20 Best Casting Agencies in New York City

The #1 Could Be Yours. We’ll Review Your Agency And Rank You On This List.
To Apply:

Casting agencies are really important in everyday production for choosing the right candidates suitable for different commercials, TV, film, and radio projects.

These agencies have experienced directors and producers who can clearly identify emerging trends and the needs of film producers to find the right talent for every scene.

New York City is one of the most happening places for actors, models, dancers, and other artists to find the top characters in different commercial and film projects.

If you are looking for an acting role in New York City, it is best to apply online through casting agencies to land your dream job.

You will find the top casting agencies in New York City with great reputations and experience to choose the right talents for different animation, TV, film, and commercial projects.

They act as a middleman between the actors and the production team and help prepare the actors for their roles.

A casting agency specializes in finding and selecting actors, models, and talent for various media productions, such as films, television shows, commercials, and photo shoots. They work with production companies, directors, and advertising agencies to provide the right talent for specific roles and projects, ensuring a seamless casting process.

A casting agency provides a range of services to match talent with the right roles in various media productions. Here are the key activities they undertake:

  • Talent Sourcing:
    • Identify and recruit actors, models, and other talent through auditions, open calls, and scouting.
  • Casting Calls and Auditions:
    • Organize and manage casting calls and auditions, ensuring a smooth and efficient process for both talent and clients.
  • Talent Database Management:
    • Maintain a comprehensive database of talent, including detailed profiles, headshots, and demo reels.
  • Role Matching:
    • Match talent with suitable roles based on the requirements of the production, such as age, look, skills, and experience.
  • Contract Negotiation:
    • Negotiate contracts and fees between the talent and the production companies, ensuring fair terms for both parties.
  • Coordination and Scheduling:
    • Coordinate schedules between talent and production teams to ensure availability and smooth collaboration.
  • Client Consultation:
    • Work closely with production companies, directors, and advertising agencies to understand their needs and provide tailored casting solutions.
  • Talent Development:
    • Provide guidance and coaching to talent to enhance their skills and marketability.
  • Marketing and Promotion:
    • Promote talent to potential clients through various channels, including online platforms and industry events.

By offering these services, a casting agency helps streamline the casting process, ensuring that the right talent is selected efficiently and effectively for each project.

Casting agencies play a crucial role in the entertainment industry, helping actors, musicians, models, and other performers find work. They help secure auditions, negotiate contracts, and manage careers. But how much do they charge for their services? Let’s break it down.

Commission-Based Fees

Casting agencies typically charge a commission on the work they secure for their clients. This commission usually ranges from 10% to 20% of the client’s earnings. For example, if an actor lands a role that pays $10,000, and their casting agent charges a 15% commission, the agent would earn $1,500. Importantly, casting agents can’t charge upfront fees, so they only get paid when they find work for their clients. This ensures they’re motivated to secure gigs.

Additional Costs

Some casting agencies might charge a small marketing fee to cover the cost of creating and distributing promotional materials for their clients, like headshots and demo reels. This is usually a one-time charge and is significantly lower than the commission. Always check the terms and conditions of these fees to ensure they provide good value.

Factors That Influence Costs

Several factors can influence how much a casting agency charges:

  • Scope of Services: The more services an agency offers, like talent scouting and contract negotiation, the higher the cost might be.
  • Talent Level: High-profile or specialized talent might command higher commissions.
  • Project Budget: Bigger projects with larger budgets often result in higher commissions due to increased complexity and workload.

Hiring a casting agency can be a game-changer for anyone in the entertainment industry. Here’s why partnering with a casting agency is a smart move:

Expertise and Network: Casting agencies have extensive networks and industry connections. They know the right people and have access to opportunities that might not be available to the general public. This means you’ll have a better chance of landing auditions and roles that fit your talent and career goals.

Time-Saving: The process of finding auditions, submitting applications, and managing schedules can be incredibly time-consuming. A casting agency handles all of this for you, freeing up your time to focus on honing your craft. They do the legwork, so you don’t have to.

Professional Guidance: Casting agents offer valuable advice and guidance. They can help you improve your resume, provide feedback on your performances, and suggest ways to enhance your marketability. Their insights are based on industry standards and trends, ensuring you’re always a step ahead.

Negotiation Skills: Negotiating contracts can be tricky, especially if you’re new to the industry. Casting agents are skilled negotiators who ensure you get fair compensation and favorable terms. They look out for your best interests and help you navigate the complexities of contracts.

