Today we’d like to introduce you to Rita Manyette.
Hi Rita, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My son was born with a heart defect. For the first two years of his life, I was inundated with home healthcare hospital stays, a vent, a trach, and a feed tube. During this time, the nurses fell in love with Grant. They called the local news station to tell them about this beautiful child who smiled and was happy all the time, even though he was dealing with so many health issues. I did an interview with Channel 4 about his condition. The American Heart Association representative was sent to provide me with talking points for the interview. What she didn’t know was that I am a trained actor. Once the interview was over, she was floored. She said to me, “I have a mom that can speak.“ That began our American Heart Association work. Grant was named Jacksonville‘s heart baby for 2001 and child for 2003. We raised over $25,000 during that time. I shot many commercials for walks across the country. Once that was over, and Grant was doing much better, I realized I wanted to return to my dream of acting. I started out doing commercials and working on independent films.
I met a group of guys that asked me to cast their project. The Weinstine company picked up that project. After that, I got several calls asking me to do more casting. I started my business in 2006, and I haven’t looked back. Martini Shot Casting will be celebrating 20 years in business in 2026. I’ve been fortunate to work with the military in training exercises and have produced videos for BIA officers and the Coast Guard to recognize human trafficking. I’ve trained Federal Law Enforcement on shoot or don’t shoot simulations. I’ve also trained Air Force officers on cultural sensitivity awareness. Working with three and four-star generals is right up my alley.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Covid was a struggle. Closing down of sets for a few months in Florida was scary, but business came roaring back shortly after that. Only because it was Florida did other cities struggle much longer. AI offers a new challenge, one I have yet to realize its impact fully. My son’s health is still a concern, and I take the time I need to help care for him along with my aging parents. I still make my schedule work because I’m a professional like that.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Being a Casting Director is one thing; being a professionally trained actor and being a casting Director brings it to another level. I understand what Actors go through, and I respect the process. I still tape auditions for professional actors, and I love the connection and script analysis that come with them.
So, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you before we go? How can they support you?
I source 90% of my talent from professional agents nationwide. It is best to be represented by one of these agents to work with me. I do call on non-represented talent for large extra calls. I source those folks from a Facebook group called JAX Extras Martini Shot Casting.
Pricing:
- www.MartiniShotCasting.com for taping and coaching rates.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.MartiniShotCasting.com
- Instagram: @Manyette
- Facebook: @MartiniShotCasting
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinishotcasting?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
