The Definitive Guide to Living in the Capital , Cairo , Egypt

Ever wondered how a director finds the fresh faces we see all over our TVs? Talent agencies are your answer. These agencies work by connecting their talented clients to auditions, meetings, and all aids needed to navigate a career in the entertainment industry. With Ramadan only a month away, this is your perfect chance to land a role in a TV ad, show, or marketing campaign.

In this article, we are breaking down the best talent agencies, how to connect with them, and some tips and tricks to follow while you try for your big break.

Come Prepared

While having your file registered with an agency connects you to more opportunities, some prerequisites are needed. Many, if not most, of the agencies demand professional pictures; a close-up, medium, and a full-body shot. For an instant boost, you could always bring a CV outlining all your previous works and any workshops, a portfolio of shoots you’ve participated in, or a showreel of your best acting scenes, even if it’s from an indie or a self-produced project.

Repetition Makes Reputation

You need to understand the casting process of talent agencies before putting your time and energy into constantly going to auditions. First off, you will be asked to film a general casting audition when admitted to the agency, sometimes after filling out a form describing your appearance. This step categorises you amongst all the other applicants based on your features. Then, upon request from directors, your profile comes up accordingly for the specific criteria they’re looking for.

Note that our appearance is far from consistent; our body weight fluctuates, hairstyle changes, facial hair, and so on. With that said, re-auditioning every couple of months updates your profile, boosting your chances of landing a role. Also, your face starts to be familiar to agency members, which would consequently have them recommend you when applicable.

Lack of Realism

How far some people would go to land their breakout role is sometimes concerning, and that’s why some faux agencies have risen. Located at suspicious undocumented apartments, these “agencies” have caused way more harm than can be imagined, from fraud and theft to sexual assault. If asked for money, you’re being fooled. So never pay a single penny to get featured in a show or an ad. That’s just not how this market works, even if you get told otherwise.

Credible Agencies

Here’s a list of reputable talent agencies that have granted many the chance to take the road to stardom:

1. Keeva Casting Agency (Keeva Casting Agency – Home | Facebook – Keeva Casting Agency (@keevaagency)

2. Challenge Casting Agency (Challenge Casting Agency | Cairo | Facebook – Challenge Casting Agency (@challengecastingagency)

3. Prova Casting Agency (Prova Casting Agency | Facebook – Prova Casting Agency Official (@prova_casting_agency)

4. Wee Casting Agency (Wee Casting Agency | Giza | Facebook – Wee Casting Agency (@weecastingagency)

5. Target Casting Agency (Target Casting Agency – Home | Facebook – Target Casting Agency (targetagency.net) – Target Casting Agency (@targetcasting)

6. Frame Casting Agency (Frame Casting Agency (@framecastingagency) • Instagram photos and videos – Frame Casting Agency | Facebook )

7. Dayer Casting Agency ( Dayer Casting Agency | Giza | Facebook – Dayer Casting Agency (@dayeragency)

8. Elite Casting Agency (Elite Casting Agency (@eliteinegypt) – Elite in Egypt | Cairo | Facebook )

9. Turquoise Casting Agency (Turquoise Casting Studio – Ahmed Tamam | Cairo | Facebook – TURQUOISE (@turquoisecastingstudio)

10. The Rocket Casting Agency (The Rocket Casting Agency | Giza | Facebook –The Rocket Casting Agency (@therocketcastingagency)

Online Casting Calls

After auditioning at the agencies above, you’ll have to wait for a callback which may take longer than anticipated. As you wait, you can follow numerous Egyptian directors and keep an eye out for their online casting calls via Instagram stories and posts. These are not used as often compared to getting connected through an agency but may sometimes come in handy.