Career Management: A casting agency doesn’t just find you gigs; they help manage your entire career. They offer long-term planning and strategy, helping you make decisions that align with your career goals. This holistic approach ensures sustained growth and success.

Increased Opportunities: With a casting agency, you’re more likely to get a steady stream of opportunities. They actively seek out roles that match your profile and submit you for consideration, increasing your chances of getting noticed by casting directors and producers.

Select the best casting agency by following these steps:

  1. Identify Your Goals:
    • Determine the types of roles you’re aiming for (film, television, theater, commercials).
  2. Research and Shortlist Agencies:
    • Look for agencies with a solid reputation and a proven track record. Check online reviews, industry forums, and ask for recommendations.
  3. Evaluate Their Network:
    • Ensure the agency has strong connections with casting directors, producers, and industry professionals relevant to your goals.
  4. Review Their Client Roster:
    • Look at the talent they currently represent. Successful clients in your desired field indicate a good fit.
  5. Meet with Agents:
    • Schedule meetings to assess their professionalism, communication style, and understanding of your aspirations. Ensure you feel comfortable and confident in their ability to represent you.
  6. Ask About Fees and Contracts:
    • Understand the agency’s fee structure and contract terms. Reputable agencies work on a commission basis, typically taking 10% to 20% of your earnings. Avoid agencies that ask for upfront fees.
  7. Assess Their Support Services:
    • Consider what additional services the agency offers, such as career guidance, audition preparation, and professional development resources.
  8. Trust Your Instincts:
    • Choose an agency that not only meets your professional needs but also feels right on a personal level. Your agent should be someone you trust and feel comfortable working with.

By following these steps, you can choose a casting agency that will effectively support and enhance your career, helping you achieve your professional goals.

Relevant Background

  • Do you have experience working in my specific industry (film, television, theater, commercials)?
  • Can you provide case studies or examples of similar projects you’ve completed?

Company Services and Processes

  • What specific services do you offer beyond casting, such as contract negotiation or career management?
  • How do you develop and execute your casting strategies?
  • What is your process for talent scouting and auditions?
  • Which tools and platforms do you use, and can I have access to them?
  • How do you stay updated with industry trends and changes?

The Project

  • How will you tailor your approach to fit my career goals and needs?
  • What do you believe will be the most effective strategies for my career, and why?
  • How long do you typically take to secure roles for your clients?
  • Who will be working on my account, and what are their qualifications?
  • How do you handle project management and ensure deadlines are met?
  • What will my involvement in the process be, and how often will we communicate?
  • How often will I receive updates on the progress of my casting opportunities?
  • What kind of reports will you provide, and what information will they include?

Budget and Pricing

  • Can you provide a detailed breakdown of your pricing structure?
  • Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?

Long-Term Relationship

  • What ongoing support do you offer after securing a role?
  • How do you handle revisions or changes to the casting strategy?
  • Can you help with other aspects of my career growth, such as marketing or public relations?

These questions will help you understand the agency’s capabilities, their approach to casting, and how well they align with your career needs and goals, aiding you in making an informed decision.

Why spend hours looking for the right agency when you can do it in just 2 minutes? Seriously, our Free Agency Finder is here to save you all that time and effort.

Here’s the Deal:

  1. Quick Survey: Answer a few questions about what you’re looking for. It takes no time at all.
  2. Perfect Matches: We’ll find agencies that fit exactly what you need.
  3. No Stress: Skip the hassle and let us handle the search. Plus, it’s completely free—no hidden costs.

Ready to find the perfect agency without all the fuss? Click the button below and give it a try.

Our Rating Guidelines

AAA Rated Agencies only get this rank if we have sent a client previously and the client has given us positive feedback.

An AAA-rated digital marketing agency demonstrates exceptional expertise, innovation, and results in the field of digital marketing. The agency consistently goes above and beyond to exceed client expectations and industry standards. To achieve this top rating, an agency must exhibit:

  1. Strategic Excellence: The agency devises comprehensive and customized digital marketing strategies that align with clients’ business goals. Strategies show deep understanding of the target audience, market trends, and competition.
  2. Innovative Approach: The agency consistently adopts and implements cutting-edge digital marketing techniques, leveraging emerging technologies and platforms to stay ahead of the curve.
  3. Proven Results: Demonstrates a track record of delivering tangible and measurable results, such as increased website traffic, engagement, conversions, and ROI for clients.
  4. Clear Communication: Maintains transparent and open communication with clients, providing regular updates, performance reports, and insights into ongoing campaigns.
  5. Multi-Channel Mastery: Exhibits proficiency across various digital marketing channels, including but not limited to SEO, SEM, content marketing, social media, email marketing, and influencer collaborations.
  6. Adaptability: Has the ability to adapt strategies quickly in response to changing market conditions, algorithm updates, and client needs.

