Category: Featured

Searching for reputable casting agencies can be a daunting task to stare down. Producers on the hunt for talent know this struggle intimately. It can take a lot of time and energy to find the best casting agency for a project. 

Casting agency directories can help reduce workload. These casting agency websites bring together a variety of casting agencies on one platform so you can find exactly what you need when you need it. Isn’t it great when all of the info you’re looking for is in one simple place? 

Not sure which is the best casting agency directory to use? Our mission at LÜK Network is to pare down the workload of our fellow creatives and give you some tips and trips to help you produce your best work.

As an end-to-end production platform, LÜK provides the tools you need to book and manage your talent and crew, plus offers integrated 1099 payroll on one platform. And, as industry experts, we’re here to provide you with casting resources like this list!

Best Casting Agency Directories & Websites

If you want to be the best, you gotta know the best. Below you’ll find a list of the top-tier agency directories and sites to assist your talent search. 

In our cool, considerate, objective, unprejudiced opinion, we’re number one. (The others are helpful too.) 

1. Models.com

Best for: List of talent, agencies, and industry professionals in the modeling industry 

Models.com is the preeminent internet database for all things model industry related. It was founded in 1999 and is among the most popular landing pads online for industry professionals, models, and modeling enthusiasts. 

Services:

• Provides information such as news, interviews, trend reports, and fashion updates for those interested in the world of modeling.
• A comprehensive database of the top models, agencies, and other professionals who are in the industry.

2. Backstage

Best for: Actors or models looking to be cast or to audition.

Backstage is an online platform that connects performers and models with job opportunities in the entertainment industry. Backstage began in 1960 as a print publication and has since expanded to its current online presence, where industry professionals can post and track roles for talent to find. 

Services:

• Database of casting calls and auditions, industry news, and career advice.
• Directory of talent agents, casting directors, and other industry professionals.
• Filterable system in the audition process to narrow down specifications for a casted role.

3. Casting Networks

Best for: Casting directors and actors working on commercial, television, and theater projects

Casting Networks is a multifaceted platform for actors and performers. Talent can search for casting calls and auditions, upload and share audition materials, and receive notifications of new opportunities. The platform also features a directory of industry personae for talent to seek representation from and/or familiarize themselves with the professional landscape. 

Services:

• Self-service style platform for casting directors and performers to communicate during the casting process.
• Database for casting calls and auditions.
• Talent can upload and share audition materials, as well as be notified of new opportunities they may be a fit for.

4. Swipecast

Best for: Booking a model directly without the agency/manager as a middleman.

Swipecast is a direct-to-model platform for clients to manage and hire talent. The website connects freelance models, photographers, and other creatives with clients who are looking to build a team for upcoming projects. The platform was founded in 2014 and has remained a solid option for those looking to cut out the middleman when crewing up.

Services:

• Connects freelance models, photographers, and other creatives with clients looking to book talent for their next shoot.
• Directory of talent agents and casting directors.
• Clients can create and manage job listings.
• Tools for communication and project management.

5. Casting Frontier

Best for: Actors looking to be cast or to audition.

Casting Frontier is an online casting platform that has connected actors and models with casting directors, agents, and other industry professionals since 2006. It offers a range of services for actors and models, including access to casting calls and auditions, directories of industry professionals, and tools for managing and organizing the audition process. 

Clients are also able to post job listings, review submissions, and manage the casting workflow from within the platform.

Services:

• Database of casting calls and auditions, industry news, and career advice.
• Provides a directory of talent agents, casting directors, and other industry professionals.
• Tools for talent to communicate, schedule, and manage the casting process with casting directors.

6. Newbook Models

Best for: Booking a model directly without the agency/manager as a middleman.

Newbook is an online platform that allows unrepresented models to search for and find jobs with established clients. This platform allows clients to cut out agency middlemen and book talent directly, managing all communication and payment details within. 

Services:

• Provides a platform for vetted talent to communicate with clients and be cast in photoshoots.
• Facilitates castings, bookings, and payments for models.
• Helps models without representation book jobs with established clientele.

7. Actors Access

Best for: Actors; casting directors and agents looking to cast talent in motion pictures. 

