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Nov 2, 2026 53 min

Anu Valia

from Box Angeles (for Actors) Hosted by Mike Box Elder, Anu Valia

Director Anu Valia (Rooster, Shrinking, Shrill, The Other Two) joins us on the Box Angeles podcast. Anu stops by the bungalow and discusses her journey from Sundance to directing television, why success doesn't happen overnight, the problems with self-tape auditions, working with stars like Steve Carell and Harrison Ford, what directors look for when casting actors, and more! --- BEATS -- 00:00 - Anu slates. 00:11 - Introduction. 01:53 - Why In-Person Conversations Matter. 03:09 - Making Shorts and Finding Her Voice. 07:47 - What Makes a Great Short Film? 09:15 - Finding Your Voice in Television Directing. 11:23 - What Really Happened After Sundance. 13:22 - Turning Opportunities Into a Career. 16:09 - Luck, Timing, and Hollywood Gatekeepers. 19:46 - Why Self-Tapes Are Failing Actors. 27:00 - How Directors Actually Watch Auditions. 29:18 - Advice for One-Line Auditions. 32:41 - Helping Actors Feel Comfortable on Set. 37:07 - Directing Steve Carell and Harrison Ford. 42:18 - Building Trust With Established Actors. 48:47 - How TV Directors Find Work. 50:51 - Who Took a Chance on Anu Valia? The full video and pics -- boxangeles.com/365 --- MORE ANU VALIA -- Check Anu's IMDb. Follow Anu on Instagram @anuvalia. Peep Anu's website. --- MORE BOX ANGELES -- Follow Box Angeles on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. Support Box Angeles on Patreon.

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Director Anu Valia (Rooster, Shrinking) discusses Hollywood self-tapes, directing Steve Carell and Harrison Ford, and breaking into television.

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Anu Valia

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This episode was published on November 2, 2026.

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