Profiles of UK Casting Directors

Paushali Banik
Paushali Banik has been involved in casting since 2013, starting with an independent film company in India during her gap year. Since then, she has gained valuable experience as a Casting Assistant with notable UK Casting Directors like Theo Park, Rob Kelly, and Heather Basten. Currently, Paushali is part of The Casting Office, working under Andy Brierley and Victor Jenkins, and her credits include high-profile projects for Netflix, BBC, ITV, Amazon Prime, Channel 4, Hulu, and HBO.

Ceri Bedingfield
Ceri has spent the last four years working across TV, film, theatre, and commercial projects with casting directors such as Rachel Freck, Rose Wicksteed, and Dixie Chassay. Her recent work includes the third series of TIN STAR and the feature film LOUIS WAIN, starring Benedict Cumberbatch. Ceri is currently collaborating with Rachel Freck on several upcoming TV projects slated for 2020 and 2021.

JJ Bee
JJ Bee is passionate about discovering young talent from diverse backgrounds, with extensive experience casting for CBBC, including the BAFTA Children’s nominated Jamie Johnson. He has worked on a variety of projects for major networks such as BBC, Netflix, The CW, Disney, Channel 5, and Nickelodeon.

Chloe Blake
With a background in acting from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, Chloe Blake transitioned into casting after working in theatre production and as an agent’s assistant. She has been with the National Theatre’s casting department for two and a half years, contributing to productions like Under Milk Wood and Hex. Chloe recently cast Barrier(s) at the Dorfman Theatre and continues to take on freelance casting projects.

Claire Bleasdale
Claire Bleasdale’s journey into the creative world began with Manchester’s Contact Youth Theatre in 1992. She trained as an actor before transitioning into casting, where she has spent the last five years. Claire’s film credits include the short film Break and the BAFTA-winning Cowboy Dave. In theatre, she has worked on productions like Party Skills for the End of the World and Dystopia 987. Claire also contributes her expertise as an industry advisor at various drama and film schools across the UK.

Francesca Bradley
Based in London, Francesca Bradley has been casting for TV and film since 2010. She started by assisting Priscilla John on Captain America: The First Avenger and has since worked on a diverse range of projects across the UK, Europe, and America. Francesca’s notable credits include Uncharted, Logan, and Transformers: The Last Knight. Recently, she served as the UK casting associate for the third series of Atlanta, starring Donald Glover.

Aisha Bywaters
Aisha Bywaters achieved significant recognition in 2022, winning the BAFTA TV Craft award for scripted casting for the series We Are Lady Parts, produced by Working Title and NBC Universal.

Kate Caldwell
Kate Caldwell brought her extensive casting experience from Los Angeles to the UK, where she now works with Emmy-winning Casting Director Suzanne Smith. Her credits include Unbelievable for Netflix, for which she was Emmy-nominated, as well as projects like Kingdom and Hercules. Kate particularly enjoys working in independent casting, where she finds immense satisfaction.

Fran Cattaneo
Fran Cattaneo is a London-based casting director with experience in both stage and screen. Her screen credits as a Casting Assistant include the Emmy-nominated Dreaming Whilst Black and Hoard. Her first Casting Director credit was for the short film Octopus, which premiered at the 2022 BFI Flare Festival. Fran also has a strong theatre background, having worked on productions for The Bush and Young Vic, among others.

Andrea Clark
Andrea Clark founded Andrea Clark Casting in 2006 and has since worked on award-winning feature films, commercials, and short films. She has cast a variety of projects, including the world’s first English-language one-woman feature film The Bellwether. Before starting her own company, Andrea co-cast several acclaimed feature films and collaborated on major blockbusters like Hellboy and Blade II.

This guide continues with profiles of other distinguished casting directors, providing insights into their careers, notable projects, and contributions to the industry. Whether you’re an actor looking to understand the casting process or a producer seeking the right casting director for your next project, this guide is an invaluable resource for connecting with some of the best talent in the UK.

Doireann Cooke
Doireann Cooke began her career in casting after graduating from the Institute of Art, Design and Technology in Dublin. Initially working with the Ann Curtis Agency, she moved to London in 2017 to further pursue casting. Since then, she has collaborated with several prominent casting offices, including those of Amy Hubbard, Elaine Grainger, and Lucy Rands. Her work spans TV, film, and video games, showcasing her versatile casting abilities.

Emma Crompton
Emma Crompton’s casting experience spans various high-profile projects across major networks and studios, including Channel 4, BBC, ITV, Disney, and Netflix. Trained as an actor at the Arden School of Theatre, Emma has spent the last eight years refining her skills in the casting process, focusing particularly on creating effective teaching methods for actors. Her work includes both casting and acting, making her an invaluable asset to the industry.

