Casting Networks

Casting Networks, originally known as LA Casting, was founded in Los Angeles and has grown into one of the most powerful digital casting ecosystems in the entertainment industry. The platform was built specifically to serve the needs of casting directors in the Los Angeles market, where it became the dominant submission and scheduling tool used by many of the biggest casting offices in film and television. Over the years, Casting Networks expanded beyond LA to serve New York, Atlanta, Chicago, and other major production hubs, and it now handles millions of actor submissions annually. The platform was acquired by Talent Systems LLC (which also owns Spotlight in the UK), creating a global casting technology conglomerate that connects actors and casting professionals across multiple markets. Casting Networks has played a particularly significant role in shaping how the commercial casting process works in the United States, with many commercial casting directors using it as their exclusive platform.

What makes Casting Networks distinct from Actors Access or Backstage is its deep integration with the casting office workflow — the platform is not just a submission portal but a full production management tool that casting directors use to schedule auditions, send callback notifications, and manage talent databases. For actors, this means that having a presence on Casting Networks often gives you access to a category of casting opportunities — particularly in the commercial and episodic television space — that may not appear on other platforms. The platform has also invested heavily in technology features like virtual audition rooms and AI-enhanced talent search that make it attractive to casting offices looking for modern solutions. Casting Networks' relationship with Spotlight means that actors working across both the U.S. and UK markets can benefit from a connected ecosystem. For Los Angeles-based actors in particular, Casting Networks is not just useful — it is often required by casting offices that use it as their primary tool.

Creating an account on Casting Networks is free and gives you access to basic features including two headshot uploads, one video, and one audio file on your profile. To start using the platform, you sign up at castingnetworks.com, complete your profile with headshots, resume, physical stats, and any additional media. Free account holders can view breakdowns on the Casting Billboard (the platform's self-submission board) and respond to casting requests sent directly to them by casting directors. However, full submission capabilities and unlimited media uploads require a premium membership. If you have an agent, they can submit you for roles through the platform at no additional cost to you — in fact, many actors first encounter Casting Networks when their agent tells them they need a profile. The signup process includes verification of your profile information, and the platform encourages professional-quality headshots and materials.

The daily experience of using Casting Networks varies depending on whether you are self-submitting or relying primarily on agent submissions. For self-submitting actors, the Casting Billboard feature lets you browse and submit for available roles, similar to Actors Access breakdowns. Premium members get access to additional features including unlimited self-submissions, the Your Auditions feature for tracking submission status, Role Tracker for monitoring roles you are interested in, and Talent Scout which notifies you of new opportunities matching your profile. The platform's scheduling integration means that when you book an audition, you receive appointment details, directions, and any sides directly through the app. Casting Networks' mobile app is well-designed for on-the-go use, and the notification system keeps you updated on new breakdowns, audition schedules, and callback information. For represented actors, much of the platform's value comes from the agent-side workflow — your agent submits you, casting schedules you, and all communication flows through the platform.

Casting Networks has its strongest user base among professional actors working in the Los Angeles market, where it is often the default platform for commercial, episodic, and film casting. SAG-AFTRA actors with representation make up a large portion of the platform's active users, as many agencies use Casting Networks as their primary submission tool alongside Breakdown Services. However, the platform also serves non-union actors and those without representation through its self-submission features. The platform has grown significantly in New York, Atlanta, and other markets as production has decentralized beyond Los Angeles. Commercial actors in particular rely heavily on Casting Networks, as many of the top commercial casting directors in the country use it exclusively. The platform is also used by voiceover artists, models, and other performers, though its core strength remains in on-camera acting for film, television, and commercials.

Casting Networks operates on a freemium model with a meaningful gap between free and premium features. Free accounts include two headshot uploads, one video, one audio file, and the ability to respond to direct casting requests and browse the Casting Billboard. Premium membership costs $29.99 per month or $299.90 per year, and unlocks unlimited photo, video, and audio uploads, unlimited Casting Billboard self-submissions, the Your Auditions tracking feature, Role Tracker, Talent Scout notifications, and the ability to create custom video reels through the iOS app. There are no per-submission fees for premium members. The annual plan offers a slight discount over monthly billing. It is worth noting that in late 2025, Casting Networks introduced subscription fees for talent agents and managers (approximately $400/month scaled by roster size), which generated significant industry controversy — this does not directly affect actor pricing but may influence how agents interact with the platform going forward.

If you are a professional actor based in Los Angeles working in film, television, or commercials, Casting Networks premium membership is close to essential — many casting offices simply require it, and not having a profile means missing opportunities. Represented actors in LA should absolutely have at least a free profile, as your agent likely submits through the platform. For actors in New York and Atlanta, the platform is increasingly important but not yet as dominant as it is in LA. If you are on a tight budget and must choose between platforms, prioritize Actors Access first for its lower cost and broader coverage, then add Casting Networks when you can afford it. Actors focused primarily on theatre, indie film, or the UK market will find less value here compared to Backstage or Spotlight respectively. If you are an actor who works heavily in commercials, Casting Networks should be near the top of your investment priority list.

If your agent submits through Casting Networks, ask them to confirm that your profile is fully optimized — agents can see your profile differently than you can, and they may notice issues you have missed. Upload the maximum number of headshot looks your membership allows, including distinct commercial and theatrical shots, as casting directors often search the talent database by look and type. Keep your resume updated on Casting Networks separately from your other platforms — do not assume that updating one profile updates them all. Check the Casting Billboard daily even if you have an agent, as self-submission opportunities can surface roles your agent may not have targeted. Set up Talent Scout notifications for your specific casting types so you receive alerts for relevant new breakdowns. If you are debating between monthly and annual billing, commit to the annual plan only after you have used the monthly option for at least two months to confirm the platform is generating meaningful opportunities in your market.