About Us
The story of Fishpond
Our mission and commitment to diversity
For more than 16 years, Fishpond has been the premier online platform in Ireland for actors and performers to launch their careers, develop their talents and be part of a vital creative community. During that time, we have become an essential resource for casters seeking talent for film, TV, commercials, theatre, voiceover and online projects.
Our mission is to provide members a creative hub where they can access fair-pay work opportunities, showcase their talents to casters and creators, avail of educational services and reach their full potential while flourishing in a collaborative and supportive environment.
It’s our strong belief that every successful project requires finding the right cast. We strive to make it easy to discover the best talent available, whether they are seasoned pros or fresh new talent—in Ireland or further afield. Fishpond was developed by casters. Our user experience is designed for you, because we are you.
We value diversity and celebrate it in all its forms. We support inclusion and encourage equal opportunity employment, irrespective of race, age, socio-economic or ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation or disability. It is our sincere hope to facilitate and promote casting that more accurately reflects our evolving global society.
A Fish Tale
In 2007 our founder and a former actor, Ali Coffey, was working as a casting director. She longed for one place where she could find acting talent in Ireland. Previous to this, actors’ CVs were kept in box files and hours could be spent rummaging around trying to find that one actor she had met that one time who would be perfect for this one role.
So she burned the midnight oil sitting at the kitchen table—drawing up plans and refining her vision. Then, on a shoestring budget, she hired freelance by-the-hour developers and set about building Ireland’s premier casting directory. The initial prototype launched in September 2008 and was warmly welcomed by actors, agents, and all those casting acting talent in Ireland.
Since then, Fishpond has become much more than just a directory. Today, we’re a creative hub where actors can showcase their talents to casters and creators, avail of educational services and reach their full potential while flourishing in a collaborative and supportive environment.
For casters, not only has our membership grown, but we’ve become a more powerful tool through deep filtering capabilities, AUDITIONCAM® and enhanced user experience upgrades like shortlisting, mass messaging and SMS communication—to name just a few.
Proudly Supported by
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Fishpond?
Fishpond is Ireland’s premier online casting network, where casters find talent and actors get cast. Fishpond is a self-service platform – casters and actors create their own online profiles and can connect to create wonderful finished pieces for stage and screen. In addition, we offer advice and upskilling opportunities – workshops / Q&As, resources, blog, showcase opportunities etc.
Is Fishpond an agency that represents actors?
At Fishpond, we don’t represent the actors who register with us. While we are always here for guidance, actors manage their own profiles.
Does Fishpond cast the projects that go through the platform?
While the Fishpond team are experienced in casting projects for stage and screen, we don’t cast the projects ourselves. Rather, we provide a platform to enable the casting process and are here to advise casters and actors alike on navigating the pond.
What kinds of projects are cast through Fishpond?
Casters use Fishpond to discover talent for films, tv shows, commercials, events, theatre, voiceovers, musicals, cruises, corporate videos… anything that requires talented performers for stage, screen or live performances.
Does Fishpond only offer paid work?
Fishpond is passionate about fair pay for actors and only allow paid work to go through the main part of Fishpond. However, we know that an unpaid / low budget project such as a student short film, a profit share play or an indie music video can be great experience, so we reserve this for our Stepping Stones section.
How do I know that the casters using Fishpond are legitimate?
Anytime a caster registers with Fishpond, our team reviews them carefully before activating their account to make sure they are working professionally in Ireland and are offering suitable pay for actors. We take your safety very seriously.
Do I need to be based in Ireland to use Fishpond?
While the majority of Fishpond actors (and projects) are based in Ireland, Fishpond is open to anyone. Our community is always growing and over the last couple of years, we have seen projects taking place in approximately 20 countries worldwide.
Do I need to have acting experience to join Fishpond?
As Fishpond is an online casting platform for professional actors, we do ask that actors have some kind of training or experience to their name.
Can under 18s use Fishpond?
Yes – plenty of child actors are registered on Fishpond and lots of work goes through geared towards a younger age group. For safety and security, all profiles for actors under the age of 18 must be registered by and run by a parent / guardian. In addition, all young actor profiles must be reviewed and manually activated by the Fishpond team. Once a young actor turns 18, they will be invited to manage their own profile.
Can I join Fishpond if I have an agent?
Absolutely. About 50% of our actors are represented by an agency. Not only do casters post their opportunities for all to see on our jobs list, but they also search the pond and reach out to specific actors they think are suitable. If you’re not in the pond, they won’t find you. You can add your agent’s details to your profile and anytime a job / message is sent to you, your agent will receive a copy of it via email to keep you all in the loop.
Will my acting profile be public for all to see?
Once your profile is live, any casters using Fishpond will be able to view it. Other actors on the platform won’t and it won’t be visible to anyone outside of Fishpond.ie. However, you will receive your own Fishpond link – by sharing this link, you can direct anyone you wish to view your profile. Essentially, you can use it as a link to your online portfolio but no one will have access unless you choose to share the link with them.
What is auditioncam / auditionmic?
Auditioncam / mic is our revolutionary tool for casting directors and actors. Auditions can be recorded and sent on demand right from your smartphone so you can audition from anywhere in the world.
Will I definitely get work if I sign up with Fishpond?
Acting is a tricky industry and no one can predict the amount of success they will have. While we can’t guarantee you will be cast, we promise that we will put as many opportunities as possible your way and support you with advice, resources and upskilling opportunities.
What does it cost to join Fishpond?
We have various packages available to suit your needs and price range.
Does Fishpond take a commission on the work I get?
No, once you’ve paid your membership fee, any money you earn from work through the site is yours.
Aside from job listings, what kind of support does Fishpond offer to actors?
We are always just an email away and are happy to help you if you need advice in regards to the industry or specifically navigating the pond. We offer regular industry workshops (eg improv, accents, professional development, acting for screen etc) and Q&As with industry players such as directors, writers, teachers etc. We also run regular showcase challenges where actors can be showcased to their peers and the casters on Fishpond.