Actors Access is an online casting platform that connects actors with casting directors, agents, and other industry professionals. There is a range of services available for actors, including updated job listings, the ability to upload and submit audition materials, and support for managing all communication and workflow during the audition process. 

For casting professionals, clients can manage and organize audition schedules, communication, and search through a database of talent.

Services:

• Database of casting calls and auditions.
• Talent can submit self tapes and manage communication with casting directors.
• Database for casting directors to post job listings and review submissions from talent. 

Benefits of Using an Agency Directory

We do what we can with what we have. If you’re a producer looking for talent, or talent looking to be cast, it’s amazing to lean on established, organized agency directories like those listed above to know where to begin. 

Get Access to the Best Agencies & Best Talent

If you found yourself here on a hunt for booking talent, we hope you learned a bit that helps you on your way. If you’re also trying to save time, effort, and budget on your upcoming project, we’re sure we can help. Once you find your next top talent, be sure to look to LÜK to make your next production easy, efficient, and compliant with crew management and booking tools, plus 1099 payroll and workers’ comp.

Being a producer isn’t a job just anyone can do. It takes an eye for detail and a level head to oversee all aspects that go into producing movies, photoshoots, commercials, and fashion shows. And unfortunately, we know administrative burdens (like securing production insurance) and reduced resources can slow down the production process. 

That’s why LÜK Network is focused on providing the partnership, tools, and support producers like you need to get the job done. 

Since we aim to simplify the end-to-end production process, we compiled a review of some of the top casting agencies in Los Angeles for you to consider for your next production.

Casting Agencies vs Talent Agencies

Casting Agencies

The main objective of casting agencies is to find talent. They use briefs provided by producers to find the ideal person for the role based on a specific set of needs. Casting agencies facilitate the talent booking process to identify the best talent for the part.

The talent’s agency handles the negotiations for contracts and fees on behalf of the talent.

Talent Agencies

Talent agencies provide clients with various services, including procuring work for models, singers, actors, writers, photographers, artists, and even athletes. They assist their talent by connecting them with major brands and managing their career.

There are also smaller talent agencies, or boutique agencies, that only work with a select group of talent for industry needs. It could be for commercials, print, tv shows, movies, etc., and they work to provide top customer service to their talent.

Best Casting Agencies Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the most famous destinations in the world for actors and talent looking to break into the entertainment industry. With so many casting and talent agencies in the city, it can be overwhelming for aspiring talent and producers to know which are the best. So, we put together this list with some of the top casting agencies this year.

Cast Partner

Cast Partner is an international casting agency in partnership with well-known brands such as Harper’s Bazaar, Louis Vuitton, and GAP. With five offices worldwide, Cast Partner offers an extensive casting service focusing on building and maintaining relationships and representing multiple cultures and ethnicities.

Services

• Influencer casting
• Product seeding
• Talent payment
• Engagement tracking 
• Fee negotiation
• Usage payment
• Onboarding 
• Marketing tools
• Creative casting 

Dan Bell Casting

Dan Bell Casting Inc. has been a leader in the real people casting industry for over two decades. They focus on seeking out faces that make a lasting impression and are relatable to the public. Dan Bell Casting has provided casting services for Adidas, Beyonce, and Disney.

Services

• Real people casting
• Traditional casting
• Athlete casting 
• Body-double casting

DM Casting

DM Casting Agency is a full-service fashion casting company with offices in Los Angeles, New York City, Paris, and Rome. They specialize in casting for fashion shows, magazine covers and editorials, brand ambassadorships, and more. Some major luxury brands DM Casting has worked with include Victoria Beckham, Tom Ford, Givenchy, and Versace.

Services

• Casting for fashion shows, advertising campaigns, covers, and editorials
• Casting for special projects 
• Talent ambassadorships

Engage Artists Agency

Engage Artist Agency, founded in 2015, is a casting agency that represents actors, singers and musicians, dancers, writers, and mainly casts for film and television. This agency works to support talent in building and growing their careers. Besides casting, they periodically accept booking inquiries and submissions for film and television castings. 

Services: Film and television casting

Good People Casting

Good People Casting is a full-service casting agency that casts nationally and internationally. This agency has experience finding difficult-to-find talent and niche casts but is specialized in the traditional casting process. Over the years, Good People Casting has worked with top brands such as Facebook, H&M, Gia Coppola, Google, and more. 

