ZAV Künstlervermittlung
Germany's state-run artist placement service offering free casting and job matching
Overview
ZAV Künstlervermittlung is a division of the German Federal Employment Agency that provides free job placement services specifically for artists, including actors, musicians, and other performers. It is a unique government-run service with no equivalent in most other countries.
The service connects actors with casting opportunities across film, television, theatre, and commercials in Germany. ZAV agents actively match registered actors with suitable roles based on their profiles and experience.
How It Works
Because ZAV is a government service, it is completely free for both actors and employers. This makes it an invaluable resource for actors who cannot afford commercial casting platforms or agency representation.
Registration and all services are provided at no cost. Actors meet with ZAV agents who assess their skills and connect them with appropriate opportunities as they arise.
Who Uses It
ZAV is a remarkable resource that is often underutilized by actors unfamiliar with the German system. For actors based in or moving to Germany, registering with ZAV is a critical first step alongside commercial platforms. The service operates regional offices in major cities including Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Cologne, each with agents who have deep knowledge of their local entertainment markets. ZAV has adapted to the digital age by allowing actors to submit profiles and materials electronically, though in-person meetings with agents remain an important part of the process.
Pricing & Plans
ZAV Künstlervermittlung is entirely free for actors, as it is funded by the German federal government through the Bundesagentur für Arbeit, the Federal Employment Agency. There are no membership fees, subscription costs, or per-submission charges at any point in the process. This makes ZAV unique among casting and talent placement services worldwide, as virtually every comparable service in other countries charges actors for access. The absence of any financial barrier means that actors at every career stage, from recent drama school graduates to established professionals, can benefit equally from the service. Compared to commercial German platforms like Filmmakers.de or e-TALENTA, ZAV offers the same core placement function at zero cost, though with a different approach focused on agent-mediated matching rather than self-service browsing. The only requirement is that actors must be legally eligible to work in Germany, which includes EU citizens and holders of appropriate work visas. The cost savings are particularly significant for actors who are early in their careers and cannot yet afford multiple platform subscriptions.
Pros & Cons
What's Great
The most significant advantage of ZAV is that it is completely free, removing the financial barriers that prevent many actors from accessing professional casting services. ZAV agents are experienced professionals with genuine industry connections, and their personal recommendations carry weight with casting directors who trust the agency's vetting process. The government backing means the service is stable, well-funded, and not subject to the market pressures that can compromise commercial platforms. ZAV covers the full spectrum of performing arts work including film, television, theatre, commercials, voiceover, and live events, providing comprehensive market access. The regional office structure means actors receive locally relevant opportunities matched to the production activity in their area. ZAV agents take a proactive approach, actively reaching out to actors on their roster when suitable opportunities arise rather than waiting for actors to browse and apply.
What Could Be Better
ZAV operates within a bureaucratic government structure, which means the process of registering and getting matched with opportunities can be slower and more formal than commercial platforms. The service is only useful for actors who are based in Germany or planning to relocate there, as ZAV does not handle international placements or remote casting for productions outside Germany. Not all casting directors use ZAV, particularly those working on high-profile international co-productions who may prefer commercial platforms with broader talent pools. The quality and responsiveness of individual ZAV agents can vary by office, and actors may find that some agents are more proactive and better connected than others. ZAV does not provide the kind of self-service browsing experience that actors accustomed to platforms like Actors Access or Casting Networks expect, which can feel limiting. The system works best for actors who are patient and maintain regular contact with their assigned agent, which requires a different mindset than the apply-and-wait approach of online platforms.
Our Recommendation
We recommend that every actor legally eligible to work in Germany register with ZAV immediately, regardless of their career stage or whether they already have commercial platform subscriptions or agent representation. The service costs nothing and provides access to opportunities that may not appear on any commercial platform, making it a risk-free addition to any actor's toolkit. Actors relocating to Germany from other countries should contact their nearest ZAV office as one of their first steps in establishing themselves in the German market. However, ZAV should not be relied upon as an actor's sole source of opportunities, as the service works best when combined with commercial platforms like e-TALENTA and Filmmakers.de. Actors who prefer a highly self-directed job search may find ZAV's agent-mediated model frustrating, but the trade-off is access to vetted, quality opportunities. For non-German-speaking actors, be aware that interactions with ZAV are conducted primarily in German, so language proficiency is essential.
Pro Tips
Schedule an in-person meeting at your nearest ZAV office rather than relying solely on electronic communication, as face-to-face contact with your assigned agent significantly increases the likelihood of being remembered and recommended for suitable roles. Bring a complete, professional portfolio to your initial meeting including high-quality headshots, a current CV in German format, and any showreel material you have available. Follow up with your ZAV agent every four to six weeks to stay on their radar without being intrusive, as agents manage large rosters and proactive actors receive more attention. Keep your ZAV profile updated whenever you gain new credits, skills, or training, since outdated profiles lead to missed opportunities when agents search their databases. Ask your ZAV agent for specific feedback on what types of roles are currently in demand in your region, as this insider knowledge can help you focus your training and marketing efforts. If you are not satisfied with the service at one regional office, you can request a transfer to another location, as the quality of service varies and finding the right agent match can make a significant difference.