Anna Dawson
Anna Dawson began her casting career in 2013, working with numerous Casting Directors in London before relocating to Scotland to work with Simone Pereira Hind. Anna’s independent casting credits include FLOAT (BBC) and The Brilliant World of Tom Gates (Sky TV). She has also co-cast projects like The Wind in the Willows (Warner Bros/HBO Max) and Macbeth (RSC). Anna is currently working on multiple short films for the Short Circuit programme, funded by the BFI and Screen Scotland.

Catriona Dickie
Catriona Dickie is a freelance casting director and associate, with recent credits including Kevin Macdonald’s film Prisoner 760 and the Apple TV series Trying. Her background includes working on major feature films such as Justice League and All the Money in the World, as well as theatre productions at The Bridge Theatre in London. Catriona is currently in development on a few feature films and continues to work on various short films, commercials, and voiceovers.

Adam Doyle
Adam Doyle, who holds a degree in Communications from Dublin City University, transitioned into casting after working as a musician and actor. Since joining Louise Kiely Casting in 2020, Adam has contributed to various projects, including the ITV/Virgin Media series Redemption and RTE’s Smother. His experience and background in multiple facets of the entertainment industry have made him a well-rounded casting professional.

Naomi Downham
Naomi Downham is the Senior Casting Assistant at The Royal National Theatre, where she plays a crucial role in casting productions across all three theatres on the South Bank. Beginning her career as a Junior Agent at Lou Coulson Associates, Naomi has since developed her casting expertise with credits including Hamlet (Schools Tour), The Crucible (Olivier Theatre), and The Ocean at The End of the Lane (Dorfman Theatre).

Kristina Erdely
With over 25 years of industry experience, Kristina Erdely is a seasoned producer and casting director based in London. Initially starting as a theatre producer, Kristina transitioned into casting for features and high-end television for the international market. Her work includes connecting and sourcing talent, advising on scripts, and assisting with commercial negotiations. Kristina’s recent credits include David Fincher’s Love, Death and Robots for Netflix, The Royals for NBC, and the award-winning film Eaten by Lions. She is a passionate advocate for diversity in storytelling and productions.

Frankie Fearis
Frankie Fearis has worked as a casting assistant for the last three years, gaining experience across film, TV, and commercials. She has worked with many leading casting directors, including Sasha Robertson, and recently assisted with the casting for Hamilton in Australia. Frankie is currently working with Sophie Holland as a casting assistant on the second series of The Witcher.

Catherine Garlick
Catherine Garlick began her career in casting at Jina Jay Casting and is now working for Daniel Edwards Casting. Her credits include work on Emmy award-winning projects like Black Mirror: Bandersnatch and upcoming films such as Enola Holmes and Dune. Catherine’s experience in both TV and film has allowed her to contribute significantly to various high-profile projects.

Harry Gilbert
Harry Gilbert has been working closely with BAFTA award-winning producer Mario Stylianides on several TV series in development with Channel 4 and ITV. He recently led the casting for the feature film Reawakening and continues to work on a variety of exciting projects. Harry also collaborates with Sarah Trevis on major TV shows such as Dead Boy Detective Agency (Warner Bros and HBO Max) and One Bad Apple (Viaplay).

Sarah Harkins
Sarah Harkins, a trained actor with over ten years in the industry, transitioned into casting four years ago. She has worked across theatre, television, commercials, and films with renowned casting directors such as Annelie Powell, Julia Horan, and Dan Hubbard. Sarah is currently at Catherine Willis Casting, working on projects like The Full Monty for Disney+ and Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. She is passionate about discovering new talent, particularly from working-class and lower socio-economic backgrounds.

Clare Harlow
Clare Harlow is a Casting Associate at Gary Davy Casting, where she has contributed to projects such as Official Secrets and the Amazon series Treadstone. Clare has also worked as an Associate to Kate Dowd and on various TV and film projects, including Eye in the Sky, Me Before You, and The Hurricane Heist. Clare’s work spans a variety of genres and formats, making her a versatile and experienced casting professional.

Rae Hendrie
After seven years at Julie Harkin Casting, Rae Hendrie has established her own casting company, Rae Casting. Rae has worked on numerous high-profile projects, including The Salisbury Poisonings (BBC) and the BAFTA award-winning series There She Goes (BBC4). Her extensive experience also includes collaborations with casting directors Jill Trevellick, Nina Gold, and Nicky Bligh. Rae began her career as an actress and has a rich background in both theatre and television.

