Pharr native helped select stars of new Gerard Butler movie

If you want to make it as an actor in Los Angeles, you might want to give J.C. Cantu a buzz —- as a casting director at Betty Mae, one of the most reputable agencies in town, the 32-year-old native of Pharr is kind of the keeper of the gates to fame and fortune.

Kyra Sedgwick knows what we mean.

Cantu’s most recent assignment was casting Gamer (WATCH THE TRAILER), a sci-fi adventure flick which opens in theaters nationwide Friday, Sept. 4. Cantu helped persuade filmmakers to choose Sedgwick for a role he thought fit her “powerful, in-charge” persona perfectly.

Sedgwick stars alongside Gerard Butler (300) and rapper-cum-actor Mos Def in the dystopian world of Gamer, in which players of a massive online game control human beings.

“When I read the script,” Cantu said, “I thought it was so unusual and different, something that hadn’t really been explored before.” He immediately took it to his boss and told her, “This is something we have to do.”

A year later, that script has transformed into a movie playing in theaters across the country. Neat trick, huh?

Cantu’s not as wowed as he used to be. The 1995 graduate of PSJA North keeps a level head when it comes to his silver-screen sway; maybe that’s because he knows how it feels to be on the other side.

In just a few years, Cantu has forged a sterling career at Betty Mae. Directors like Robert Rodriguez come to Cantu for help coordinating the logistics of the auditions and advice in deciding which actors are best for lead and supporting roles.

But before making a name behind the scenes, Cantu lived the life of the struggling actor. He studied the craft throughout college and pursued a career in New York City.

Cantu enjoys the side of the table he’s sitting on now.

“What I love coming from the acting world is that I have a chance to help someone get where they need to be.”

With Gamer in the can, Robert Rodriguez can have Cantu’s full attention again. Cantu cast the maverick Texas director’s most recent film, the children’s movie Shorts (WATCH THE TRAILER), and is now busy with pre-production on Rodriguez’s next movie, Machete (WATCH THE TRAILER). Featuring character actor Danny Trejo’s first lead turn, the quasi-spinoff of the director’s 2007 film Grindhouse will be released next April, according to ew.com.

• J.C.'S COLLEAGUE AT BETTY MAE IS ALSO A VALLEYITE WORKING ON MAJOR HOLLYWOOD PROJECTS. CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT HER.

TOMORROW’S A-LIST STARS: “Dustin Milligan (formerly of the new 90210) has a huge movie career ahead of him. And Laura Ramsey, who’s in Ruins.”

SHOUTS OUT TO: Zepeda, his high school drama teacher

FAVORITE VALLEY EATS: “I have to Whataburger as soon as my plane lands. And definitely Don Juan’s. “

ADVICE FOR HOPEFUL ACTORS: “What I keep telling people is make sure you keep honing your skills, whether on stage or finding showcases to act in, as long as you keep sharpening your skills.”

ADVICE FOR THOSE WANTING INSTANT FAME: “Send me flowers. … I kid, I kid.”

Brandon R. Garcia is editor of Festiva. You can reach him at (956) 683-4461 or bgarcia@themonitor.com.

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