An AA-rated digital marketing agency demonstrates excellent capabilities and consistently delivers strong results for clients. The agency excels in multiple areas of digital marketing and exhibits qualities such as:

  1. Strategic Proficiency: The agency develops effective digital marketing strategies that align with clients’ objectives and show a good understanding of target audiences.
  2. Effective Implementation: Successfully executes campaigns across various digital channels, showing proficiency in both paid and organic techniques.
  3. Measurable Outcomes: Provides clear evidence of positive outcomes, with data-backed improvements in key performance metrics.
  4. Communication: Maintains proactive communication, sharing progress reports, results, and recommendations on a regular basis.
  5. Diverse Skill Set: Demonstrates expertise in several digital marketing disciplines, adapting to new trends and platforms adequately.

An A-rated digital marketing agency performs well and delivers consistent results for clients. The agency meets the industry standards in various aspects, including:

  1. Strategic Planning: Develops solid digital marketing strategies that address client goals and align with target audience needs.
  2. Execution: Implements campaigns proficiently across multiple channels, driving moderate improvements in online presence and engagement.
  3. Measurable Progress: Presents evidence of positive shifts in relevant performance metrics.
  4. Communication: Maintains regular communication, sharing campaign updates and basic insights with clients.

A B-rated digital marketing agency offers satisfactory services, meeting the basic expectations of clients. The agency demonstrates competence in some areas but may lack consistency or innovation:

  1. Basic Strategy: Creates fundamental digital marketing plans that address client objectives, but may not exhibit exceptional creativity.
  2. Execution Capability: Implements campaigns adequately, resulting in modest improvements in online visibility and engagement.
  3. Limited Results: Presents evidence of incremental changes in performance metrics.
  4. Communication: Communicates periodically, sharing basic progress reports without in-depth analysis.

A C-rated digital marketing agency falls below industry standards in terms of service delivery and results. The agency may struggle with various aspects of digital marketing and might need substantial improvement in:

  1. Strategic Insight: Develops basic strategies that may not effectively align with client goals or target audiences.
  2. Execution Challenges: Struggles with consistent and effective campaign implementation, resulting in limited improvements.
  3. Lackluster Results: Demonstrates minimal positive impact on performance metrics.
  4. Communication Issues: Communicates sporadically, often with limited insights and updates.

Ranked: The Best Casting Agencies In New York City

We’ve shortlisted the best ones for you and made it easy to only contact AAA or AA-rated agencies.

However, before you decide to go with anyone I recommend 2 things:

Either use our agency finder above. Use our expertise and let us help you find the ideal agency for you, from our worldwide contact database.

Or, if you are sure you’d like a local agency, set up meetings with the highly-rated agencies on this list, and test them for clear expectations from you/clear customer qualifications, clear onboarding process, clear long-term focused objectives, and clear communication.

And most important, don’t fall for short-term hacks some poor quality agencies try to sell you on.

Look for long-term strategy, protecting your brand and clear timelines.

1. Central Casting

Central Casting

Founded Year: 1925

Website: centralcasting.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the Agency: Central Casting is a top casting agency in New York City, booking hundreds of actors every day for different roles in the entertainment industry.

It is easy to become a background actor with Central Casting, as you can apply online and get booked for different movies and TV shows.

Case Studies: Pending submission

2. Grant Wilfley Casting

Grant Wilfley Casting

Founded Year: 1992

Website: gwcnyc.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the Agency: Grant Wilfley is a versatile casting agency in New York City, finding the best talents for different TV shows, radio projects, and movies. They offer a complete package to producers and directors to find the best actors for different film projects.

Case Studies: Pending submission

3. Donald Case Casting

Donald Case Casting

Founded Year:

Website: donaldcasecasting.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the Agency: Donald Case Casting is a renowned casting agency in New York City, connecting clients with the best professional actors in the New York film industry.

They have an experienced casting director and producer team who provide the best casting services for commercials, voiceovers, voice actors, international productions, theater, film, and TV.

