By Choice Model Management: Empowering UK Talent for Global Screens
“Wait… you were on Netflix?!”
That’s usually the first thing people say when they find out I’ve been on three Netflix shows, and yes, one of them might just be that upside-down universe we all secretly wish we were part of (Stranger Things fans, I see you).
But the real question people ask, and the one I wish someone had answered for me years ago, is: “How did you actually get the role?”
Today, I’m taking you behind the scenes of how I got cast in Netflix productions, without being born into the industry, without a big-name agent (at first), and while living outside London. If you’re a dreamer in the UK wondering how to break into the Netflix world, this one’s for you.
Act 1: Where It All Began (Spoiler: I Was Clueless Too)
I didn’t grow up with famous parents or an agent waiting at the school gates. I grew up in a small UK town, binge-watching Netflix like everyone else and wondering how people “got discovered.”
The truth is: they didn’t get discovered, they showed up. Online casting calls, background artist websites, local theatre, acting workshops, and short films with student directors, that’s how it began.
I wasn’t aiming for Netflix in the beginning. I just wanted a chance, and I took every one that came.
Act 2: The First Break (No Agent, Just Grit)
It was a non-speaking background role in a fantasy series filming in the UK. I applied through a trusted casting site. No agent. No connections. Just a well-lit headshot, a self-tape, and a polite email.
A week later, I was on set. No red carpets, just a 5 a.m. call time, hours in costume, and a whole new understanding of how this industry really works. It wasn’t glamorous, but it was my in.
Lesson 1: Start somewhere. Anywhere. Even if it doesn’t feel like the dream yet.
Act 3: Getting Representation (From Rejection to Relationship)
Here’s the part no one likes to talk about: I emailed over 30 agents before one said yes. Some never replied. Others said, “You’re not what we’re looking for.” It stung, but I kept showing up.
After building a portfolio with indie projects and some small parts, an agent finally took notice. They weren’t based in London either, proving that representation can come from anywhere in the UK.
Pro Tip: Look for agents who specialize in emerging talent. Don’t be afraid to go regional. And yes, you can still book Netflix shows with a smaller agency, I did.
Act 4: Booking Netflix Shows (Yes, Even That One)
My second and third roles were cast via agent submission, but they weren’t handed to me. I had to audition.
Here’s what helped me stand out:
– Authentic self-tapes: Not overproduced, just real. Natural lighting, clear sound, and connection.
– Training matters: Even online workshops help. I took virtual acting classes during lockdown that directly helped me land an audition.
– Follow directions: You’d be shocked how many people don’t read the casting brief properly.
One role came from a London-based audition. The other? A self-tape from my flat in Leeds. Yes, you can get booked without leaving your hometown.
Act 5: The Netflix Set Experience (And Why You’ll Want More)
Working on Netflix sets changed how I saw the craft. The crews were professional, welcoming, and (genuinely) fun. The best part? Everyone was there because they worked hard, not because of who they knew.
There was a real sense of camaraderie, like we’d all climbed the same quiet mountain and met at the summit.
That’s the Netflix magic. And it’s within reach.
Your Audition Toolkit (Start Here)
We promised practical tips, so here’s your starter kit:
Where to Find Netflix Auditions:
– Spotlight – Industry-standard platform for professional castings in the UK.
– Mandy.com – Legit platform for TV, film, and theatre roles.
– Backstage – Now expanding its UK offerings, includes Netflix-linked projects.
– Casting Networks UK – Used by real casting directors.
Don’t Have an Agent Yet?
Use the platforms above to build credits.
Target emerging UK-based agencies, email them with your CV, headshots, and a great self-tape.
Join open casting calls and actor groups (Facebook groups and Discord servers can be goldmines).
Final Scene: The Community You Didn’t Know You Needed
Acting can be lonely, especially if you’re not in a big city. But you are not alone.
That’s one of the reasons we created Choice Model Management, not just for models, but for actors, creators, and dreamers who want access to real industry pathways without the London postcode or a celebrity surname.
We’re building a community, one that sees your ambition and helps you build on it.
Want In?
– Join our talent list
– Talk to real Netflix-experienced mentors
– Get access to casting calls, workshops, and more
This isn’t just about landing roles. It’s about creating careers, right here in the UK.
– Team Choice Model Management
Helping new talent step into the spotlight