Eliza Heslop
Eliza Heslop started her career as an assistant to Alastair Coomer and Isabella Odoffin, later working with notable casting directors such as Jina Jay, Kahleen Crawford, Kate Rhodes James, and Nina Gold. Over the past four years, Eliza has gained considerable experience in TV and film casting, contributing to projects like Black Mirror, Spiderman: Far From Home, and The Capture.

Nicholas Hockaday
Nicholas Hockaday is a versatile casting director with experience in both theatre and screen. His theatre credits include productions like Alice in Wonderland and Friendsical, while his screen credits include the short film Largo and commercials for Children with Cancer. Nicholas also specializes in children’s casting, with projects such as 101 Dalmatians (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) and Dear Evan Hansen (Noel Coward Theatre) under his belt.

Millie Hooper
Millie Hooper is an assistant at Isabella Odoffin Casting, where she has quickly established herself as a valuable team member. Millie started her career with Casting Director Gemma Sykes and gained experience in talent management before joining Sam Jones Casting and later Isabella Odoffin. Her work spans a variety of TV and film projects.

Ella Holmes
Ella Holmes works for Dan Hubbard Casting and has contributed to major projects like the Brian Epstein biopic Midas Man and Guy Ritchie’s Operation Fortune: Ruse de guerre for Miramax. Ella’s experience in the casting world is rapidly growing, making her a promising talent in the industry.

Matilda James
Matilda James is a freelance casting director and creative producer from Cornwall, with a background as Head of Casting for Shakespeare’s Globe from 2012 to 2017. Matilda works on both theatre and screen projects, and is a founding member of The Murmuration, a women-led producing collective. Recent projects include collaborations with the Barbican, York Theatre Royal, and Kyiv City Ballet, as well as film projects like Portraits of Dangerous Women and Pond Life.

Lauren Jerome
Lauren Jerome has worked in casting since graduating with a film degree in 2013, contributing to both high-end and independent film, television, and commercial projects. She has worked with leading casting directors such as Reg Poerscout-Edgerton, Dan Hubbard, and Gary Davy. Lauren also runs a comedy company called Big Mouth, showcasing her diverse talents within the industry.

Beibhinn Jones
Beibhinn Jones holds a Drama degree from Dublin Institute of Technology and has worked as both an actress and a casting assistant. She joined Louise Kiely Casting in 2019, where she has continued to develop her skills and contribute to various casting projects.

Hayley Kaimakliotis
With over ten years of experience in casting across theatre, film, and television, Hayley Kaimakliotis has built an impressive career working with various casting offices. Her theatre credits include productions like Wuthering Heights (Nuffield Southampton) and Uncle Vanya (St James Theatre). Hayley has also served as Casting Associate on major productions like Romeo and Juliet (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre) and Shakespeare In Love (Noel Coward Theatre).

Josie Kemp
Josie Kemp has assisted on projects with major production companies like MGM, Netflix, and the BBC. Her experience in commercial casting includes working on campaigns for Tesco, Nike, and Amazon. Josie has also contributed

Gabby King
Gabby King has been with Shaheen Baig Casting for over six years, working on critically acclaimed projects such as Peaky Blinders, Ali & Ava, and After Love. Her experience and dedication have made her a key player in the casting industry.

Rick Laxton
Rick Laxton is a freelance Casting Director and member of the CDG, with credits including series for BBC, ITV, Amazon Prime, and Disney. His past roles include Head of Casting at Lime Pictures, where he worked on popular shows like Hollyoaks and House of Anubis. Rick’s extensive experience in casting has made him a respected figure in the industry.

Lainey Lipson
Lainey Lipson is a Casting Associate who has worked primarily on TV series and feature films. With a background in acting, Lainey pursued a BA in filmmaking and later transitioned into casting. She has worked with prominent casting directors on projects like For All Mankind (Apple TV+) and Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (Amazon/Paramount).

Carla Morris
Carla Morris trained at the Central School of Speech and Drama and The Ward Studio in New York. She has worked as a Casting Director on screen projects like This Is The Night Mail and theatre productions such as The Albatross 3rd & Main (Park Theatre). Carla has also been a Casting Assistant for several years, working alongside industry veterans like Nadira Seecoomar and Dixie Chassay.

Pearson Casting
Pearson Casting, led by husband and wife team James and Rosie Pearson, is an award-winning international casting house with offices in London, Liverpool, and New York. They work across theatre, film, TV, commercials, and live performance. In 2022, Pearson Casting won the CDG Award for Best Casting in Regional Theatre for their work on RENT.

