The Actor's Guide to Casting Platforms

There are so many casting platforms available for the actor, each with their own focus, expectations, and cost: it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Which ones do you really need? Let’s break down each site and all their quirks, so you can decide which platforms best suit the career you are creating.

ACTOR’S ACCESS

The Essential

Focuses on: Film & TV, Theatrical Projects

If you have representation, you likely already have an Actor’s Access account; any reputable theatrical agent/manager will require that you have it. Breakdown Services, Actor’s Access’ parent company, is the industry standard for distributing and submitting to casting notices. Only accessible to registered agents and managers, Breakdown Services is where the majority of major casting notices go out, union or non-union, including TV Pilots, Indie Films, Blockbuster Movies, and Broadway Shows.

However, you don’t need to be an agent or manager to use Actor’s Access. Actors can self-submit to a smaller pool of casting notices- you won’t see some of the higher level projects, but you will have access to a vast array of film, tv, web series, and theatrical roles. Many actors with representation continue to self-submit to maximize their chances of getting an audition. If you aren’t represented, this casting site is still a great place to start.

Cost Breakdown:

  • Starter Membership - Free

You can have an AA Starter Membership for free, which includes 2 free photos, a slate shot, a resume & full profile of skills, and the ability to view all Breakdowns released to actors on the site. However, every breakdown you submit to will require an additional payment. If you decide to add any additional videos or photos to your profile it will cost extra, at a whopping $20/min for footage and $10/photo. 

  • Plus Membership - $68/year or $9.99/mo

It is recommended to have this membership, so you can freely submit and audition for as many projects as you would like. However, the same prices for adding footage or photos to your profile apply. (20% off for SAG-AFTRA members)

Materials: Because of the costs associated with uploading footage and photos to your Actor’s Access profile, it is encouraged to err on the minimalist side. About 4 headshots showing the range of characters you can play is enough, though you can add more or less depending on the variety of roles you normally audition for. When it comes to footage, casting is less interested in acting reels; they don’t have the time to sit through 3 -5 minutes of reel footage. Instead, it is encouraged to break up any clips of your acting or special skills into short clips and submit what works best for each audition.

Overall: A necessary casting site for the professional actor. 

CASTING NETWORKS

Commercial Central

Focuses on: Commercial & Print

Although Casting Networks occasionally has film notices, this site is primarily used for commercial and print auditions. Similar to Actor’s Access, if you have a commercial agent, you probably already have a Casting Networks profile. In addition to commercial and print casting, you may also see a number of background, stand-in, live event, and UGC (user generated content) notices that you can apply for. If you’re newer to the film industry, working as a background or stand-in actor is a great way to get experience on set. If you want to book commercial or print work as an actor, Casting Networks is a must-have; the additional casting opportunities available are an added bonus. 

Cost Breakdown: 

  • Free Membership

    With a free membership, you’ll be able to upload two photos, one video, and one audio file to your profile. You can respond to audition requests, but not submit yourself to auditions; some actors with commercial representation prefer to have the free membership, allowing them to respond to requests from their agent without paying the full price each month.

  • Premium Membership - 14 day free trial/ $299.90/year or $29.99/month

    Casting Networks is by far the most expensive of the casting sites. Premium allows you to self-submit for auditions and, unlike Actor’s Access, upload as many photos and videos as you would like to your profile free of charge. You’ll also get access to features like the Role Tracker which allows you to see what you have submitted for and the status of your auditions.

Materials: Because the premium membership allows you to upload as many photos and videos as you would like, more is better when it comes to Casting Networks. You can upload a wide variety of headshots, as well as modeling portfolio work or digitals if you have them. If you have any strong special skills, like being a yoga teacher or playing the violin, it’s worth getting a short clip and uploading it to your profile. Those videos will give you a leg up for any commercials looking to cast someone with your specific skillset!

Overall: An essential casting site for any actor interested in working commercially or as a model as well. A great option for newer actors looking for background and stand-in work opportunities. Not a necessity for actors self submitting solely focused on theatrical work.

BACKSTAGE

Indie Icon

Focuses on: Independent TV/Film, Student Projects, Theatre

Backstage is a popular casting site to find non-union, independent, and student TV & film projects. Though some student or independent projects are lower scale with minimal to no budget, they are great opportunities for beginning actors to get practice on set! Because the projects are smaller, there is a higher likelihood of being cast Agents & managers do not use Backstage to submit their clients, so it can be a helpful site for represented actors to use to supplement their auditions, especially if you are happy to do work for experience versus pay. 

Cost Breakdown:

  • No free option other than a trial.

  • Membership - $199.95/year, $119.95/bi-annually, or $24.95/month:

    The membership allows you to create your profile, upload an unlimited amount of media to your profile, and submit and respond to any auditions. 

Materials: Similar to Casting Networks, you can upload an unlimited amount of media. However, keep in mind that casting will not sort through a mountain of footage. Showcase only your best work with clear labels for what is featured in each clip.

Overall: A great option for beginning actors looking for TV/film experience and represented actors who are still interested in working in the student film/indie space. Not a necessary platform to have.

CASTING FRONTIER

Casting Networks’ Cousin

Focuses on: Commercial & Print

Casting Frontier is very similar to Casting Networks; in fact they are owned by the same parent company. That said, Casting Frontier tends to feature more regional and lower-budget opportunities compared to Casting Networks, making it less favorable for actors looking to book higher-paying roles, but a solid option for actors outside of major markets like Los Angeles or New York. Casting Frontier’s free profile will also allow you to access more than its counterpart, with a limited amount of direct submissions. Some commercial agents will also require their clients to keep a free Casting Frontier profile since certain casting directors still prefer to post their projects there.

Cost Breakdown:

  • Free Basic Account

    Includes one headshot, one resume, and the ability to view roles. You can attend “open calls” but can’t actively submit yourself to most roles.

  • Premium Membership – $22.95/month or $143.40/year

    Allows unlimited submissions, up to 5 headshots, and 5 video uploads

  • Premium Plus Membership - $16.66/month or $199.99/year

    Allows unlimited submissions, headshots, and video uploads (SAG-AFRA members currently receive a 20% discount for the yearly plan)

Materials: Much like Casting Networks, Casting Frontier rewards actors who upload a variety of media, so uploading a range of headshots, digitals, and special skills videos is helpful.

Overall: Not necessary if you have Casting Networks, but can still be useful—especially if your representation asks you to have it, or if you live in a market where more local projects are posted here.

Final Verdict

  • Actor’s Access: Essential for theatrical/film & TV actors (most industry-standard platform).

  • Casting Networks: Essential for commercial/print actors; beneficial for new actors seeking background/stand-in work.

  • Backstage: Great option for beginners, indie lovers, and students looking to gain experience on set.

  • Casting Frontier: Useful add-on for commercials, especially if you’re in smaller markets or your agent requires it.

Ultimately, the “best” platform depends on your goals. If you want to pursue television or film, prioritize Actor’s Access. If your focus is commercials or modeling, Casting Networks is a must. If you’re newer and want to build credits, Backstage will give you more opportunities. And if your agent or market leans on Casting Frontier, it’s worth keeping in your toolkit.

Remember: you don’t need every platform to succeed. Invest in the ones that align with your career path, keep your materials strong, and focus on quality submissions over quantity of auditions.

Want to work on your acting technique to level up your auditions? Check out our Audition Technique class for Kids/Teens and Adults to start turning those self-tapes into bookings.

Actorsite Team