Spotlight is the largest casting resource in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1927, it has actors, actresses, presenters, dancers, and voice over artists in its database.[2] It is used by thousands of production companies, broadcasters, advertisement agencies, and casting directors. Clients range from large organisations such as the BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 to smaller production companies. Its website features a public "Contacts Listings" section, which lists a variety of professionals which provide services to the entertainment industry.[3]
 | |
| Industry | Entertainment |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1927 |
| Headquarters | 16 Garrick Street, , |
Areas served | UK, Europe |
| Services | Casting Directory, Rehearsal and Audition Space[1] |
| Owner | Talent Systems |
| Website | spotlight |
Spotlight is one of the most successful and largest companies in the UK casting profession and had been at the forefront of film, television and theatre casting since 1927.[4]
Their cutting-edge SaaS solutions allow performers to showcase their talents by creating online profiles and making them accessible to a vast network of casting directors and independent project creators. Spotlight strives to help new talent get discovered and ensure the continued vibrancy of stages and screens worldwide.[5]
History
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Spotlight was founded in 1927, when stage manager Keith Moss came up with the Spotlight Directory to connect theatre directors and casting directors with actors. His first directory featured 236 performers and 2 dogs.
Rodney Millington joined Spotlight as the Managing Director, and thanks to his leadership, Spotlight was a casting staple by World War II. It was judged as so essential to this industry (which in itself was significant due to how it bolstered morale) that it was granted an exemption from paper rationing.
After the war, the Seale family took over. Kenneth Seale joined the company as an employee, and later became a director. He was succeeded by his son Nigel, who launched a CD version of Spotlight in 1995, which won a Professional Publishers Association award.[6] The directory was moved online in 1997. Spotlight was registered as an unlimited company in 2010, which does not have to disclose its profits publicly. The final print directory was published in 2017. Nigel Seale died in 2019 aged 78.[7] His daughters Emma and Philippa worked for Spotlight, and his son Ben became chief executive.[6]
Spotlight was acquired by Talent Systems in 2020.[8] In 2021, Matt Hood took over as the Managing Director.[9] Spotlight moved their offices and studios from Leicester Square to Garrick Street in October 2023.
Spotlight Directories
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Spotlight was the publisher of annual directories of entertainment industry professionals from 1927 to 2017.[10] The different directories included:
- Actors
- Actresses
- Presenters
- Dancers
- Children & Young Performers
- Graduates
- Stunts
- Contacts
- The Production Directory
A selection of these historic directories can be seen in the waiting area of the Spotlight studios at Garrick Street.
References
edit- ^ "Interview and Casting Facilities for Actors and Producers".
- ^ "Ros Hubbard Receives Spotlight Casting Director Award at IFTA | The Irish Film & Television Network". iftn.ie. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
- ^ "Contacts by Spotlight". app.spotlight.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
- ^ "#1 UK Casting Website: Spotlight (And What You Need to Know About It)". Acting in London. 16 May 2016. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
- ^ "Who is Spotlight?". Spotlight. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
- ^ a b "Nigel Seale, 78: Director of Spotlight who mentored young actors". 27 June 2023.
- ^ "Obituary: Nigel Seale – former managing director of casting directory Spotlight". The Stage. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
- ^ "Spotlight acquired by global casting technology company Talent Systems". The Stage. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
- ^ "Equity's Matt Hood appointed Spotlight managing director". The Stage. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
- ^ "The Spotlight". 15 October 2004. Archived from the original on 15 October 2004. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
External links
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