Jennifer Haddad

Casting Director & Creative Consultant | Cannes Jury Prize & Oscar-Nominated Projects | Pioneering Cross-Border Casting in the Middle East

Beirut Governorate, Lebanon

About

I’m an experienced Casting Director, Producer, and Creative Consultant with over a decade in film and media production, specializing in projects across the MENA region and internationally. Driven by a deep passion not only for cinema but for elevating the quality, professionalism, and ambition of filmmaking in my region, I have built my career on curiosity, fearless communication, and an unshakable work ethic — unafraid to lead, innovate, and work tirelessly until the vision is fully realized. I pioneered first-of-their-kind street casting strategies and assembled the largest film ensemble cast in the Middle East, delivering award-winning performances that contributed to Nadine Labaki’s Capernaum winning the Jury Prize at Cannes (2018) and earning an Oscar nomination (2019). This monumental project earned multiple acting awards for my cast and brought me the Best Casting Director and Best Casting Ensemble accolades at The Lebanese Movie Awards. Trusted by directors, producers, and actors across Lebanon, Syria, and Saudi Arabia, I bridge creative and logistical gaps, inspiring trust through a proven process that respects time and budget constraints. I’m currently leading casting for one of the largest Lebanese/international feature films, managing a complex ensemble of over 80 actors, and collaborating with Emmy-winning directors and major production companies on acclaimed series such as Undocumented, Hell’s Gate, and Brando Elsharq. Earlier in my career, I worked as an Agency Producer at Wunderman Thompson, managing impactful campaigns across MENA. I hold a degree in Audio Visual Studies from ALBA and completed advanced training at The Danish Film Institute. I’ve also spoken at industry panels, including the Red Sea Film Festival, advocating for regional opportunities in film. I am passionate about discovering and developing raw talent and driving projects that showcase authentic Arab stories on the global stage — always pushing the boundaries of what cinema in the region can achieve.

Experience

  • Associate Producer - Casting Producer for Wolves produced by Rodrigo TeixeirA (release 2026) at Roll In Bei
    May 2024 - Jul 2025 · 1 yr 3 mos

    In my most recent role, I cast over 8 main and secondary actors as well as 70 day player as a huge ensemble cast for an ambitious feature film, leading the entire process independently— from street casting to auditions, callbacks and negotiations—while coordinating directly with producers and directors. My work ensured a seamless pre-production phase for a project that featured over 100 characters in total.

  • Story Producer at Al Arabiya News Channel
    Oct 2023 - Jan 2024 · 4 mos

    As a story producer on a short documentary shot abroad, my role involves conducting in-depth research and developing the documentary's narrative structure, including writing scripts and identifying key characters for interviews. I also scout locations, collaborate closely with the director and crew, and ensure that interviews are well-prepared to elicit insightful responses. On-site, I manage daily production activities and maintain cultural sensitivity while filming. In post-production, I work with editors to shape the final cut and assist with budget management and scheduling. Additionally, I collaborate on promotional strategies to effectively reach mytarget audience. This multifaceted role requires a blend of creative vision, logistical coordination, and strong interpersonal skills

  • Casting Consultant at Event Lab FZ LLC
    Apr 2023 - Aug 2023 · 5 mos

    As a seasoned casting professional with a proven track record, my role as a consultant is to lead the establishment of an innovative casting department within a forward-thinking company operating beyond the traditional production sphere, encompassing the vast landscape of the MENA and GCC region. With a keen eye for talent and a knack for assembling remarkable ensembles, I am tasked with crafting a comprehensive business plan that harnesses the power of extensive market research and a deep understanding of industry trends specific to this diverse region. By spearheading this initiative, I aim to unearth exceptional, yet undiscovered individuals from various cultures, languages, and backgrounds, leveraging their untapped potential to bring authentic and compelling stories to life. Through strategic casting methodologies and a commitment to excellence, I am dedicated to creating a cutting-edge casting division that sets new standards in talent acquisition across the MENA and GCC, ultimately propelling the company to unprecedented success.

  • Head of Casting/Casting Director (2022) - براندو الشرق 2023 by Amin Dora on Shahid at Sabbah Media Corporation - Cedars Art
    Jan 2022 - May 2022 · 5 mos

    CASTING DIRECTOR OF "BRANDO EL SHARQ" BY AMIN DORA , STARRING GEORGES KHABBAZ

  • Head of Casting Department (Scripted) - آخر ريال 2022 by Mazen Fayad on Shahid at Imagic TV
    Jul 2021 - Dec 2021 · 6 mos

    Head of Casting responsible for managing the casting process for the show, from identifying potential actors to conducting auditions and making casting decisions.