With conglomerates co-opting what initially belonged to the streets, deciphering the difference between authenticity and commerciality is becoming increasingly difficult. An exploitative ad campaign could look seemingly normal to the average person, if marketed correctly. By incorporating more 'unique' faces, big companies create the illusion of true diversity and inclusion. On the surface, it may look inclusive but once you dig a little deeper, you'll see that oftentimes, it's only filling the quota. This is where Sarah Benjamin comes in. Sarah is a casting director in search of real faces. She spoke to me about everything pertinent to her casting.

Thank you for speaking to me today, Sarah. I know your already busy schedule must be packed these days. First off, let's start with your background. I understand that you started out as a photographer but could you walk me through the start of your career? Why photography?
I was always taking photos because I loved movies. In Jerusalem, around 2008/2009, we were the first kids to have internet at home. I watched so many movies and was hoping to make movies one day. They're obviously the hardest thing to make so I was took photos instead.

You speak about Israel, where you're from, a lot. Does your childhood/teenagehood influence your work as a photographer/casting director? If so, how?
Yes definitely. I think growing up in a place that was very detached from the fashion industry, trends, career aspirations and such made me naturally follow what I like and develop my own taste.

Moving slightly away from photography, I'd like to delve straight into your more current focus as a casting director. It seems as though you've always been interested in faces that tell a story, but how did you get into that field?
I love people, especially faces. When I was taking photos, it was mostly focused on faces. People would always ask me things like who the people in my photographs were and how to get in touch with them. One thing led to another!

Street casting has become more and more widespread in the fashion world recently. Some prestigious fashion houses have turned to the streets to look for new and exciting faces. This subtle shift in how people view models could be good news for aspiring models whilst it could just be another fad. What's your take on this change?
Everything starts on the streets and I think we live in a time where a lot of the facade is breaking down in a lot of ways, not just in fashion. I see things going in this direction more.

Do you think casting as a whole could be better? As in, should there be more 'real' people on runways and in magazines?
Yes and yes. If I didn’t do things exactly the way I do them, I would never be anywhere near this field.

One thing I really admire about your casting is how raw the models are. There's a lot of grit and personality in each face. However, that isn't to say they're trying to hard to be cool or trying too hard to create a certain persona. It's refreshing to see so many different types of people with one simple scroll. Upon scouting potential talent, what sort of criteria or standard do you use?
Thank you! I like kids who are themselves; kids that don’t try too hard but instead, know who they are. It translates in a lot of ways.

Is there a eureka moment when you see a unique face? Could you tell me what you feel when you spot someone charismatic?
I feel like I just know.

You've worked with big names in music such as A$AP Rocky and Anderson .Paak. Do you feel as though you work the same in both fashion and music? Or is there a fundamental difference between the two for you?
I approach all projects the same way. Even film and fashion. I would cast the same people for a film as I would for an image.

It seems as though both the models and agents are like family to you. Is nurturing a family-like environment important to you? How so?
We opened a company and hired our friends so it flows naturally.

Please tell me about your team. It looks as though it's a very tight-knit group of passionate people. How did you meet them and how did you start working with them?
Izzy, Joie, Natalie, Myonne and Bobby. I met all of them at different points of my U.S. life. We’re all from different places in the world but currently live in NYC. They're the most amazing group of people you’ll ever meet.

Last but not least, please talk about what's in store for you! Any upcoming projects?
Absolutely. We’re working on a film with a legendary director at the moment. Paris stuff too. A lot is going on and it’s my first year doing this so I’m very excited for what's to come next.