Behind the Image is an ongoing MODELS.com series taking a more personal look at both established and emerging creative talent.
Portrait shot by Davit Giorgadze | Courtesy of ARTWORLD
Roxane Dia, casting director
Hometown: Born in Lyon, France, grew up in Munich, Germany
Based: Paris & Berlin
Representation: ARTWORLD
How would you describe your work? What’s your trademark?
I feel a huge sense of freedom in my work and it´s a beautiful time to do what I do. I’m so happy that brands are open to different faces, ethnicities, and shapes. All of these restrictions that once existed have finally been lifted. I see beauty in so many people and faces. I would describe my work and creative process as organic. I don´t want anything to feel forced or out of place. I try to be very sensitive about what I do. I follow instinct and feelings – this has always worked for me!
How did you get into your chosen career?
After school, I was doing different internships and trying to find the right thing for me. It was a photographer friend that suggested I should try to intern at a modeling agency. I did and later became a model agent. After agenting, I worked in production and found my way into casting.
What other jobs have you had?
I used to work at a skateboard shop & Foot Locker :-)
What have you watched/heard/read lately that has inspired you?
It has been a busy year and I have not had much time to explore the books on my list but I did finally watch Euphoria! But with the heaviness of the ongoing pandemic, my friends and I wanted some light entertainment and I have been binge-watching all of the Real Housewives episodes! We send each other memes and Housewives quotes and it helped to get through the lockdowns.
What do you love about what you do?
I love to discover the beauty in people every day, always striving to see that special something in them that they sometimes don’t see in themselves. This is such an inspiring process, especially during street-cast sessions.
This shift in our industry now allows for people of all cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds to be seen and be part of the narrative. Many talents that I have street-casted are now signed to agencies or getting regularly booked for jobs. For me, it’s beautiful to be able to open this door for someone.
What have been the biggest challenges you have faced professionally?
Initially, this industry was very difficult to get into. I’m very happy about the new wave of creatives entering this industry. There is a feeling of “freedom” now and it feels like everyone is rooting for each other. Since 2020, many have come to realize that it can be extremely challenging for creatives who don’t come from a privileged background to find success in the industry. Having studied at certain schools can help you expand your network, get the right internships, or your foot in the door for the right assisting positions that give a head start.
For creatives who don’t have these privileges, it can take years to find your “place” in the industry. It’s much more helpful now that many understand the fight and hustle it takes to break in without certain advantages. I’m fortunate enough to have found my tribe–my people in this industry who understand that. We uplift each other and help each other to reach our goals. We also make sure that whenever there is an opportunity to lift someone up or make the right introductions we do so when we hear they need help. My advice is to keep pushing, know your path, and stay true to yourself! You might bend a little but you won’t break! :-)
What’s one thing outside of your work that you would like people to know about you?
I’m an Aquarius, left-handed, and superstitious. I love the Neptunes and Kelis!
Who do you think is one to watch?
My friend Dogi, he is an amazing stylist, a visionary – I’m convinced that he will have an amazing career and he is only 25!
Selected Work
Clearbear by Daniel Jack Lyons for Polo Ralph Lauren Holiday 2021 Campaign
For this campaign, I was asked to find authentic families across the world. Hateepah & Clearbear are Indigenous twin activists living in Los Angeles and I was aware of the work they were doing within their community but knew little about the women in their lives. In casting them, I discovered what a beautiful family they are.
Ylang Messenguiral by Davit Giorgadze for Ioannes
Johannes (Boehl Cronau) is a designer I met last year through my stylist friend Dogi. We quickly became close and started to work together. The Ioannes collection for this season was so beautiful and I wanted to find women that expressed the mood of the designs. I thought Ylang Messnguiral was perfect and she is one of my favorite faces at the moment.
Nyarach Abouch Ayuel by Marc Hibbert & Ib Kamara for Philosophy Resort 22 Lookbook
Nyarach is elegant and beautiful and was the perfect match for this collection. I love to discover new talent but equally, I love to see faces like Nyarach’s fully established in the industry.
Ilya Lipkin for Dust Magazine
This shoot was a collaboration for DUST Magazine and Fendi. I cast 6 boys, each a different character but I particularly love Ishak and truly love this picture. He is now with an agency and I feel a great sense of accomplishment with my part to help Ishak on his journey.
Chieska Smith for SSAW Magazine
This picture was shot for SSAW Magazine in collaboration with Wales Bonner. I was so excited to work on this shoot because I really love Grace’s designs. The story was shot by Chiesak Fortune Smith who is a friend of mine. We are very much aligned and understand each other’s vision. It is always a pleasure to work with a photographer who trusts my instincts and is open to all faces.
