StarNow UK
A global casting platform with a strong UK presence for actors and performers
Overview
StarNow is a global casting and audition platform that connects performers with opportunities in film, TV, theatre, modeling, and music. Its UK section features a steady flow of castings from independent productions and commercial projects.
Actors create profiles showcasing their headshots, showreels, and credits, then apply to relevant casting notices. Free members can apply to a limited number of castings per month, while premium members enjoy unlimited access.
How It Works
StarNow is popular with newer actors, student filmmakers, and low-budget productions, making it a useful tool for building early credits. The platform also features opportunities in modeling, voiceover, and extras work.
Free accounts are available with limited applications, while premium memberships unlock full features. Premium plans are competitively priced compared to other UK casting platforms.
Who Uses It
A good entry-level casting resource for UK-based actors who are just starting out or looking to supplement their Spotlight and Mandy activity. The platform's international reach also opens doors to global opportunities. StarNow originated in New Zealand and has built a strong presence across the UK, Australia, and other English-speaking markets, giving users access to a genuinely global talent network. The platform also provides useful resources for beginners, including guides on creating effective profiles and preparing for auditions.
Pricing & Plans
StarNow offers a free basic membership that allows actors to create a profile and apply to a limited number of casting calls each month. Premium membership, branded as StarNow Gold, costs approximately £12.49 per month or around £74.99 when paid annually, unlocking unlimited applications and enhanced profile features. The premium tier includes priority placement in search results, the ability to see who has viewed your profile, and access to all casting calls including those restricted to premium members only. Compared to Mandy's premium pricing, StarNow is in a similar range, though the platforms differ in the types of castings they attract. There is no per-submission fee, making it straightforward to budget for as a monthly or annual expense. The free tier is functional enough for actors who are exploring the platform or only applying to occasional roles. For the price, StarNow Gold offers reasonable value, particularly for actors who use the platform's international features to access castings in multiple countries.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
StarNow's global reach is its standout feature, allowing UK actors to discover and apply for castings in Australia, New Zealand, the US, and other markets without needing separate platform memberships. The platform is welcoming to actors at all experience levels, with no professional credential requirements for registration, making it ideal for beginners building their first credits. The profile system is modern and user-friendly, supporting photos, video reels, and audio samples in a clean layout that casting directors can easily browse. StarNow's notification system is effective at alerting actors to new castings matching their profile criteria, helping them respond quickly to time-sensitive opportunities. The platform includes opportunities across a wide range of categories including acting, modeling, voiceover, extras, and live events, providing diverse paths for performers. Casting directors can search the database directly, meaning actors may receive unsolicited audition invitations even without actively applying.
What Could Be Better
The quality of casting calls on StarNow varies significantly, with a large proportion of unpaid and low-budget opportunities that may not be worth a professional actor's time. StarNow does not have the industry prestige of Spotlight, and established casting directors for major UK productions rarely use it as their primary platform. The free tier's application limits can be frustrating, particularly during busy casting periods when multiple interesting opportunities appear simultaneously. Because StarNow is open to everyone, the competition for popular castings can be intense, with some listings receiving hundreds of applications from actors of widely varying experience levels. The platform's verification process for casting notices is less rigorous than Spotlight's, increasing the risk of encountering questionable or unprofessional listings. Actors who rely solely on StarNow without also using Spotlight or Mandy will miss the majority of professional UK casting opportunities.
Our Recommendation
We recommend StarNow as a supplementary platform for UK actors, particularly those who are early in their careers or seeking work across multiple international markets. It works best alongside Spotlight and Mandy rather than as a standalone casting resource, since the highest-quality UK castings typically appear on those more established platforms. For actors in Australia and New Zealand, StarNow carries more weight and may serve as a primary casting tool alongside local platforms like Showcast. If you are an experienced professional with Spotlight membership, StarNow is unlikely to add significant value to your UK casting efforts but may be worth exploring for international opportunities. Beginners will find StarNow a low-risk way to start learning the audition submission process and building credits on independent projects. The free tier is sufficient for casual exploration, but serious users should budget for the premium membership to maximize the platform's utility.
Pro Tips
Treat StarNow as one part of a multi-platform casting strategy rather than your sole source of auditions, and allocate your time accordingly. Use the platform's international features to explore opportunities in markets beyond the UK, as this global reach is StarNow's unique advantage over competitors. When applying to unpaid or low-budget castings, research the production team and read the full listing carefully to ensure the project is worth your investment of time and effort. Keep your profile fresh by updating your headshots and reel regularly, as profiles with recent content are favored by the search algorithm. Take advantage of the profile analytics available to premium members to understand which aspects of your profile are attracting attention and which may need improvement. If you receive an audition invitation from an unfamiliar casting director, verify their credentials independently before attending any in-person meetings, as open platforms occasionally attract non-legitimate postings.