Services

• Real people casting
• Film and television casting
• Texas casting
• Music video casting
• Non-union comic casting
• Voice-over casting
• Spanish and bilingual casting

JN Casting

JN Casting has been in business since 2001, providing comprehensive production and casting services to clients worldwide. They specialize in finding the best talent for fashion, film, sports, and tech projects for clients ranging from high-end and high-street fashion labels to cutting-edge or iconic lifestyle brands. JN Casting has worked on campaigns for brands such as Samsung, Macy’s, and UNIQLO. 

Services

• Traditional casting 
• Real people casting
• Influencer casting
• Fashion casting
• Film and television casting
• Athlete casting
• Casting for advertising across all editorial and digital platforms
• Production launches
• Store openings
• Brand dinners
• Contract negotiations

Mel and Liz Casting

Mel and Liz Casting have worked for the last 14 years to find the best talent and faces for global  brands and companies. They have had the opportunity to cast for commercials, beauty campaigns, testimonials, print, and more. Some of their most notable collaborations are Barbie, Google, and Verizon. 

Services

• Real people casting
• Commercial casting
• Comic casting
• Voice-over casting
• Beauty campaign casting
• Print campaign casting
• Spanish Language casting

Red Penny

Red Penny is a casting agency with over 20 years of experience crafting flexible, custom solutions to fit the scope, timing, budget, and creative criteria of their clients’ projects. Red Penny specializes in commercials, lifestyle, fashion, street, and real people casting with past clients including Chase Bank, Mercedes Benz, Cadillac, Chevron, and Microsoft. 

Services

• Real people casting 
• Talent social media statistics and tracking
• Interactive casting and talent management tools
• Talent data management

Rich King Casting

Rich King Casting has been in the game for decades with major credits such as the Kill Bill Franchise, Big Little Lies, Sully, and more under their belt. Spearheaded by casting director Rich King, they look for talent in any capacity, whether they are real people, extras, or performers for their projects. 

Services

• Film and television casting 
• Real people casting 

Shay Nielson Casting

Shay Nielsen Casting is a worldwide casting agency and creative consultancy that collaborates with clients to select the best talent for editorial, movie productions, and advertising campaigns. They also specialize in street casting and discovering fresh and unconventional talent globally. Shay Nielsen has collaborated with Adidas, Balmain, Dior, Diesel, and Chanel brands.

Services

• Fashion casting
• Street casting
• Film and television casting 
• Advertising and editorial casting
• Commercial casting
• Beauty casting

Wulf Casting

Wulf Casting is a highly acclaimed, comprehensive casting studio specializing in casting for commercials, print ads, fashion campaigns, comedy, and branded content. With over ten years of experience, Wulf Casting has established a strong track record of working with influential brands such as Nintendo, Vogue, and Dior.

Services

• Traditional casting
• Real people casting
• Beauty and fashion casting 
• Specialty talent casting
• Casting for music videos
• Film and television casting (union & non-union actors)
• Children casting 
• Photography
• Production consulting

Zan Casting

Zan Casting focuses on discovering unique and genuine talent to help tell stories. They strive to create strong connections with their talent and clients and have experience working with famous figures and influencers. They source their talent through worldwide street casting and have teamed up with West Elm, Vera Wang, Netflix, Instagram, and others. 

Services

• Global street casting
• Real people casting
• Footage research
• User-generated content
• Influencer and celebrity negotiation
• Voice-over casting
• Talent support
• Commercial casting
• Fashion casting
• Film casting

How to Choose the Best Casting Agency in Los Angeles

As a producer, you know that each production or project you work on is unique and requires the best of the best to make the vision come alive. That’s why we made LÜK Network–a production management love letter to all the producers out there. 

LÜK Network is dedicated to streamlining the booking and production process for producers and teams. We have created an exhaustive platform that assists producers in booking talent, scheduling crews, sending independent contractor payments, managing taxes, and more.

We’d love to show you everything we can do.

Don’t miss the opportunity to create unforgettable images in the City of Angels. Discover how LÜK Network can enhance your Los Angeles production experience to transform your creative vision into a captivating reality.