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Film & TV Casting Directors You Should Know: 2025 Regional & National Spotlight

By The Up-To-Date Actor, October 05, 2025

If you want to consistently book work in film and television, there’s one truth you can’t ignore: casting directors are the gatekeepers. They decide which actors get in the room (or on the self-tape list), and which performances make it in front of producers and directors.

For actors building a professional career, it’s not enough to only know the handful of big-name CDs in Los Angeles and New York — you also need to understand the regional markets where production is active, and the casting directors who call the shots there.

At the Up-To-Date Actor, we make it easy: our database of 22,000+ industry contacts includes casting directors across every major (and emerging) market. Even better, you can see all the projects these CDs are currently casting — and search nationwide (including Canada) for casting directors and active projects.

Regional Markets on the Rise

Production growth continues across the U.S. In addition to the traditional hubs of NYC and LA, filming is expanding in:

• Los Angeles, CA – Still the epicenter of U.S. entertainment, with steady film and television work despite changing industry dynamics.
• New York & New Jersey – A major market with powerhouse studios and robust tax incentives that draw large-scale productions to the region.
• Atlanta, GA – While still a significant hub, Marvel's shift from their Atlanta-centered production to the UK has slowed Georgia production. This move is already having a considerable negative impact on the film and television industry in Georgia, with a notable decrease in production spending and opportunities for local actors and crew. However, Tyler Perry Studios and network TV still keep the market busy.
• Chicago, IL – A mainstay for procedural TV, crime dramas, and independent features.
• New Mexico & Texas – From Albuquerque to Dallas and Austin, this combined region is seeing growth in feature films, series, and regional shoots.
• Louisiana – Still a cost-effective production state for many feature and TV projects.
• Kentucky, Massachusetts, Oklahoma – Quickly climbing the list of states producers are choosing for location shoots.

Each of these markets has a dedicated circle of casting directors who know their local actors and work habits. Building relationships in these markets can open up steady bookings — even if you’re not based in NYC or LA.

Casting Directors You Should Know

Here’s an expanded snapshot of casting directors across U.S. markets — especially with our added Texas & New Mexico focus:

New York City

• The Telsey Office – Known for large-scale Broadway-to-screen projects and major television series.
• Chrystie Street Casting – Specializes in independent film and prestige TV.
• Laura Rosenthal Casting – Focused on award-driven features and auteur, director-driven projects.
• Barden/Schnee Casting – Acclaimed for ensemble-driven dramas and prestige film work.
• Avy Kaufman Casting – (NY/LA Office) – Trusted on both coasts and recognized for high-end, director-driven "auteur" film and television casting.

Explore NYC Casting Directors in Up-To-Date Actor »

Los Angeles

• Sarah Finn Casting – Known for large-scale franchise and studio features.
• Lowry-Johnson/Goldstein Casting – Specialist in long-running, high-profile television.
• Betty Mae Casting – (LA & NY Office) – Trusted on both coasts and recognized for edgy feature projects and bold streaming work.
• Rapaport/Baldasare Casting – Focuses on network and streaming series with ensemble casts.

Browse Los Angeles Casting Directors in Up-To-Date Actor »

Atlanta & Southeast

• Fincannon & Associates – A staple in television and feature films across the Southeast.
• Casting TaylorMade – Specializes in high-volume extras and recurring day-player roles.
• Big Picture Casting – Active in commercials, indie films, and regional TV.

Search Atlanta & Southeast Casting Directors in Up-To-Date Actor »

Chicago

• Paskal Rudnicke Casting – Known for independent films and television dramas.
• Claire Simon Casting – Specialist in long-running network series.
• Jonathan Strass Casting (NY/Chicago Office) – Trusted for prestige procedural TV - Law & Order Franchise, Chicago Med and more.

Find Chicago Casting Directors in Up-To-Date Actor »

New Mexico & Texas

• Jo Edna Boldin Casting (NM) – Trusted for studio-backed features and series in the Southwest.
• Kiira Arai Casting (NM) – Active in independent and regional projects.
• Torfoot Films (Dallas office, TX) – Casts with Ross Meyerson in the Texas, Southwest, and NY markets on prestige film & TV.
• Atomic Casting (Dallas, TX) – Known for casting feature films, TV series, and commercials in the Texas region.
• G&S Casting (Houston, TX) – Active in film and television casting within Texas and beyond.
• Kevin Howard Casting (Dallas, TX) – Works on film, TV, and commercial projects in the region.

Search New Mexico & Texas Casting Directors in Up-To-Date Actor »

What To Do Next

A list of names is only powerful if you know how to use it. Here’s how to take action with this casting director spotlight:

1. Build Your Own Casting Director Database – Keep track of the CDs you’ve auditioned for, want to meet, or whose projects align with your type. Learn how to organize this in our blog Your Personal Casting Director Database: An Essential Behind-the-Scenes Tool.
2. Start Reaching Out (The Right Way) – Yes, you can contact casting directors directly — but timing and tone matter. Read Can You Directly Reach Out to Film/TV Casting Directors? for best practices.
3. Maintain Relationships – Once you connect with a CD, don’t let it drop. Strategically send updates and follow-ups. Our post How to Build Stronger Relationships with Casting Directors Through Follow-Ups and Career Updates will show you how.
4. Know Your Access Points – Non-union actors often wonder where they fit in. Learn what’s possible in Can a Non-Union Actor Submit for Union Film, TV, or Theatre Projects?.
5. Stay Current & Do Your Research – Use Up-To-Date Actor to see exactly which projects these casting directors are casting right now. The database lets you search projects currently casting nationwide and across Canada, giving you a clear picture of where opportunities are active and who’s hiring.

By combining the list of CDs above with these strategies, you’ll have a practical game plan to not only research who’s casting but also connect, communicate, and stay on their radar.

Final Takeaway

Success in today’s entertainment industry isn’t just about talent — it’s about strategic reach and relationship building. Whether you’re based in NYC, LA, Texas, or one of the emerging regional hubs, staying connected to the casting directors who matter most will elevate your career.

Ready to take the next step? Explore the Casting Director Database on Up-To-Date Actor »