Case Studies: Pending submission

4. Kipperman

Kipperman

Founded Year: 1985

Website: kipperman.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the Agency: Kipperman is a reputed casting agency in New York City that finds extraordinary actors for different roles in the entertainment industry.

They cater to the needs of people in beauty, comedy, kids, lifestyle, real people, short films, and Spanish entertainment shows. They can find the best talents for commercials, promos, industrials, music videos, TV, and film.

Case Studies: Pending submission

5. Beth Melsky Casting

Beth Melsky Casting

Founded Year: 1983

Website: bethmelskycasting.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the Agency: Beth Melsky Casting is a leading casting agency in New York City with great experience in finding actors for different roles in the entertainment industry.

Their casting services include real people, comedy, improv performances, Spanish talents, dancers, models, voiceover artists, and digital media actors at a cost-effective budget.

Case Studies: Pending submission

6. Backstage

Backstage

Founded Year: 1960

Website: backstage.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Backstage is an established casting agency in New York City that helps your organizations find the best artists, models, and actors for film, video, TV production, voiceover production, theater, performing arts, commercials, branded content, and user-generated content.

They give you access to different casting calls across the United States and showcase your full portfolio to casting directors and producers.

Case Studies: Pending submission

7. NY Castings

NY Castings

Founded Year:

Website: nycastings.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the Agency: NY Castings is an esteemed casting agency in New York City that lets actors, models, singers, and dancers find the best opportunities in the film, TV, theater, commercial, and print industries nationwide.

Artists can submit their portfolio through the online application and get casting calls from the agency, depending on their talents and qualifications.

Case Studies: Pending submission

8. Ken Lazer Casting

Ken Lazer Casting

Founded Year: 1993

Website: kenlazercasting.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the Agency: Ken Lazer Casting is an excellent casting agency in New York City, providing talent for the best professional shows in the entertainment industry.

It is the best agency to find adults, kids, babies, dancers, comedians, musicians, spokespersons, and other entertainment celebrities as they simplify the casting process. The company excels at providing wonderful artists for both on-screen and behind-the-scenes purposes.

Case Studies: Pending submission

9. Elle Jones

Elle Jones

Founded Year: 2020

Website: ellejonescasting.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the Agency: Elle Jones is a distinguished casting agency in New York City with a professional team providing excellent artists, models, and talents for different production teams in the entertainment industry.

They specialize in casting talent with disabilities for commercials, industrials, reality shows, television, film, and digital media.

Case Studies: Pending submission

10. Waldron Casting

Waldron Casting

Founded Year: 1983

Website: waldroncasting.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the Agency: Waldron Casting is a dependable casting agency in New York City focusing on offering personalized services to producers, directors, and the creative team by choosing the best actors, models, and talents for the different opportunities in the entertainment field.

They deliver the best talents for each and every scene by choosing people from all walks of life.

Case Studies: Pending submission

11. McCorkle Casting

McCorkle Casting

Founded Year: 1979

Website: mccorklecasting.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the Agency: McCorkle Casting is a reliable casting agency in New York City, handling hundreds of projects in film, television, and theater and finding the best talents for each and every scene.

It is easy to apply for the different roles on their website, and you can find information about the film projects, Broadway shows, and television streaming shows for choosing the different casting opportunities.

Case Studies: Pending submission

12. Donna Grossman Casting

Donna Grossman Casting

Founded Year: 1991

Website: donnagrossmancasting.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Donna Grossman Casting is a vibrant casting agency in New York City that casts the best actors, models, and talents for commercials, TV, film, theater, print, live events, and other videos.

They have over two decades of experience finding the best actors for the most prestigious entertainment agency.

Case Studies: Pending submission

13. CEM Casting

CEM Casting

Founded Year: 1995

Website: cemcasting.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the Agency: CEM Casting is a stylish casting agency in New York City offering a variety of highly skilled actors or real people for commercial, theater, voiceover, union, non-union, documentary, print, film, and TV industries.

They have over two decades of experience choosing the best models and actors for different roles.

Case Studies: Pending submission

14. Comer Casting

Comer Casting

Founded Year: 2007

Website: comercasting.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Comer Casting is an innovative casting agency in New York City offering superior services to production houses for film, television, and commercial projects by choosing the best actors, models, and other talented background artists.

They take pride in providing highly talented actors for each scene to satisfy the needs of producers and directors.

Case Studies: Pending submission

15. Roman Candle Casting

Roman Candle Casting

Founded Year: 2009

Website: romancandlecasting.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the Agency: Roman Candle Casting is a creative casting agency in New York City that personalizes the casting experience for each director by choosing actors with great attention to detail.

