Meet Hilary Greer | Actor/Casting Director/Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Hilary Greer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Hilary, what matters most to you?
“Never do an ask without a give” is one of our guiding mantras.
It means showing up generously, respecting people’s time, being clear and kind, and reading the room.
Whether casting a feature film or reaching out to a new collaborator, we always start with what we can offer.
That principle has shaped how I lead, build relationships, and create an environment where people feel valued.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m both an actor and a casting director, and the two roles constantly inform and elevate each other. Casting has taught me so much about how to be on set—how to prepare, how to collaborate, and how to hold space for the whole production. Acting, on the other hand, has deepened my compassion as a casting director. I know firsthand the vulnerability it takes to show up, and I work hard to make sure actors feel seen, respected, and valued at every stage.

At HBG Casting, our mission is to make background actors feel like non-speaking artists—because that’s what they are. One of the challenges I took head-on was creating a niche where background work is treated with the same care and precision as any speaking role. Each year, 1 to 10 of our background actors are bumped up to principal roles. That is not the norm—and it’s something I’m incredibly proud of. We cast with specificity and intention. No one is just “filler.” Everyone brings something irreplaceable to the story.

As an actor, one of the greatest mindset shifts I made was learning to see the invitation to audition as the win—not just the booking. That change in perspective was invaluable and actually helped increase my booking ratio. I call auditions “performance appointment opportunities” because it keeps things more playful and present.

I truly have the best job in the world. I get to help create opportunities for others and explore all sorts of fun characters myself. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. This work is about people, relationships, and honoring every single person’s unique contribution—on set and off.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend came to visit, they’d better come hungry and ready to explore—I LOVE to eat, walk through parks, pet dogs, and people watch. I find everyone fascinating, which fits right in with acting and casting. Every walk is a story. Every face is a character.

We’d start the week with a stroll through Fort Tryon Park or Central Park with coffee in hand, stopping to greet every dog we pass. Lunch would be at Jacob’s Pickles or a cozy ramen spot in the East Village. We’d pop into the New York Public Library, visit a few small galleries in Chelsea, and grab dessert at Magnolia or Levain.

One afternoon would be all about the classics: a visit to The Met followed by a picnic on the steps. Another day, we’d head to Red Hook for lobster rolls and the best city views. I’d take them to Astoria for Greek food, Flushing for dumplings, and Arthur Avenue for old-school Italian.

In the evenings, we’d catch a Broadway or off-Broadway show, explore Little Island at sunset, or discover live music by an indie band in the Village—those unexpected sets in a tucked-away venue are where the city’s soul really shines.

And Sunday? Dim sum in Chinatown, then a long, grounding walk through Brooklyn Botanic Garden to decompress and reflect.

To me, the most exciting part of New York is the people—so diverse, vibrant, and full of story. That curiosity about people drives everything I do in both acting and casting. Being here is like living inside a living, breathing script. I feel lucky to play a part in it every day.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people who’ve lifted me up, but I want to dedicate this shoutout to my mom. Her strength, belief in me, and unshakable work ethic shaped everything I do. She taught me how to lead with heart, how to listen closely, and how to keep going with grace even when things get tough.

And to the actors—especially those who show up fully even without guarantees—your courage and commitment inspire me every day. Also to my mighty HBG Casting team, who lead with humanity and hustle. Thank you for reminding me that we can build something meaningful and kind, and still get the job done right.

Website: https://www.hbgcasting.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hilarygreerofficial/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HBGCasting

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2467051/

https://www.instagram.com/hbgcastingllc/

https://www.imdb.com/search/title/?companies=co0783209

Image Credits
Jessica Osber for the Picture in the Red shirt