Netflix Acting and Auditions
An undisputed juggernaut of the streaming scene, Netflix doesn’t only provide access to a wide range of existing films, television shows, documentaries and more. It has also produced more than 1500 original titles globally in the last decade and invested around AUD$1 billion in new Australian and Australia-related films and shows between 2019 and 2023 alone.
Representing a wealth of jobs and opportunities within the entertainment industry, securing a Netflix acting job can be key to transforming a budding actor into a bonafide star.
If you’ve ever wondered how to audition for Netflix, from finding casting calls to how to prepare, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn more about how Netflix shows and movie auditions work in Australia and discover how you can get involved.
Types Of Netflix Projects
Acting jobs with Netflix typically fall into three main project categories, these being:
Original Series. Netflix produces many original series in various genres, such as drama, comedy, sci-fi, fantasy, crime and more. Series produced and filmed in Australia by Netflix include Wellmania, The Survivors, Boy Swallows Universe and Heartbreak High among others.
Films. Netflix regularly releases original movies and often partners with local production companies to film these in Australia. Love Is In The Air, released in 2023 and filmed with Jaggi Entertainment in Queensland is a recent example of this.
Documentaries & Reality Shows: There are also opportunities for non-scripted reality content and docu-series as exemplified by Last Stop Larrimah and Love On The Spectrum.
While the above examples were filmed in Australia, it is worth noting that the platform often releases these globally, meaning that even a small role could introduce you to a big audience.
Remember, some of Hollywood’s hottest names come from Down Under and started on the small screen. Chris Hemsworth and Margo Robbie who starred in Home & Away and Neighbours respectively have achieved major success following their humble origins in Aussie TV series.
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The Netflix Casting & Audition Process
Contrary to what you may believe, Netflix does not produce its original content itself and therefore does not hold in-house auditions. Instead, it buys the rights to content and then commissions third parties all over the globe to produce it for streaming on its platform.
Confused? Let’s break it down. The rights to original shows, such as Clickbait and Wellmania are purchased by Netflix which then hires a production company to handle its development. The production company hires a casting director to work with the director and other key personnel to cast it.
So how does this affect you as an actor? Essentially it means that there is no one way to secure a Netflix audition. So you’ll need to be vigilant in discovering casting opportunities as every production company engaged by Netflix will search out talent in their own way.
Where To Find Netflix Auditions
The best way to find out about any Netflix auditions in Australia is to stick around for the credits. By taking the time to read into the details of who produced and cast your favourite Netflix original show or movie, you’ll gain insights into who to contact or where to look regarding audition opportunities.
But you shouldn’t limit yourself to researching production companies and casting agents, as casting director for Heartbreak High, Amanda Mitchell, told the Equity Foundation podcast, she uses a variety of mediums to discover talent.
From agent submissions to social media like Instagram and TikTok to casting websites and more, the best casting directors know that the next big star could be hiding in any number of places.
Casting Directors Associated With Netflix Auditions In Australia
No time to scan the credits and looking for some fast leads into upcoming auditions for Netflix in Australia? Below is a list of some of the casting directors (CDs) that have worked with Netflix previously. As they have an established relationship with Netflix, they’re also likely to work with them again in future.
- Amanda Mitchell, CD of Heartbreak High. Production company: Fremantle Australia and NewBe
- Anousha Zarkesh, CD of Desert King. Production company: Easy Tiger
- Kirsty McGregor, CD of Apple Cider Vinegar. Production company: See-Saw Films
- Jane Norris, CD of The Survivors. Production company: Tony Ayres Productions
- Ben Parkinson, CD of Love Is in the Air. Production company: The Steve Jaggi Company
Marianne Jade, CD of Wellmania. Production company: Freemantle Australia
Stand Out From The Crowd – Nailing A Netflix Audition
Just like any audition, you want to stand out for all the right reasons and make a lasting impression on the casting director. When it comes to Netflix auditions, however, this can be doubly as challenging as the volume of hopeful actors in attendance can be into the thousands.
To give yourself the best chance at success, preparation is key. This doesn’t just mean learning your lines or preparing a monologue, it’s time to go a little deeper. We recommend:
- Watching similar original Netflix productions or those cast by the same CD. This will help you to get a feel for the tone, acting style and what to expect.
- Not just learning your lines for delivery in one style, take time to practice performing them in different ways to show versatility.
- Embracing the character fully. Adopting their mindset can help you to better understand their motivations, emotions, and backstory.
Asking for support and feedback from your acting coach is also advisable. If you’re not currently enrolled in an acting class, then this should be the highest priority on your to-do list as it demonstrates commitment – something casting directors value.
The Actors Pulse – Achieve Greater Success With Professional Support
At The Actors Pulse, we teach the Meisner Technique which is highly favoured amongst casting directors for its realistic and instinctive approach to acting. Highly skilled at teaching key foundational aspects of acting, we also offer expert guidance in practical steps such as audition preparation.
Transform your career prospects and give yourself the best chance at scoring a role with Netflix. Book one of our sought-after acting classes today at 0414 475 515.
Billy Milionis is one of the few Australians to have ever studied under the legendary master teacher, the late Sanford Meisner. Billy has also studied story structure and scene analysis techniques with John Truby and later at UCLA. He has also spent several years doing improvisation in Hollywood with the L.A. Connection. In addition, he trained in the technique of Stella Adler, Practical Aesthetics and Lee Strasberg’s method.