RANDY BERNSTEIN - CASTING PRESIDENT - CBS BAKE OFF
After making the transition from the stage to behind-the-scenes, Casting Duo President and co-founder Randy Bernstein quickly moved up the casting ranks. Since its inception in 2005, Casting Duo has become the go-to casting agency for all types of projects—cooking shows, game shows, talent shows—you name it, they've cast it! Now, with over a decade of experience under his belt and over fifty shows successfully cast, Randy has established himself as a true “connoisseur” of the casting industry, harboring a resume that includes hits such as Top Chef, MasterChef, Project Runway, Tabatha’s Salon Takeover, and The Glee Project. Randy’s innate ability to pinpoint interesting and outrageous characters has led to the discoveries of some of television’s most memorable personalities, including Project Runway’s Christian Siriano, Tabatha’s Salon Takeover’s Tabatha Coffey, and Top Chef’s Padma Lakshmi, to name a few. Recent castings include ABC’s The Taste, featuring celebrity chefs Anthony Bourdain and Nigella Lawson, as well as Naomi Campbell’s new venture, The Face, on Oxygen. Randy’s infectious personality and forward-thinking approach to casting keep his finger on the pulse of the reality television industry. He exemplifies his motto, “ABC: Always Be Casting”, every day--no matter the time or place. Randy lives in Calabasas, California with his wife Kharen and their two sons, Asher and Levi. When not in the office, he can typically be found on a cruise. CBS is holding open casting calls for its new competition baking reality series based on the hit UK format “The Great British Bake Off,” where skilled amateurs with a passion for baking can prepare their signature dish for a chance to compete on the series. Potential applicants who think they have what it takes to “whip” the competition, should grab their baking utensils and sign up for an open casting call by visiting http://www.cbs.com/bakingshow.
COURTNEY TAIRA - "KINGS HAWAIIAN"
Courtney Taira, granddaughter of King’s Hawaiian founder Robert R. Taira, has fond memories learning about the King's Hawaiian family business as early as age six, when she started helping out during the busy holiday seasons. Courtney now serves as principal spokesperson and leads consumer care for King’s Hawaiian. She thoughtfully and personally responds to consumer questions and comments. Courtney spreads Aloha Spirit with everyone around her – sharing true Hawaiian hospitality and treating everyone as King’s Hawaiian ohana (or ‘family’ in Hawaiian). Strong family involvement has played an important role in the success of King’s Hawaiian. Courtney is a part of the third generation upholding her grandfather’s uncompromising commitment to quality. Prior to leading the King's Hawaiian consumer care team, Courtney worked in several departments at King’s Hawaiian including finance, marketing, logistics, as well as working at King’s Hawaiian Bakery & Restaurant, and The Local Place restaurant. Courtney graduated from the George Washington University. She has studied abroad at Universidad de San Andreas in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and is currently studying Culinary Arts at The International Culinary School in Santa Monica, Cali.
MS GREEN - M&M CANDIES
For the first time, M&M’S has asked America to decide what color combination of M&M’S® Chocolate Candies should go together in a single package. After thousands of Facebook fans cast their votes, the new limited edition color blends are ready for store shelves – and feature three existing favorites – blue, red and green – as well as three NEW colors – purple, aqua and dark pink. During her interview, Ms. Green can discuss:
• America’s new color blend that will be available in M&M’S Milk Chocolate and Peanut varieties, and how it came to be
• How she feels about being included as a fan favorite for the new color combination
• Her career as an M&M’S spokescandy, and experiences as the ultimate socialite
VANESSA NGOY - VP OF THE VILLAS at THE GRAND DEL MAR
Vanessa Ngoy is the Vice President of The Villas at The Grand Del Mar. She has worked for The Grand Del Mar for seven years since pre-opening and has always managed The Villas during this time. She is in charge of preparing the Del Mar for the Holiday Season
