about her work.

Q. Do you get a script and start from there?

A. I get a script and break it down in my mind. I come up with a list of people I know who might be good for certain roles. I rely on the relationships I have with actors and the agents who represent actors. Then I have auditions. Let's say I have 30 people read for a part, I might bring six or seven to the director.

Q. So your input really influences the director.

A. Absolutely. I get an idea of the director's sensibilities. I research his films and what type of person he likes to work with. The director and actor have to get along on so many levels. And here's a little thing actors should be aware of: I might be bringing in a 30-year-old character, and you may not think you're right for that, but you also don't know what's happening in my talks with the director. Maybe there's another role. Actors should always go ahead with an audition.

Q. How many of these classes do you do?

A. Not a lot. I work with Angela Peri at Boston Casting and she suggested it. I thought it was good because there are a lot of projects coming to Boston. I did one in LA and one of the guys got a part in "Madso's War." I never would have known him otherwise.

Q. That must be one of the best parts of your job - finding someone before they're someone.

A. That's the most fun. A lot of time, studios want known quantities, a Brad Pitt or a Johnny Depp. But for me, like on "Sopranos" or "Entourage," you can break people.

Q. Give me an example.

A. Well, Michael Imperioli, who's Christopher on "The Sopranos." He was an independent New York actor. I knew him, but not very many other people did. He really wasn't known out in LA. When I brought him in, everyone thought, 'That's the guy.'

Q. And on "Entourage"?

A. Oh, Rex Lee or Rhys Coiro or . . . The difference between "Sopranos" and "Entourage" is that it's harder to find older people who're unknown. But we resurrected some careers.

Q. Like Big Pussy?

A. Yes. Vincent Pastore.

Q. "Madso's War" is a mob story. Did it help that you cast "The Sopranos"?

A. Growing up in the Bronx helped me. [Laughs.]

Q. You've worked a lot with Mark Wahlberg.

A. I also worked on "Invincible." Mark's very collaborative, very interested in the casting process. On "The Italian Job," there was some resistance to Charlize Theron. "Spider-Man" was such a hit and the studio wanted to see other people, like Kirsten Dunst. But I was sure it was Charlize, and Mark did, too. All the studios have in mind is box office and what's going to sell. They're less willing to take chances.

Q. It sounds like you go to the mat for some actors.

A. I at least make the case. Most times, the director and I present a unified front. I want to support my director.

Q. Are there directors you won't work with again?

A. Yes, but I don't feel comfortable telling you who. Some, like Steve Buscemi, I will work with over and over. I've done all of the movies he's directed.

Q. Hmm. What about [Julian ] Schnabel? You did "Basquiat," but not his others.

A. No, no, Julian was great. We could get anybody we wanted because it was Julian's film. Everybody wanted to be part of it. It became an event. Julian was very right about Jeffrey Wright. He just saw him in that part.

Q. Is there anybody you want to work with?

A. [Laughs.] Yes, Martin Scorsese, but I never will because my friend Ellen [Lewis] does all of his casting.

Q. Final question: Is there anything worse than a bad Boston accent?

A. No, nothing - except maybe a bad Bronx accent. When I auditioned people for "Madso's War," I had them do it with and without the accent because I felt maybe they could learn it.

Q. The worst was Rob Morrow in "Quiz Show."

A. Well, look who directed that. I don't think Robert Redford grew up on the streets of Boston.