Casting agency FILM CASTING BG is conducting a series of interviews with people who have roles in "Lying Rhymes". Everyone is asked the same questions, and the answers are published unedited. Subscribe to the "Lying Rhymes" YOUTUBE channel, where you will be able to watch the series online – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMPCTqcf5dUdVy8y-FYayTQ Interview with Gani Dobreva, who appears in "Lying Rhymes". ***1. Tell us briefly about yourself.***My name is Ganka Dobreva and I host corporate and private parties. I work in sound reinforcement and event organisation, while also teaching vocal arts to talented children in Kazanlak. Together with the girls in my group B Voices, I had the privilege of performing on Bulgaria’s most prestigious music stage, the Golden Orpheus, for three consecutive years. We won an award in the newcomers’ competition and, a year later, the Union of Bulgarian Composers Award for Valeri Kostov’s song "Lonely Bossa Nova". But my most formative years were with Bulgaria’s first private radio network, Radio FM+, first as an afternoon presenter and later as a sound director. ***2. Was this your first audition, and did you think you would be chosen?***I’ve stepped on stage thousands of times, whether before five people or five thousand. But I always lacked acting experience, even though acting is a performing art included in my programme as a vocal teacher. A paradox, isn’t it? That’s exactly why auditioning for a role in "Lying Rhymes" was a challenge for me. I didn’t expect to be chosen, given the many applicants, some of them working professional actors, artists, performers and dancers... I was surprised when I learned I’d been selected for a specific role. Later it all fell into place: I played a journalist from a leading media outlet, which explained the director’s choice. ***3. What do you think of paid auditions, and have you taken part in any?***I haven’t taken part in many auditions. I see nothing wrong with it. For example, entry to singing competitions almost everywhere in the country is paid, and contestants there are aged 5 to 19. Parents pay so their children can perform, and the fee, even if symbolic, helps the organisers financially. It is logical for auditions to work the same way. On one hand, it motivates participants to perform well; on the other, it is the first "filter" for quality performers. Only lastly is it financial help with a work process involving a large team. ***4. What do you think of the "Masters of the Air" reports that tried to tarnish the series’ name, and what would you say to people who believe them?***I like "Masters of the Air", but in the case of the "Lying Rhymes" auditions, the report was plainly biased. They didn’t give the organisers a chance to defend themselves in detail and with arguments. They showed only one side of the work process without hearing all sides. Many people felt deceived, yet the series is a fact! The team gave an enormous amount of themselves to make it happen! ***5. What emotions did you experience at the audition and during filming?***Filming was exhausting, exciting and very emotional! But I admit I was quite nervous in front of the cameras. Still, director Stelian Ivanov skilfully drew my character out of me, and I’m grateful to him. Interestingly, I had to act in scenes with old friends, people I’d worked with for years on different projects. Usually they had been behind the camera or the mixing desk. This time, getting into character and taking on our roles revealed us in a completely new light. I had a lot of fun! ***6. How would you describe the organisation of the casting campaign and filming for "Lying Rhymes"?***Considering the scale of the production and the fact that no major company or media outlet stood behind it, the organisation of the casting and filming was very good! ***7. Why do you think the same well-known faces appear in most Bulgarian productions?***Famous faces are always a guarantee of success. Often a single famous name, a brilliant actor, becomes the "launch vehicle" for a film, or even a music video. We also shouldn’t forget that projects from large production companies are backed by powerful advertisers with large advertising budgets. Viewing figures have to be secured through familiar faces and well-chosen, strong actors. ***8. In your experience, do you know of many cases where Bulgarian producers give new, unproven faces a chance?***Yes, I think unknown faces do get roles in film productions, but through the same channels: NATFA, theatre schools and familiar casting agencies. There is always a need for fresh faces on screen. What’s different about "Lying Rhymes" is that every face is fresh; even the lack of routine and acting experience is valuable! Congratulations to the team! ***9. Would you recommend the Film Casting BG agency, and why?***My work with the Film Casting BG team was completely trouble-free. They were exceptionally reliable from start to finish; the organisation of auditions and filming was excellent, as was the technical support. Connect with Gani Dobreva here: https://www.facebook.com/ganka.dobreva Look out for the first Bulgarian hip-hop series, "Lying Rhymes", in September 2018. The production is produced by Plovdiwood Ent. and Devil Cinema. You can apply for the new productions, the reality show "I’m Becoming a Star" and the children’s and teen series "Academy for Talents", at www.akademiazatalanti.com These productions are produced by Exclusive Media Entertainment.