It’s hard to believe Netflix started out as a humble DVD rental service (in the 1990s, when DVDs were all the rage). In the age of online streamers, the global entertainment powerhouse is an industry leader, with over 278 million paying subscribers in more than 190 countries.
Between its long-running series – like The Crown, which has beamed into 73 million households – and its documentaries with A-list narration and high production values, Netflix's catalogue is varied and impressive. Couple Netflix’s lucrative business model with its commitment to investing heavily in original content, and there’s tonnes of opportunities for actors behind its black and red branding – which is where you come in.
With its global reach, Netflix offers actors who land a gig on one of its shows the opportunity to hitch their wagon to a star and have their work seen by millions of viewers worldwide.
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Many UK actors have enjoyed significant success through Netflix, highlighting the platform's role as a launching pad for talent. Leo Woodall, for example, rose to fame through the Netflix series One Day, which was his first lead role, and Emma Corrin made their name in Netflix's The Crown, receiving a Golden Globe for Best Actress and a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for their portrayal of Princess Diana. They went on to star in the films My Policeman and Lady Chatterley’s Lover.
There’s also Millie Bobby Brown, of course, whose career skyrocketed thanks to her breakout role as Eleven in the Netflix hit Stranger Things. Despite being just 12 years old when the show started filming, Brown's performance earned her critical acclaim and made her a household name. Her subsequent roles, including starring in Netflix's Enola Holmes, have further solidified her status in Hollywood.
The diversity of roles available and the sheer number of shows on Netflix mean that once an actor has made their name on one of its shows, there’s a fair chance they’ll be cast in another of its titles. Benedict Cumberbatch, for example, landed his role in the Netflix series Sherlock before being given a second show on the platform, and Olivia Colman has also been part of the Netflix ensemble since 2014, starting out voicing animations (granted, she was already a successful actor by then) before taking the lead role in shows including Broadchurch and The Crown, where her portrayal of Queen Elizabeth II won her an Emmy.
Netflix relies on casting directors and production companies to find the right talent for shows that the production companies make for Netflix in the UK and abroad.
This means that the first step towards landing a Netflix role is to find a reputable acting agent who can get you in front of the production companies working with Netflix in an audition.
Having an agent isn’t useful only for accessing Netflix casting calls sent out by production companies, of course. Agents have industry connections and the latest casting information. They also help actors navigate the complexities of contracts and negotiations, making sure they get the best deal possible.
Wondering which agents might be able to get you in front of a Netflix casting? In the UK, several agencies have a proven track record of placing talent in Netflix productions. Curtis Brown, for instance, represents a number of established and emerging actors, many of whom have appeared in Netflix originals: Ncuti Gatwa, Billie Piper, and Robert Pattinson among them.
Independent Talent Group is another top agency. It’s known for representing actors like Jodie Comer, Stephen Graham, and Gillian Anderson, all of whom have appeared in Netflix projects.
With its impressive client list, United Agents also has a history of successful placements on the platform. It represents no less a figure than Richard Attenborough, along with Michelle Keegan, Tom Hardy, and many others.
These are just three of the many UK agents who could help you achieve your goal of landing a Netflix role. Whichever agent you try to get represented by, bear in mind they have a lot of people trying to get their attention. You’re going to need to master your audition to impress them.
If you don’t have an agent, there are ways to find your own auditions for projects heading into production for Netflix. Once you have created a profile on your casting platform of choice, you can search its listings for relevant roles. (Though it’s worth noting you’ll need an agent or qualifying acting training to get a Spotlight account.)
Bear in mind, though, that searches for ‘Netflix’ will bring up any result that mentions Netflix in its text. It might be casting for the latest blockbuster from the network, but it might be a student saying their project is inspired by a show from the network. Always read the listing carefully, do your research, and follow safety advice before attending auditions.
Whether you go down the agent route or go it alone, it’s important to develop your acting skills, identify your unique selling points as an actor, and form a network in the industry. The latter could open up doors to opportunities, while honing your skills and identifying what sets you apart as an actor will give you the best chance of success when you do step in front of a casting director hunting talent for a Netflix show.
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