Panel Discussion: Insider Insights on the Nevada Acting Landscape

Join the Nevada Local Conservatory for a panel discussion that includes a SAG-AFTRA franchised agent, casting director, independent filmmakers and producers. Come meet with industry professionals, hear what they have to say and get your questions answered. 

Registration begins at 12:30 p.m.

Meet our Panelists:

Jaki Baskow

Celebrating over 45 years in business, Baskow Talent is a full-service talent agency owned and operated by Jaki Baskow. As a SAG-AFTRA franchised agent, Jaki has worked on over 700 movies, television shows, commercials, infomercials and videos. Named one of the top 10 celebrity star brokers, Jaki has coordinated events in Italy for clients including Kevin Costner, Tom Selleck, Michael Douglas, Andy Garcia, Sharon Stone and Jennifer Lopez. She owns The Las Vegas Speakers Bureau and has booked well-known keynote speakers and actors. Jaki loves mentoring new talent and after all  these years is still passionate about getting them job opportunities.

Marilee Lear

For the past 28 years, Marilee Lear has been a Las Vegas CSA Casting Director, casting such projects as Casino, Con Air, Leaving Las Vegas, Lethal Weapon IV, Mars Attacks and many more. Marilee also has over 60 project credits that include national commercials, industrials, video games for Westwood Studios, movie shorts, scripted and reality television shows. In 1999, Marilee received the Governor’s Industry Appreciation Award and in 1997 she was honored as a Distinguished Woman in Southern Nevada. Other philanthropic endeavors include being a  Trustee of Nevada Zoological Society, past President of the Women's Auxiliary of Veterans of Foreign Wars and an avid supporter of the Shade Tree Shelter for abused women and children. Marilee is currently casting and producing a movie on the life of the Learjet family starring Mel Gibson.

Deborah Richards

Writer and director Deborah Richards is a creative visionary with 30+ years of experience in the digital arts. Her work over the decades has spanned from the dawn of the digital audio revolution as a musician and studio engineer to creating for brands such as EDC, Walmart, History Channel and Trufusion as a filmmaker. She is a four-time Southwest Production Emmys® Winner and the 2022 Nevada Woman Filmmaker of the Year. She has directed over one hundred TV commercials and has several feature films to her credit.

Deanna Shapiro 

Deanna Shaprio is an award-winning director/producer/writer. Specializing in independent projects, Deanna has been producing and directing for over 20 years with numerous well received feature films, short films and music videos to her credit. Deanna most recently helped produce the soon to be released PureFlix series, Destination Heaven, starring Harry Lennix and her film, “Tyson’s Run” is currently in the Top 10 on Netflix. Deanna has also been a member of SAG-AFTRA for over 40 years and has appeared in numerous commercials, television shows and films. 

​Jill Wichert

Jill Wichert may be a newbie when it comes to producing, but she is no stranger to the entertainment industry. Having a daughter that was an actress in tv and film, Jill has learned the ins and outs of the business. Jill is currently co-producing several feature films with various production companies ranging from independents to studios, such as Amazon. Jill has taken on several roles within the movie making process although producing is first and foremost. She has done everything including paper producing, location scouting, casting, product placement and working with A list talent. She is also the Chief Experience Officer (CXO) for the Christian Influencers Convention.

RSVP: Free for members to attend. A reservation is required on the form below (you must be logged in to see the form).

Non-members can attend for a fee of $20. Non-members, please click on this link to purchase a ticket and secure your spot.

This event is open to paid-up SAG-AFTRA members in good standing (paid thru Apr. 30, 2024). Parents/guardians of performers under 18 years old are welcome.

Please note that ADA requests must be received 72 business hours before the start of the event.