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Spotlight (company)

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Spotlight
IndustryEntertainment
Founded1927; 97 years ago (1927)
Headquarters7 Leicester Place, ,
Areas served
UK, Europe
ServicesCasting Directory, Rehearsal and Audition Space[1]
OwnerTalent Systems
Websitespotlight.com

Spotlight is the largest casting resource in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1927, it has over 70,000 actors, actresses, presenters, dancers, and stunt performers in its database.[2] It is used by 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]

Spotlight is one of the most successful and largest companies in the UK casting profession.[4]

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.[5] Spotlight was registered as an unlimited company in 2010, which does not have to disclose its profits publicly. Nigel Seale died in 2019 aged 78.[6] His daughters Emma and Philippa worked for Spotlight, and his son Ben became chief executive.[5]

Spotlight was acquired by Talent Systems in 2020.[7]

Directory Books

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Spotlight was the publisher of annual directories of entertainment industry professionals (including actors, presenters and directors/designers).[8]

The cover of the Spotlight actors' directory from 2005 for surnames M-Q

References

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  1. ^ "Interview and Casting Facilities for Actors and Producers".
  2. ^ "Ros Hubbard Receives Spotlight Casting Director Award at IFTA | The Irish Film & Television Network". iftn.ie. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  3. ^ "Contacts by Spotlight". app.spotlight.com. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  4. ^ "#1 UK Casting Website: Spotlight (And What You Need to Know About It)". Acting in London. 16 May 2016. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  5. ^ a b "Nigel Seale, 78: Director of Spotlight who mentored young actors". 27 June 2023.
  6. ^ "Obituary: Nigel Seale – former managing director of casting directory Spotlight". The Stage. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  7. ^ "Spotlight acquired by global casting technology company Talent Systems". The Stage. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  8. ^ "The Spotlight". 15 October 2004. Archived from the original on 15 October 2004. Retrieved 10 May 2024.