The Casting Collective Reviews 

I’ve been on the books of casting collective for 3 years and had my first opportunity today. Some people may say 3 years is a long time, but to be honest take 1 year off for the pandemic. In that time I have been patient, confirming my availability if they’ve come up or declining ones in which I knew I wouldn’t be suitable (I don’t have much hair 😀). At times I’d be released and that’s fine too. I didn’t expect to make a living from this so continued my life as normal but always ready to be flexible. When a major one came up last year it was all a go for me until the lockdown occurred right after my costume fitting. But it was an experience and I met a few good people while I was there. I was still paid for the time I was there and it enough for a weeks shopping! Like I said I don’t expect to make a living and as extras (or supporting artists) why should you. Patience is the key.
I accepted another one after 16 months and after a 2 day delay because of the hot weather it was all go. Time to be flexible. Laura probably works her socks off but some reviewers may not see that, instead looking for the end result. Once I was booked on everything went smoothly, my willingness to be flexible playing its part and Laura and her team doing the rest. The instructions she gave were clear, precise. What would be expected of us on set was explained clearly. Even a choice of dinner options was offered. On set, everyone was friendly, polite, respectful, made sure we were comfortable (and well fed), patient, understanding (when I arrived a few minutes late) and most of all….flexible. I had some advice from a friend in the film industry who advised me of certain protocols and what to expect, so I came prepared. But from the moment I arrived to the moment I left everyone in the crew treated us well. Today went smoothly and as my first and only casting as an extra, this would probably be one of the good days. I don’t expect it to always be as good as today, but I do know that Laura and her team will work as hard as humanly possible to try and get us the roles they feel is suitable and then to ensure we are prepared. It’s just up to us to be patient and flexible. Thank you all 👍🏿

To be very frank, CC are one of the better agencies. Trustworthy and reliable. I've been signed up with them for over 5 years. They are professional, and they are always on it with being in the run in for jobs, sometimes for some very big productions, others with a massive buyout fee (i.e commercial). You know that they are actively busy, as you frequently get contacted by various of their bookers for jobs, sometimes in the same day! Yes, there are lots of 'releases' but it's not personal, it's just the way the industry works, you will get that at any good agency. They have at least put you forward, as it's their job to do. They present the artists to the production company. Their payments are timely and you never have any issues with being paid what you're owed. If you have any issues, someone will get back to you via email asap, at least you know your emails aren't being ignored. As someone who is well versed in being a supporting artist for various agencies, and now do this kind of work full time, please take my word for it. They are worth signing up with.

i have worked for casting collective now for a few years, and to be totally honest, they have been amazing "
i have been in some amazing productions,
harry potter, solo( star wars),the huntsman, the foreigner ,jackie chan The huntsman, chris hemsworth, i was in the film ,The counceler, Ridley scott"film while i was there ridley scott asked me to do a scene for him , so i'm also in the trailer for the film , plus the new black widow" and many more , the guys in the office , do a great job for me,, i am very thankful,
for casting collective,,

Wow. I was just about to sign up with them but after reading how they treat their Artists, I think I rather spend my money somewhere else. They must have forgotten that their clients are actually their Bosses and not the way round.

My first ever experience of film work.
Laura Sheppard at Casting Collective must be one of the hardest working people on the planet. Despite being messed about something rotten by an ever-shifting filming schedule, she never left me in any doubt when I had to be where: texts at 6am, phone calls at 11pm... and always with good humour. Very impressed.

I am disappointed with Casting Collective. I first used them a couple of years ago, and would get emails and texts at the last minute asking if I was available for a job the next morning. I would reply 'yes' and then hear nothing back from them at all.

After some time and in-between jobs I decided to give them another go, recently updating my profile. Ironically, I had more information and photos then before, but I was told my photos could not be accepted. I think CC need to consider that 1. We are in a pandemic, 2. We are in lockdown and 3. Many people are living alone or self-isolating, so it is less easy to get i.e full body professional photographs, wearing a suit, if you do not have the professional tools or another person to take them for you. If they want recent and accurate pictures, 'selfies' or pictures taken in a mirror should be acceptable under extraordinary circumstances, unless they want me to do what many others seem to do and upload photos of myself from five years ago.

Unreliable, sign up with other agencies, do not rely on them. You can get tons of offers by emails and not 1 day of work. Run....

Casting Collective are one of the better agencies the don't promise or offer a lot, but it seems the more you reply the more you are offered but don't get. The £75 registration fee is questionable as artists have to pay for their pictures, DBS checks and other things so it is easy money for the agency just in book fees.

I have been registered with casting collective for about 3 years now and in that time have not received any work whatsoever. I have however been strung along on numerous occasions with the possibility of work. They will ask for your availability for a particular filming day/days, usually over a month in advance. They address the email to you and try to make it seem personal as though you have been chosen particularly from the books; when in reality it is an automated email sent to thousands.You are told that if you accept that you must keep all these dates free plus the costume fitting days. This has happened to me countless times and I have kept these dates free and been strung along, sometimes only at 11pm the evening before the fitting receiving an automated email saying "sorry you haven't been chosen this time" I believe casting collective knows this much earlier but withhold this information to keep a reserve of people on their books just in case the casting director decides they need any more at the last minute. It really is very unprofessional and a poor way to treat people.

They also frequently request availability in the early hours of morning when there is no public transport and make it clear that there will be no car parking provided, no transportation costs covered and no accommodation. Often, this is also in a completely different city to the one in which you live. The pay is not good to begin with and I fail to see why anyone would bother if they had to pay to get a taxi to the set at 3 in the morning. Casting collective will then proceed to take 15% + VAT from your wages plus an annual admin fee of £20 (£75 in London) off your first days pay! So even if you did ever manage to be cast in something I doubt you would even be earning minimum wage.

The final straw for me was recently being contacted for my availability for filming taking place in the North West. It would supposedly be a "high end" funeral scene. I initially accepted but have now been told weeks later that they have everyone they want and will now only consider people providing their own high end, all black funeral attire. So in order to be considered you must waste your own time getting dressed up in said outfit, then take photographs of your outfit, hair, and makeup and send them off whilst being thankful for the very slim possibility you might be chosen as a last resort.

Trying to contact anyone from the casting team with any queries is pointless, you will get no response.

My advice is don't use this company unless you want to be messed about and have your time wasted. I feel they take advantage of people who are trying to get into the film industry. Do your research; there are other more professional casting companies out there.