Conclave recently took the awards season by storm, winning the SAG for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Motion Picture, the Oscar for Best Writing (Adapted Screenplay) and the BAFTA for Best Film, among many others. Carlos Diehz, a Vancouver architect turned actor, played a pivotal role in Conclave.
I’m thrilled to share the story of how Carlos and I got to know each other through the preparation on his Audition Tape!
Carlos and I had never worked together before, until he approached me for the role of ‘Benitez’ in September 2022.
We got to know each other quickly, and then jumped in and recorded his first audition over Zoom!
We discovered that there was a lot of depth in this role for Carlos, who had just started pursuing acting professionally, a year or two prior. I felt thrilled that Carlos could receive a callback for such a well crafted and personalized self-tape.
About a month later, Carlos let me know he was about to have a Zoom meeting with Oscar Winning Director, Edward Berger, to receive some notes on his performance and the story too.
Carlos asked for a hand with the next step!
We met at the studio, talking in depth about the notes, character and ultimately the cross-section of where ‘Benitez’ and he meet.
We sent two options of each scene – while still clearly defining the character’s point of view.
It was a moving experience for us both, collaborating on this incredible and multi-dimensional character.
Sensing that something good might come of this exceptional taping, we took this photo at the end of this session!
A couple weeks later, Carlos was thrilled to be flown to Rome to meet with Casting and do a screen test!
We kept developing the character over Zoom in his Roman hotel room in anticipation of the big day.
Of course, the rest is history and Carlos Diehz always was the perfect ‘Benitez’ for Conclave, something he and I sensed all along.
Carlos and I continued working on the role over Zoom while he was living in Rome during principal photography in the early months of 2023.
And now in the Fall of 2024, I’m incredibly proud of Carlos and the exceptional work that he did on this unique & special role – I’m honored to have been a guide on this truly fantastic journey!
And if the journey is the reward not the destination, this was one to remember…
Congrats to you, Carlos!
Bravo! Bellisima!
Your coach,
James
“James’ coaching has helped me to improve my acting skills exponentially. His input & direction on the most subtle nuances of my performance have allowed me to grow as an actor to the point of landing a major role opposite amazing actors such as Ralph Fiennes & John Lithgow.” – Carlos Diehz (Conclave)
Learn more about Kot Creative Studios’ Creative Director & Lead Coach James Kot
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