INSTRUCTORS

From non-union commercials to UBCP/ACTRA and SAG features, Monika Dalman's casting expertise knows no bounds, especially in the rapidly evolving vertical storytelling space. As a Co-Founder of the Vertical Film & Short-form Storytelling Alliance (VFSSA), she has been a trailblazer in this revolutionary format, championing the rise of mobile-first narratives and uniting creators, platforms, and talent to redefine how stories are told and consumed.

Monika has been instrumental in shaping the vertical soap opera genre, casting across North America and beyond for projects ranging from short-form digital series to multi-season, 50-plus-episode vertical soaps. She has pioneered new casting approaches for choreographed intimacy pieces and non-union productions, and facilitated cross-border work by securing Canadian work permits for U.S.-based talent. To date, Monika has cast nearly 60 verticals worldwide.

With a rich background in traditional media, Monika has cast for CBC, TVO, and PBS, and worked with over 50 commercial brands-including Disney and Marvel. In the indie sphere, she has cast projects backed by esteemed institutions such as the Canada Media Fund, Canada Council for the Arts, TELUS Storyhive, Telefilm, DGC Greenlight, the Harold Greenberg Fund, and Crazy8s. Her experience also includes voice-over and motion capture casting for video games, making her a truly versatile force in the industry.

As a parent to two highly successful actors, Monika brings a deep understanding and genuine compassion to every casting decision, nurturing talent and supporting actors as they navigate the demands of this exciting, evolving space. Whether in traditional film and television, across borders, or within the pioneering world of vertical soaps, Monika Dalman's passion, integrity, and forward-thinking vision have established her as an invaluable ally for actors, creators, and producers alike-and a driving force in the future of mobile-first storytelling.