Casting Comedy for Nectar Mattress with OMA Creative

At Aura Casting, we love when a project lets actors show off their funny side.

Comedy spots bring a different kind of energy to the casting room, and our recent commercial for Nectar Mattress, produced by the creative team at OMA Creative, was exactly that kind of project. From quirky deliveries to dry one liners, this one gave actors the space to flex their comedic chops and make bold choices that had us cracking up throughout the process.

OMA Creative came to us with a clear vision and concise instructions from the very beginning. They knew the kind of humor they wanted to capture, which always makes the process smoother. When creative direction is clear, we can focus on finding the right people to bring that tone to life. In this case, that meant finding actors who could land a joke without trying too hard, those subtle, offbeat performances that make dry comedy feel so real.

The spot was filmed in the San Francisco Bay Area, and from start to finish, the process ran like a dream. For this one, we handled everything through our self tape audition process, which has become a go to system for us and for the productions we work with. It’s fast, efficient, and flexible for both sides. Actors can tape from anywhere and show us their natural comedic timing, while producers can view auditions on their own schedule without having to come into a studio.

We received over 150 submissions for the Nectar roles, which gave us an amazing range of talent to choose from. Comedy is all about rhythm, and it’s incredible to see how each actor interprets the same line differently, some with big, expressive reactions and others with a quiet delivery that’s somehow even funnier. Those are the little discoveries that make casting comedy so much fun.

From the very first batch of tapes, we could tell this was going to be a great project. The actors leaned into the humor but kept it grounded, which is exactly what Nectar’s brand of storytelling called for. OMA Creative trusted us to narrow the field and present a range of tones and personalities, and once they made their selects, we handled all the booking and coordination so everyone was connected and ready in time for set day.

That moment between final casting and shoot day is always a rewarding one. It’s when we get to step back and see all the moving pieces come together, the production’s creative direction, the actors’ interpretations, and our matchmaking behind the scenes. Seeing it all click on set (and later on screen) is a great reminder of why we love what we do.

Comedy also gives actors a unique chance to stand out. Even in a short commercial, there’s room for great character work when the writing is funny and smart. We always encourage actors to trust their instincts in auditions like this. Sometimes it’s a perfectly timed pause, a subtle facial expression, or even an unexpected read that makes a performance memorable. During the Nectar casting, we saw plenty of that, moments that made us laugh out loud or nod and say, “that’s it.”

Projects like this are also a great example of how efficient the modern casting process can be. Between self tape auditions, fast turnarounds, and direct communication with production, we’re able to move from open call to booked talent without missing a beat. For busy producers and directors, that’s a huge advantage. There’s no travel, no in person scheduling headaches, and plenty of flexibility to review submissions at any time.

Working with OMA Creative on this project was such a great experience because they trusted the process. They gave us the tools we needed, character descriptions, tone references, and clear notes, and then let us do what we do best: find the right talent. That collaboration is what makes a casting project truly enjoyable. When both teams are aligned from the start, everything feels easy, even when the schedule is tight or the casting brief is specific.

And for the actors, projects like this are a reminder that comedy doesn’t always mean “go big.” Sometimes the funniest take is the one that feels completely natural. Dry humor especially relies on subtle choices and great timing, which is why we love seeing those little details come through in self tapes. This audition pool had some of the most creative reads we’ve seen lately, proof that comedy, even in a quick commercial, can showcase real acting range.

In the end, the shoot came together beautifully. The selected actors brought the right mix of charm and wit to their roles, and OMA Creative’s direction tied everything together perfectly. Watching the finished spot, you can feel the balance of smart writing, great casting, and production teamwork. It’s the kind of project that reminds us how rewarding commercial work can be when everyone brings their best energy.

We’re proud to have been a part of this one and excited to see it out in the world. Big thanks again to the creative team for trusting us with the casting and to every actor who sent in a tape. You made the process such a joy to watch.

If you love a good laugh and want to see more of the commercial work we’ve helped bring to life, check out more of our recent castings here. From heartfelt storytelling to offbeat humor, we’re always ready to help productions find the perfect cast to match their vision.