Netflix shows are a great opportunity for actors, and understanding the process behind getting into the rooms can eventually lead to a coveted role.
Nikhita Lesler, a British actor of South Asian and Jewish heritage, is best known for her role as Lady Worcester in the Netflix series Blood, Sex & Royalty. She appeared in the BBC’s The Sixth Commandment and Casualty, as well as Invisible for the BFBS Network.
An established voice-over artist, Nikhita is one of the voices of Microsoft Worldwide, and is currently working on two major video games. She can also be heard in A24’s The Moment.
From explaining how the audition process works to preparing for your self-tape, Nikhita shares her advice on how to nail your Netflix audition.
Key Insights
- Netflix auditions work much like other TV auditions, with most opportunities coming through agents, managers and legitimate casting platforms rather than open calls.
- Strong headshots, an updated profile and a clean self-tape setup help actors make a professional first impression, but truthful preparation and authentic choices are what make an audition stand out.
- Building relationships, maintaining a strong reputation and consistently doing good work can help actors become visible to the casting directors behind Netflix and other major streaming productions.
How Netflix Casting Actually Works
Getting cast in a Netflix production is no different from any other TV project, and beginning with the breakdown, agents will have direct access from casting directors to the projects they are currently casting. Netflix doesn’t typically hold open castings, so if you don’t have representation yet, most listings can be found on casting platforms, often under anonymous project titles.
Nikhita went through several rounds of auditions before landing the role of Lady Worcester. At the in-person call back, she met director James Bryce, three of the producers, and the casting director Kevin Riddle.
“Everyone was so lovely and welcoming, which really helped settle some of the nerves! We workshopped a few scenes in the room, and that was recorded. It felt very full-circle because the initial connection happened in such an unexpected, everyday setting. It was a real reminder that you never quite know where an opportunity might begin!”
What You Need To Do Before Auditioning for Netflix Projects
When auditioning for Netflix projects, Nikhita encourages actors to have the basics down really well: “Have a strong, up-to-date headshot that actually looks like you, an up-to-date resume or profile, and a good self-tape set-up. It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, but [it should be] clean and well-lit, with nothing distracting [in the background].”
She goes on to say that while training and credits do matter for streaming productions, she doesn’t think actors should wait until they feel “ready enough” or “impressive enough” to be considered.
“The main thing is, don’t over-mystify it. A Netflix audition is still an audition. Treat it the same as you would any other. Keep working on your craft, keep building relationships, keep getting better at self-taping and take every audition as seriously as the last, whether it’s for Netflix or a non-speaking part in a short.
Your job is to bring the most truthful, prepared version of yourself to the work, and then let it go. Most importantly, have fun. That’s why we do what we do. Keep coming back to that.”
How To Find Legitimate Netflix Casting Opportunities
Netflix productions will use legitimate casting platforms such as Casting Networks when posting open roles, however, there are projects that will use “Netflix” like a buzzword, misleading a lot of self-represented actors.
To avoid any scams, read the breakdown thoroughly. Genuine casting calls will post clear information: casting director, project name, role specifications, location, rates of pay and union affiliations.
Although Netflix rarely has open casting calls, Nikhita recommends looking into a particular show, and “if you think you’d be right for it and if it’s returning for another season, look into who casts it.” She advises to go through the right channels and first check if they accept what’s known as a “cold submission” to avoid any issues that can be perceived as unprofessional conduct.
Actors that have representation can take the same approach and point your agent or manager in the right direction. You never know, they might already have a connection to the project or the casting director.
How To Prepare For a Netflix Self-Tape Audition
To improve your submission quality, cover the basics: framing, light and sound. To ensure that your tape gets seen, follow instructions to the letter, and remember to slate or include additional takes if asked.
You can then start to work on your performance choices, so that they read well on camera. During the audition process, Nikhita began by researching her character, and the fact that Lady Elizabeth Somerset was a real person, made the process a lot easier.
“I did a lot of script work, looking at the relationships, the intentions, and what was really driving her in each scene.” Although Nikhita acknowledges every actor’s process is completely unique, for her, the focus falls on subtext and intention: “I find that helps me bring out the most truth in the character and, of course, making sure the accent was on point.”
“Lady W is such an interesting character. She’s incredibly funny, but also has arguably, besides Anne, one of the saddest storylines in the series.” She fell in love with playing her, quickly pointing out her wit, charm and admirable ability to make the grayest situations feel light.
Once she’d done the work, it was about trusting herself, letting go and allowing this preparation to show. She booked the role and was soon adding hours of practice wearing a corset to her process. As she recalled, “They are seriously tight. It’s no wonder her posture was perfect!”
What Casting Directors Look for in Netflix Auditions
What really helps performers stand out in such a competitive industry is valuing authenticity, while maintaining a strong on-camera presence. Cover the audition basics, be professional, responsive and consistent, so that what makes you unique naturally comes through.
“Of course, it’s about being right for the role and doing a strong tape, but I also think being a generous, warm actor can really make a difference,” says Nikhita. “The feedback I hear again and again is that [casting directors] want to work with actors who are good to work with. So I think reputation goes a long way.”
Nikhita explains that the industry is collaborative, a community where horror stories are heard and shared about difficult actors. As someone who exudes such a positive energy herself, she (coincidentally) tells me that being someone that brings good energy into a room, matters.
“Ultimately, I think casting directors are looking for someone who can do the job brilliantly, but also someone they can trust, someone prepared, professional, open, and enjoyable to work with.”
How to Build a Career That Leads to Netflix Roles
Working on a Netflix show might seem like a shortcut to success, but in reality it’s a career goal, in a larger context, about building a sustainable acting career. Actors like Nikhita have developed relationships with casting offices, racked up credits and booked Netflix projects after years of hard work.
“The aim should be to do what you love for a living. We only have a short time here, so if you truly feel this is for you, trust that. Keep working, keep showing up, and ignore the limiting beliefs around you.”
The best place to start is with a good agent. “Ultimately, it’s about building relationships, doing good work, and making sure you’re visible to the right people in the right way.” Mid-way through our conversation, she says actors have to develop an unshakeable belief that they’ll get there.
This abundance mindset has clearly stemmed from Nikhita’s experience in drama school. The inaccurate expectation that she wouldn’t do well, an obviously misguided prediction, hasn’t slowed her down. “Don’t worry about the people who don’t think it’s possible, because it absolutely is,” she stresses.
Conclusion
Nikhita’s professionalism as an actor has been developed across her entire body of work. She has been intentional, in every audition and every job. “By the time you get to set, you’ve usually done so much of your prep already, so the filming becomes the fun part, getting to play, react and bring it all to life.”
Nikhita shares, “It was amazing to work with such experienced actors and watch how they created their magic. I felt very lucky to be around such generous people who gave, and still give me, so much time, support and room to learn. I learned so much from that job, so I am incredibly grateful.”
If you are just starting out, just know that there is no shortcut. There is no cheat-sheet for success, so try to focus and do your due diligence. Even if you make it to the set of a Netflix show, the learning, curiosity and becoming, continues.
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