Becky Paris
As Head of Casting at Shakespeare’s Globe, Becky Paris is responsible for casting all in-house productions, workshops, and special events. She also freelances as a casting director, working on projects for the Almeida, the Bridge Theatre, and others. Becky has previously worked with prominent casting offices, contributing to various TV and film projects.

Annelie Powell
Annelie Powell is known for her work on projects like Luther: The Fallen Sun (2023) and Gray’s Eden. With a strong background in casting, Annelie continues to make her mark on both screen and stage productions.

Carl Proctor
Carl Proctor trained as an actor at RADA before becoming one of the UK’s busiest casting directors, primarily working in film and TV. He has cast over 30 films, including Shadow of The Vampire with Willem Dafoe and John Malkovich. Carl also cast over 80 British actors in The Bible Series, one of the most successful mini-series of all time.

Becky Rossmaur
Becky Rossmaur currently works as Casting Associate for Andy Pryor Casting, with credits including Doctor Who and It’s a Sin. Her past experience includes working at Lucinda Syson Casting and Jina Jay Casting, contributing to projects like Aquaman 2 and Foundation.

Chandra Ruegg
Chandra Ruegg transitioned from a career as a child actress to casting, starting with an assistant role on Dance Nation at the Almeida Theatre. She has since worked with casting directors like Charlotte Sutton and Nanw Rowlands, and continues to contribute to various screen and stage projects as a freelancer.

Oliver Scullion
Oliver Scullion is a freelance Casting Assistant currently working for Harkin Tooth. Initially starting out as an actor, Oliver moved into casting in 2021 and has since worked on productions like Sylvia (Old Vic) and Mrs. Doubtfire (Manchester Opera House & Shaftesbury Theatre). His experience includes working on a wide range of theatre productions and assisting with casting for TV and film.

Abby Sethu
Abby Sethu began her casting career in 2018 after working in production. She has gained experience with casting directors like Dixie Chassay and currently works as a casting assistant for Catherine Willis. Abby’s recent credits include TV projects like Romantic Getaway and Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.

Saffeya Shebli
Saffeya Shebli transitioned from a career as a film publicist to casting, joining The Old Vic as their in-house Casting Assistant. She has since progressed to Casting Coordinator, supporting freelance casting directors across various productions. Saffeya’s recent work includes casting for A Christmas Carol and The 47th at The Old Vic.

Sara Short
Sara Short works at Sophie Holland Casting, where she has contributed to projects like The Continental (Lionsgate/Starz), The Witcher (Netflix), and Constellations (Apple). Sara’s experience in the casting industry continues to grow as she takes on more complex and high-profile projects.

Harriet Spenser
With over 10 years of experience, Harriet Spenser has worked with in-house casting departments at ITV, BBC, and Lime Pictures, as well as freelancing. She is currently Casting Associate for Lime Pictures, casting full-time for Hollyoaks and international projects like Zero Chill for Netflix.

Charlotte Sumner Hughes
Charlotte Sumner Hughes is a Casting Assistant at the Donmar Warehouse, working under Anna Cooper CDG. Her recent credits include the HBO project Red Sonja and the Sky Cinema film This is Christmas. Charlotte has also contributed to various theatre productions at the Donmar Warehouse.

Steph Tataryn
Steph Tataryn is currently assisting at Lucinda Syson Casting and has previously worked with casting directors like Rob Kelly and Amy Damonte. Her experience includes work on TV series like Dodger (BBC/NBC) and Netflix’s Hard Cell.

Faye Timby
Faye Timby transitioned from working as an agent to casting, starting with Sophie Holland and later Rachel Freck. She is currently working on projects like The Witcher S2 and the feature film The Magic Flute. Faye also serves as the Casting Director for the BAFTA Rocliffe New Writing Forum.

Kristian Wall
After training as an actor, Kristian Wall moved into talent management and casting. He has worked with Sue Needleman and Rob Kelly, and is currently with Andy Pryor Casting. Kristian’s recent credits include Doctor Who S14 (BBC) and The Winter King (ITVX).

Kitty Williams
Kitty Williams began her career as a freelance casting assistant before joining Elaine Grainger Casting. She has worked on TV and film projects like The Expendables 4 and Disney+ series A Small Light. Kitty is currently assisting Lauren Evans on various casting projects.

Christopher Worrall
Christopher Worrall is a freelance Casting Director with experience at The Old Vic and Donmar Warehouse. His screen credits include Working Title’s adaptation of EMMA and the popular BBC series Call the Midwife. Christopher continues to work on a range of theatre and screen projects, showcasing his versatility in the industry.