StarNow Australia
A popular casting platform in the Australian and New Zealand market
Overview
StarNow originated in New Zealand and has grown into one of the most popular casting platforms in the Australasian market. It connects actors, models, musicians, and other performers with casting opportunities across film, television, commercials, and live events.
The platform offers both free and premium memberships, with premium users enjoying unlimited applications and enhanced profile visibility. StarNow is particularly popular for independent productions and emerging talent.
How It Works
StarNow covers opportunities across Australia and New Zealand, making it a useful tool for actors working in both countries. The platform also features opportunities in modeling, extras work, and voiceover.
Free accounts allow limited applications per month, while premium memberships unlock full access to all features. Premium pricing is competitive and accessible for actors at all career stages.
Who Uses It
StarNow is an excellent supplement to Showcast for Australian actors, particularly those building early credits. Its strong presence in New Zealand also makes it valuable for actors working across both markets. The platform has expanded beyond its Australasian roots to include opportunities in the UK and other international markets, though its strongest presence remains in Australia and New Zealand. StarNow's accessibility and broad scope make it a popular first platform for actors entering the industry.
Pricing & Plans
StarNow offers a free basic membership that allows actors to create a profile and apply to a limited number of casting calls per month. Premium membership, which unlocks unlimited applications and enhanced profile features, costs approximately A$30 per month or A$200 per year. The premium tier also provides priority placement in casting director searches and the ability to see who has viewed your profile. Compared to Showcast's flat A$180 annual fee, StarNow's premium pricing is similar but includes access to a broader range of opportunity types beyond traditional casting. The free tier is genuinely useful for actors who want to test the platform before committing financially. Overall, StarNow offers strong value at its price point, particularly for actors who are applying to a high volume of opportunities across multiple categories.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
StarNow's free tier provides a genuine entry point for actors who are not ready to invest financially in their career, removing a significant barrier to getting started. The platform covers a wider range of opportunities than Showcast, including modeling, extras work, voiceover, music videos, and live events, which is valuable for performers with diverse skills. The cross-market coverage of both Australia and New Zealand is a unique advantage that no other single platform offers as effectively. StarNow's user interface is modern and intuitive, making profile creation and application submission straightforward even for newcomers. The platform is well suited for independent and emerging productions that may not use traditional casting channels. StarNow's notification system alerts actors to new opportunities matching their profile, helping them stay responsive to time-sensitive casting calls.
What Could Be Better
StarNow's open platform model means the quality of casting opportunities varies widely, and actors must exercise judgment to avoid unprofessional or exploitative postings. The platform is not as universally respected among established casting directors as Showcast, meaning serious professional opportunities may be less common. The free tier's limited monthly applications can be frustrating for active job seekers and may push users toward premium membership prematurely. The broad scope of the platform, covering everything from professional film to student projects, can make it time-consuming to filter for relevant opportunities. Some actors report receiving spam or low-quality inquiries through the platform, requiring vigilance about which projects to pursue. StarNow's crediting system and profile verification are less rigorous than Showcast's, which can attract unverified or amateur posters.
Our Recommendation
StarNow is an excellent first casting platform for actors in Australia and New Zealand who are building their resumes and seeking early career experience. It is particularly valuable as a supplement to Showcast, giving actors access to a wider range of opportunities including independent projects, student films, and non-traditional casting. Experienced professional actors with strong agency representation may find StarNow less useful, as their agents will handle most submissions through Showcast directly. We recommend the free tier for actors who are just starting out, with an upgrade to premium once you are actively applying to opportunities on a regular basis. Actors working across both the Australian and New Zealand markets will find StarNow especially valuable for its cross-border coverage. Those who are concerned about encountering unprofessional postings should research each project thoroughly before applying or accepting any role.
Pro Tips
Create a thorough profile with professional headshots and a showreel if possible, as the quality of your profile directly affects the caliber of opportunities you attract on StarNow. Use the platform's search filters aggressively to focus on paid, professional opportunities rather than browsing the entire listings, which can be overwhelming. Read casting notices carefully and research the production company or poster before applying to ensure the project is legitimate and worth your time. When responding to casting calls, write personalized cover notes that demonstrate you have read the brief and explain why you are right for the role. Track your applications and responses to develop a sense of which types of opportunities yield the best results for your profile. Maintain profiles on both StarNow and Showcast simultaneously, as using both platforms maximizes your visibility across the full spectrum of the Australian casting landscape.