CASTING DIRECTOR
As a casting director, Kristin is driven by a deep appreciation for talent and the unique expertise each individual brings. She thrives on challenging the status quo and pushing boundaries in the casting process. Kristin’s goal is to assist in creating distinct, immersive worlds that captivate audiences and stand out. She believes in the significance of creative work and its lasting impact on future generations. Kristin casts because she believes in the creative vision of the creators and is dedicated to bringing their imaginative worlds to life for audiences everywhere. Above all, she casts because she is passionate about this craft and loves what she does.
Casting Director | Dialogue Director | Animation VO Coach
About Kristin
I'm a casting powerhouse, voice director, and creative whirlwind who blends fierce industry smarts with heart-forward leadership. With 19+ years in entertainment, I’m now building my own empire, Paiva Productions, where talent is nurtured, characters come to life, and authenticity always wins.
I lead with empathy, speak with truth, and show up every day with one goal: to help people feel seen, heard, and believed in. Whether I’m directing a session, coaching talent toward their breakthrough moment, or building a program to uplift the next generation, my work is rooted in kindness, curiosity, and real connection.
I don’t just juggle work and motherhood, I live both with intention. I make time to play, explore, craft, and travel with my two young kids. Together, we chase adventures big and small, from neighborhood walks to globe-trotting discoveries. I’m not just raising children, I’m raising brave, joyful, open-hearted humans.
They are my “why,” my everything, my fiercest fuel. Every bold move, late-night brainstorm, and leap into the unknown is to show them what’s possible. That they can become anything, build anything, be anything, as long as they lead with heart and never stop trying.
My mantra? Don’t act—BE.
My vibe? Wildly real. Deeply kind. Unapologetically bold.
My mission? Uplift talent. Set standards. Lead with soul. Inspire my children by example.
Career Highlights
I spent nearly two decades with the Walt Disney Company, and almost 9 with Disney TV Animation, where I had the joy of wearing many hats, working across Parks and Resorts, Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, as well as select Marvel, Lucasfilm, Pixar, and Disney+ animated series.
Over the years, I’ve worked on beloved titles including:
- Hamster & Gretel
- Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe
- Big Hero 6: The Series
- Mickey Mouse Funhouse, Mickey Saves Christmas
- Milo Murphy’s Law, Muppet Babies, Lion Guard
- And many more...
My casting and directing work now spans animation, video games, dubbing, and international co-productions.
Guided by my mixed heritage and a belief in the power of inclusive storytelling, I launched Paiva Productions to create an environment where talent is supported, stories are thoughtfully cast, and characters come to life with authenticity and heart.
Scott Parkin
Excerpt from a testimonial:
“So yesterday was one of the coolest things to be a part of. Watching Disney’s Kristin Paiva get the very best out of every actor at ALL skill levels was just so cool!
Getting to observe a Director/Teacher with such a wonderful style — gentle yet straightforward honesty, self-deprecating/disarming manner, and such entertaining performance abilities — was really quite… magical, I think is the best way to put it.
I was going to do 30 minutes on finding and building characters through improv… but I cut my time to 10 minutes so everyone could work with and listen to Kristin MORE! If you know me… you know I don’t give up stage time :)
Kristin was just so hilarious, really down to earth, and just so damn good at her job. If you ever have the chance to work with Kristin… DO IT!
Scape…borrow…lie…steal or cheat but get your spot, as I believe they are extremely valuable to any actor who wants to work in animation.
