Want to make it big on Netflix like The Crown’s Emma Corrin, Bridgerton’s Regé-Jean Page, and Stranger Things’ Millie Bobby Brown? Then it’s time to learn how auditions for the streamer work in the UK, which is home to production on shows like LGBTQ+ rom-com Heartstopper and fantasy drama The Witcher.
Keen to get noticed by the global streamer? Here’s everything you need to know.
Research which production companies are filming in the UK and Ireland.
Netflix doesn’t actually make its shows; rather, individual production companies cast, film, and sell them to the streamer. Finding out which producers and casting directors are behind a particular series is the first step to getting into the room where it happens.
Luckily, there are plenty of hit Netflix shows that have filmed in the UK, such as the recent miniseries One Day, starring Ambika Mod and Leo Woodall, which was produced by British-German company Drama Republic. It garnered great reviews, raised the profiles of its leads, and became part of the cultural conversation. Murder mystery Bodies, starring Stephen Graham, shot in Yorkshire and was made by London-based company Moonage Pictures.
If a CD has cast one Netflix show, it’s likely they will again. One Day CD Rachel Sheridan shared advice for budding actors in an interview with Spotlight: “Always read the instructions given. It seems simple, but it’s not always the case; and just be as prepared as possible. I don’t think performers ever need to worry about standing out. Just go into the audition and do your best work. If you’ve been sent the script, read it, and be as prepared as possible.
“I’m very sympathetic; I know that actors have lots going on, and I try to give [them] plenty of time,” she continued. “It’s not always possible for them to be completely off-book, and I’ve never worried about that. I’d rather you spend the time thinking about the character and understanding the role rather than just learning the lines. My advice is to leave knowing that you’ve done your best. If you’ve come into the room, know that you’re logged in the casting director’s mind.”
Keep your eyes and ears open for casting announcements—in particular, shows that have the potential to be renewed for future series, such as Wednesday, Bridgerton, and The Witcher.
Watch shows on Netflix—but don’t chill!
Dig into the streamer’s original shows to get an idea of what’s being commissioned and who’s getting cast. Consider what kinds of programmes you’d like to work on, whose career paths you admire, and which buzzy series resonate with you.
Global hit Sex Education was Eleven Films’ first commission for the streamer. The series launched the careers of actors like Ncuti Gatwa and Emma Mackey, and employed plenty of talented British creatives. Netflix also bet big on British adaptations of nine thrillers by bestselling novelist Harlan Coben, including Fool Me Once, which starred Michelle Keegan.
Netflix’s investment in UK productions won’t stop anytime soon; the streamer has made Shepperton Studios its production headquarters and poured billions into British-made shows.
Netflix casting directors to know
Here are a few CDs who have put together the ensembles for major Netflix productions in the UK.
- Kelly Valentine Hendry (Bridgerton)
- Sophie Holland (The Witcher, Wednesday)
- Rachel Sheridan (One Day)
- Orla Maxwell (multiple Harlan Coben series)
- Lauren Evans (Sex Education)
- Robert Sterne and Nina Gold (The Crown)
Once you know CDs’ names, look up their details on the Casting Directors’ Guild website. Most will specify how they prefer to be contacted. If a CD asks you to connect via email, include a short intro saying hello, and attach your acting CV and headshot. Be concise and polite, and make sure the subject of your email is direct and to the point. Remember, casting directors are busy people.
If you’ve got an agent, they’ll likely already know the CDs to hit up. If you don’t have representation, don’t worry—casting directors love nothing more than unearthing undiscovered talent. Though One Day’s Jonny Weldon did have an agent at the time, Sheridan discovered him via the comedy sketches he posted on social media.
Stay positive.
Remember, casting directors are on your side—they want you to get the part. Bridgerton CD Kelly Valentine Hendry told Backstage, “Actors, you must know that people want you to do well. We aren’t against you. When you walk into our room or send us a self-tape, I assure you that we want it to be ‘the one.’ Take care of yourself mentally and physically; you are your business. And don’t listen to the negativity of others.”