Women Who Inspire – Zan Ludlum

ZAN LUDLUM
CASTING DIRECTOR / FOUNDER, ZAN CASTING
top_logo.jpg
zan_top
a celebration of risk taking ladies
DESCRIBE WHAT YOU DO FOR A LIVING.

We find talent for Runway Shows, TV Commercials, Print Advertising, Fashion Editorials, Independent Films, Music Videos, and Online content. Our unique approach encompasses street scouting for “real people,” working with established talent, up-and-coming talent, and cultural innovators.

GIVE US A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF YOUR CAREER PATH.

HUSTLE, HUSTLE, HUSTLE. I started as an unpaid intern for fashion stylists and magazines. Then interned for renowned fashion photographer Steven Klein resulting in my first job. After working for Steven Klein and learning the ropes of the fashion industry I knew I wanted to work for a female entrepreneur. The opportunity to work for innovative Casting Director, Jennifer Venditti (JV8INC) came up and my career took off. I worked for JV8INC for over four years and developed the interest in casting, confidence in my own vision and valuable business principles. Before starting ZAN CASTING I took time off to travel and redefine my values… that time away from the grind was invaluable in setting up my NYC based company with a core commitment to “keepin’ it real.”

zan1
Lanvin Fall 2012 Campaign, Photographer: Steven Meisel
WHEN YOU WERE YOUNG, WHAT DID YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP?

I wanted to be creative and run my own business. I didn’t have a name for what I wanted to be… but I definitely found it.

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE DOING IN 10 YEARS?

I love my job and I love creating an agency that has career opportunities for other creative professionals. What we do keeps us on the cusp of what is current and cool… Here’s hoping I can still be around in 10 years!

NAME THREE PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS THAT HELPED YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY.

Driven, Organized, Curious.

Google Chrome: Jess Time, Director: Nanette Burstein
HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS?

Being content.

HOW DO YOU DEFINE FAILURE?

I don’t think failure exists. There is always an opportunity to get back up and work hard to fix whatever mistake was made.

HAVE YOU EVER MADE A MISTAKE IN YOUR CAREER?

YES. I’ve learned a lot and am constantly growing.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?

Projects where we have found undiscovered amazing talent with true stories that bring to life the human spirit (i.e. Lanvin Advertising, Google Chrome Commercials.)

zan2
Elle “Hothouse Flower”, Photographer: Txema Yeste, Stylist: Lori Goldstein
Loeffler Randall Fall 2013 Lookbook, Photographer: Tom Hines, Stylist: Kat Typaldos
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE YOUR 21 YEAR-OLD SELF?

An amazing mentor gave me this advise and it worked: Find the person/company that you admire and offer to work for free. An apprenticeship is the best way to learn the ropes and get your name out there. The experience is invaluable. I waited tables at night, interned during the day, and never looked back.

WHAT TRICKS HAVE YOU LEARNED TO BALANCE LIFE AND WORK?

It’s important to work hard and be available for your clients, staff, work relationships, etc. At the same time, it is important to know when to step away and enjoy life away from work. For me, my work is about people and culture so I could always be working… but that’s okay. If you enjoy what you do and let go of feeling boxed in by it, then accepting your career as an invaluable part of your identity can only help you flourish.

zan3
GANT Spring/Summer 2014 Campaign, Photographer: Mikael Jansson, Stylist: Joe McKenna
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CHILDREN’S BOOK AND WHY?

Currently, Forever Young by Bob Dylan (Illustrated by Paul Rogers). Because my baby girl loves when I sing it to her… and the words are so so true.

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT VACATION.

Our amazing Southwest, USA road trip. Hiking, rock climbing, getting lost in the wilderness.

zan4
New York Fashion Week, Behind the Scenes at the JCrew Spring 2015 Runway Shows

top_logo_bottom_zan


1) Colorado
I lived in Boulder for 4 years during college. Blue sky, fresh air and healthy living… this is my happy place.

2) Utah
Climbing the red rocks, skiing the fresh powder, hiking through the narrow canyons.

3) Uruguay
I spent a few days on the beach here with one of my best girlfriends. La Barra / José Ignacio… beach bliss.

4) Italy
Amazing food, friendly people… I’ve skied, climbed, beached, hiked, prayed, drank, you name it… Love Italia.

5) New Zealand
I spent a month in New Zealand hiking by myself. The ferry from the North Island to the South was unforgettable. This is a magical land.