Casting Beyond LA and NYC: Why Producers Should Think Nationwide
Credit: Dutton Films
When most producers think about casting, their minds jump to Los Angeles or New York. Those cities have huge pools of actors, but they aren’t the only places to find great talent. Aura Casting has worked across the country and discovered strong actors and real people in markets like Las Vegas, Nashville, and Austin. For producers, that opens up possibilities to cast locally, cut down on travel costs, and still achieve the high-quality performances your client expects.
The Myth: You Have to Fly Talent In
A common assumption is that you need to bring in actors from LA or NYC to get professional results. That’s not always the case. Talented actors are everywhere. When casting taps into regional markets with the right connections, we often discover talent who not only fit the role but also bring unique qualities to the project.
Producers are often surprised by how strong the talent is outside big cities. Many expect to settle for less when casting locally, but instead they find authentic performances that match or even exceed their expectations.
Regional Strengths Casting Can Leverage
Different cities bring different strengths:
Las Vegas: A city filled with seasoned entertainers, performers, and people comfortable on stage who can easily adapt to on-camera work.
Nashville: A natural hub for musicians and storytellers who know how to deliver performances with depth and authenticity.
Austin: A growing market for indie film and creative talent, with actors who bring versatility and fresh perspectives.
By looking beyond the two biggest markets, producers can tap into these hidden strengths and create projects with more originality and flavor.
How Connections Make the Difference
The challenge of casting nationwide is knowing where to look. Without strong local connections, producers can waste time searching. With established relationships with agencies and real people across multiple states, a casting team can bridge that gap. This is how producers get access to talent pools that might not show up on the usual casting sites.
Casting nationwide has advantages that go beyond performance. Locals bring authenticity when projects need regional accents, cultural nuance, or “real people” from a specific area. With the right casting team, it’s possible to find exactly who you need, wherever your production takes you.
Looking to cast outside the big markets? We specialize in finding strong, authentic talent nationwide. Reach out today and let’s explore who we can discover together.
