Lessons from Backstage Banter Ep 21 with Pavel Kotov
We often talk about networking like it’s a formal skill—something to be polished and performed. But in entertainment, it’s not always about who you know. Sometimes, it’s about who’s bold enough to make the first move.
In this episode of Backstage Banter, Bryan and Jay sit down with casting director and global talent scout Pavel Kotov to talk about creative careers, cold outreach, and the strange weather of Montreal. And yes—this conversation started with a DM.
The DM That Sparked a Conversation
You never know what a message can lead to. This episode kicks off with the story of how Bryan and Pavel connected on LinkedIn. No agent, no pitch deck. Just a shared interest in storytelling, production, and international performance.
“It’s something I teach my students: don’t be afraid to reach out. You have nothing to lose.”
And Pavel is right. Most people on platforms like LinkedIn want to talk about their work. They’re on there to share, to connect, to build. You just have to take the leap.
The Montreal Dilemma: Why No Big Shows?
Based in Montreal, Pavel reflects on a question people in his circle ask a lot: Why isn’t there a permanent large-scale show here? The answer is equal parts practical and poetic.
“There are three reasons: December, January, and February.”
Cold weather and heavy logistics might stop a long-running show from setting roots in Quebec, but they haven’t stopped creatives from building careers out of it—and that’s the real story. In entertainment, there’s always a reason not to do something. The question is: what might happen if you tried anyway?
Creative Careers Don’t Follow Maps—They Follow Curiosity
This episode isn’t about one job or one city. It’s about following your instincts, even when there’s no clear outcome. Whether you’re reaching out to someone on LinkedIn, auditioning for a global tour, or choosing to move across the world, creativity is a series of leaps. And every leap begins with a question.
What if I asked?
What if I sent the message?
What if they said yes?
Listen to the Episode
Hear Pavel’s insights on casting, collaboration, and creative risk-taking in this international conversation that started online and ended on the mic.
Backstage Banter: Episode 21 – Creative Leaps w/ Pavel Kotov
Key Takeaways
- Most creative opportunities don’t start with a resume—they start with a message.
- Geography, weather, or circumstance may block some things—but curiosity finds a way.
- If you want to grow, ask. Connect. Leap.