‘Emily in Paris’ Casting Director on Finding Sylvie, Camille Razat Exit

Ménager’s keen eye for talent and her ability to think outside the box have made her a sought-after casting director in the industry. Her work on “Emily in Paris” has been particularly lauded, with her casting choices adding depth and authenticity to the show’s characters.

One of her standout casting decisions was choosing Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu for the role of Sylvie Grateau. Leroy-Beaulieu, a seasoned actress with decades of experience, brought a unique flair to the character that was initially written for a younger actress. Ménager’s ability to see beyond the traditional casting norms and think creatively about character traits and qualities has set her apart in the industry.

Ménager’s career spans over 30 years, during which she has worked on a variety of projects, from music videos to award-winning films and television series. Her work on international productions filming in France has solidified her reputation as a casting director with a keen eye for talent and a knack for spotting hidden gems.

Despite the challenges of working in a country where language barriers and different acting traditions can pose obstacles, Ménager has always found a way to bridge the gap and bring out the best in her actors. Her ability to connect with filmmakers from different backgrounds and understand their unique sensibilities has been key to her success.

Ménager’s approach to casting is akin to cooking a gourmet meal – every ingredient must be carefully selected to create a harmonious blend of flavors. She believes that even the smallest role can make or break a production, and she approaches each casting decision with meticulous attention to detail.

Raised by parents with diverse backgrounds, Ménager credits her inquisitive mind and visualizing skills to her upbringing. She understands the importance of empathy and putting oneself in the shoes of others, a quality that has served her well in her career as a casting director.

As Ménager continues to make waves in the industry, her ability to bring out the best in her actors and create authentic, compelling characters will undoubtedly solidify her status as a casting director to watch. Her work on “Emily in Paris” and other high-profile projects is a testament to her talent and dedication to the craft of casting. Ménager, a talented casting director, has a knack for finding the perfect actors for the roles she’s working on. Her ability to surprise and impress showrunners like Darren Star is evident in her work on popular shows like “Emily in Paris.” She recently shared insights into her casting process and the challenges she faces when selecting actors for key roles in the fifth season of the hit series.

One of the standout moments for Ménager was when she introduced Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu to Darren Star through a self-tape audition. Leroy-Beaulieu’s portrayal of Sylvie Grateau, a character originally intended to be much younger, impressed Star from the get-go. Ménager considers it a stroke of genius on Star’s part to cast Leroy-Beaulieu in the role, showcasing her impeccable timing and acting skills.

In addition to Leroy-Beaulieu, Ménager also brought in Michelle Laroque to play Sylvie’s friend in Season 5. Finding the right actress for the role was a challenge, as Ménager needed someone who could complement Leroy-Beaulieu’s performance and bring the character to life. Laroque’s fluency in English and comedic timing made her the perfect fit for the role, earning her instant approval from the show’s team.

Eugenio Franceschini, who plays Marcello in “Emily in Paris,” also received high praise from Ménager for his expanded role in Season 5 as Emily’s love interest. Finding the right actor with the right look and acting chops was crucial for the romantic storyline, and Franceschini’s charm and talent fit the bill perfectly. His chemistry with Lily Collins, who plays Emily, was evident during their audition in Paris, solidifying his place in the show.

Ménager’s keen eye for talent also led her to discover Lucas Bravo, who plays Gabriel in the series. Despite Bravo’s initial reservations about his character’s development, Ménager saw potential in him and cast him in the role. Bravo’s career has flourished since his debut in the show, landing him roles in major films alongside Hollywood stars like George Clooney and Julia Roberts.

While some actors, like Camille Razat, may choose to step away from the show for a bit, Ménager remains optimistic about their return. She views the cast of “Emily in Paris” as a family, understanding the need for breaks and reunions within the tight-knit group. Despite some French actors’ reluctance to join the series, Ménager continues to search for the perfect talent to bring new characters to life on the show.

In the end, Ménager’s work as a casting director is a testament to her dedication to finding the right actors for the right roles. Her ability to surprise and impress showrunners, along with her keen eye for talent, ensures that each character in “Emily in Paris” is brought to life with authenticity and creativity. Casting director Ménager has reached a new level of success in her career, now working primarily with American directors and showrunners. This niche has become a non-stop job for her, showcasing the demand for her expertise in the industry.

Over the past decade, the landscape of casting has evolved significantly, with the rise of self-tapes revolutionizing the audition process. Ménager notes that this shift has made the industry more democratic, allowing a wider range of talent to showcase their skills and bringing about an artistic profusion. Despite changes in budgets and shooting schedules, the expectations for casting remain high. The recognition of casting directors at prestigious award shows, such as the introduction of a best casting category at the Oscars in 2026 and the Silver Bear for casting at the Berlin Film Festival, highlights the importance of their role in shaping a film.

While Ménager is now focused on American projects, 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 project required a team of strong and well-trained actors due to its elaborate preparation, costumes, and makeup. Ménager’s experience with period projects like “Versailles,” “Marie-Antoinette,” and “Franklin” made her a perfect fit for Richet’s vision of creating a grand spectacle on screen.

As Ménager continues to thrive in her career, her ability to understand the needs of directors and bring their visions to life has solidified her reputation as a top casting director in the industry. Her success serves as a testament to the evolving role of casting directors and their impact on the storytelling process in film and television.