They say that every actor wants to direct and that every director wants to act. Well, actor/director Shawn Telford already does both.

His background as a professional actor for both stage and screen, coupled with his experience as a casting director give Shawn a unique, if not unparalleled perspective as a director. Naturally, as a practicing practitioner, he already speaks the language of the actor. But unlike most directors, he regularly works with actors, models and spokespeople of all varieties, skill levels and aptitudes as a part of his job at Complete Casting, one of two casting companies based in Seattle.

Since 2005, Shawn has helped to cast thousands of actors, models and spokespeople for a diversity of clients including Microsoft, Toyota, Chevy, T-Mobile, Campbell’s Soup, Ivar’s, BECU, Boeing, Best Buy, X-Box, Netflicks and Committee for Children, to name a few. Each casting session allows Shawn an opportunity to direct a wide range of talent and occasionally, observe other directors throughout the casting process. All of this amounts to unprecedented access to all the talent the Pacific Northwest has to offer, not to mention, continued practice of his craft.

If, as they say, directing is 90% casting, Shawn’s already got this one in the bag.