They can choose the best actors for unique characters with great authenticity and professionalism.

Case Studies: Pending submission

16. Paladino Casting

Paladino Casting

Founded Year: 2002

Website: paladinocasting.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the Agency: Paladino Casting is a credible casting agency in New York City, providing the best casting opportunities for every actor and model, irrespective of their age, gender, race, or disability.

They have offered the best talents worldwide for different film, TV, and theater projects.

Case Studies: Pending submission

17. Wulf Casting

Wulf Casting

Founded Year: 2010

Website: wulfcasting.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the Agency: Wulf Casting is a trusted casting agency in New York City, providing the best actors for different shows in film, TV, commercials, industrials, and digital media projects.

Finding actors and models for photoshoots, motion pictures, comedy shows, kid commercials, publications, films, and music is easy.

Case Studies: Pending submission

18. Impossible Casting

Impossible Casting

Founded Year: 1994

Website: impossiblenyc.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the Agency: Impossible Casting is a well-known casting agency in New York City to find the best actors and models for lifestyle, sports, fashion, beauty, spirits, editorial, moving, image, pharma, kids, music, humor, and real people projects.

Case Studies: Pending submission

19. Janet Eisenberg Casting

Janet Eisenberg Casting

Founded Year: 1992

Website: janeteisenbergcasting.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the agency: Janet Eisenberg Casting is a top-notch casting agency in New York City with over a decade of experience in hiring the best actors and models for TV, radio, commercials, promos, animated, feature films, documentaries, and television projects.

Case Studies: Pending submission

20. Zan Casting

Zan Casting

Founded Year: 2008

Website: zancasting.com

Reputation Score: AA

About the Agency: Zan Casting is a skilled casting agency in New York City, passionately choosing the right actors and models for different projects through creative collaborations with the best producers and directors in the entertainment industry.

They can cast talents for commercials and advertisements in digital media, fashion, lifestyle, film, and user-generated content.

Case Studies: Pending submission

Conclusion

Casting agencies are responsible for finding actors for the required roles set out by producers and directors in different projects around the film and entertainment industries.

They have information about the specific role and mark the requirements with suitable candidates by screening them according to their qualifications and skill set.

If you are looking for an acting or modeling job, you can apply online on these casting agencies’ websites and wait for casting calls once they find the suitable job.

Work with a talented casting agency in New York City to choose the best actors, models, artists, musicians, dancers, and other background actors for your movie or commercial projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is casting?

Casting is the process of choosing the right talent for a particular role in the entertainment industry. Casting agencies will have producers and casting directors who will find and hire talent based upon their qualifications and skills.

They will conduct auditions and prepare the actor for that particular role to satisfy the needs of directors and producers of the project.

Casting process takes place for commercials, TV shows, reality programs, advertisements, voice-overs, music albums, radio shows, and digital media videos.

What do casting agencies do?

Casting agencies are independent companies that have the ability to provide top roles in different TV shows, commercials, web series, reality shows, feature films, short films, and documentaries.

They have a great database of actors, collect headshots, videos, and audition tapes, and categorize them according to their age, looks, and abilities.

Once an actor is ready for a particular role, they will again prepare the actor for the job by conducting auditions with a lot of details and personalization.

How do I find a good casting agency?

It is important to choose a reputed casting agency with a good, experienced team for choosing the right actor for a specific role. They must collaborate well with different movie houses, production teams, and filmmakers.

These agencies must allow online application processes and must not charge any fee for finding casting jobs.

How will a casting agency choose a role for an actor?

The casting agencies will have access to potential actors and models by building strong organizational skills with lots of paperwork and administration.

They will have contacts with the different directors and producers of union and nonunion projects, as well as TV, film, commercials, radio, and advertising agencies.

They will match the requirements of these industries with suitable candidates quickly and listen to the requirements of directors and producers to find the right actors for each and every scene.

They will be available 24/7 and will be able to connect the right talents with the production houses quickly.

How do casting agencies make money?

Casting agencies have a professional team of directors and producers who can choose the right actors and models for a particular show or movie, and they get paid a percentage of the actor’s revenue once they get placed for that particular role.

These agencies do not charge applicants for posting their portfolios on their website. They will either get paid once after finding the opportunity, or the production teams can pay these agencies for finding good actors for their projects.

Most of the reputed casting agencies get paid only by the production, and they do not charge the actors or models in any way.