Welcome To Borthwick Casting

Suppliers of Children and Adults for Featured and Background Roles

Jamie Borthwick

Our Patron

Jamie Borthwick is an actor, who has portrayed the role of Jay Brown in the BBC soap opera EastEnders since 2006. With EastEnders being regarded as a national institution it would be overwhelming for any actor to join the cast never mind a child actor. Jamie was cast in the popular soap at just 12 years old and soon became a high profile child actor, picking up the accolade of Best Dramatic Performance from a Young Actor at the 2008 televised British Soap Awards. Jamie is now a household name and 14 years on is still playing the role of the popular character Jay Brown in the soap. Over the years Jamie has had the support from his number one fan, the lady who encouraged his training, supported his career and even at one time acted as his manager and that is his Mum and Borthwick Castings founder Sharon Borthwick.

Jamie takes a vast interest with how the agency is progressing and the achievements of all the children. He attends sessions run by the agency at our base in Londoneast-uk whenever time permits. With EastEnders filming 25-30 scenes a day he’s a busy man. Jamie grew up in the spotlight being watched on screen by millions of viewers every week, he has experienced the pros and cons of being a child actor but with his industry knowledge and expertise and being guided by Sharon, Jamie has carved out a reputation for being a great actor. You really won’t find an agency with better mentoring than Borthwick Casting.

Featured Testimonials

Children FAQs

What do I have to do if I want my child to join the agency?

In the first instance, complete our application form – if your child is selected for an interview, we will then be in touch with a day and time for you and your child to come along and meet us – this is known as our casting day. We recommend that every child over the age of 4 must attend at least one drama class prior to attending a casting day. This class is free of charge and is held at our premises at Londoneast-uk in Dagenham. Details of our drama classes can be found here.

What ages do you take clients from & to?

We take on babies from newborn and teenagers up to 19 years.

What do I have to do if I want my child to join the agency?

What happens at the casting day?

We feel that if we are going to be representing your child, it’s very important that we meet each other and begin to build a trusting professional relationship with you both.

Older children will also be asked to prepare a monologue and perform that on the day for us. You will also be able to ask us any questions that you may have. We will chat with you and your child and ask a bit about them; hobbies, experience, etc. We will tell you about the agency, how it works and what is expected of you and your child. Your child will then have a short photographic session with our professional photographer. Usually we will tell you on the casting day if your child has been successful, if so we can complete the paperwork there and then. Sometimes we may inform you a couple of days later, depending on how many applicants we have on the day.

What happens if my child is accepted on your books?

If your child is accepted onto our books, you will be required to sign a contract and a copy of our terms and conditions. You do of course have a 30-day cooling off period to change your mind. Shortly after you have attended our casting day and contracts have been signed, you will receive a link to your profile (usually within 2-3 weeks after casting day). This will enable you to view your child’s photographs and profile that is published on our website. Please check this carefully and notify us of any errors immediately by email. We will then begin promoting your child and putting them forward for all suitable roles, as soon as we have a confirmed assignment or casting for your child, we will be in touch. Your child will need to attend a drama assessment within 4 weeks of joining us.

Do I have to pay for my child to be on the agency?

You should never pay a joining fee to join a reputable agency. The only cost to you to be represented by Borthwick Casting is £100 + VAT (£50.00 + VAT if child is 3 years or under) which is the fee for publishing your child’s details on our website – this cost also covers your child’s photographic session. By being included on our website, this guarantees that your face will be seen by the many casting directors and other clients that scour our website. If your child is over 4 years, we also insist that you join Spotlight (www.spotlight.com the directory for all young performers that is seen by hundreds everyday) The cost for this by Spotlight is £106 – we will arrange your inclusion into Spotlight as entry is only accepted via a reputable agent.

My child already has an agent - can they still join your books?

Borthwick Casting is a sole agency, which means you are not allowed to join our books if you already represented by an agent.

Will my child be guaranteed work once I am represented by Borthwick Casting?

No agency can ever guarantee work, however by us approving your application it means that we believe we can get you work. How much work we can offer depends on what we are being asked for by productions in terms of look, age, etc. It can also depend on your child’s ability and experience. If you are invited for a casting/audition for a production, the decision as to whether you are successful in securing the job lies with the casting director.

Adult FAQs

I would like to become an extra but I have no experience?

Consider the following before making the decision to become an extra:

Can you work with an open and great attitude?
Are you allowed to work in the UK?
Do you have a National Insurance number?
Do you have a flexible work timetable & can be available at short notice?
Are you an early riser?

If you can answer yes to all these questions, then it is possible you will make an ideal extra.

What do I have to do to join the agency?

In the first instance, complete our application form – we will then be in touch with a day and time for you to come along and meet us. This gives us the opportunity to have a chat and answer any questions you may – this is also a great opportunity for you to get to know our team, so that when we speak in future both sides can put a face to a voice.

Is there a fee to go on the agency?

There is no fee to join our agency – the only cost to you to be represented by Borthwick Casting is £80 + VAT which is the fee for publishing your details on our website. This cost is not payable in advance but will be deducted from the fee’s earned by yourself for your first 2 jobs.

How much commission will the agency stop?

Borthwick Casting charge 17.5% plus VAT. for all SA work.

Will I be guaranteed work once I am represented by Borthwick Casting?

No agency can ever guarantee work, however by us approving your application it means that we believe we can get you work. How much work we can offer depends also on what we are being asked for by productions in terms of look and age etc

How can I maximise chances of getting work?

Making yourselves available wherever possible which can be at short notice
Arrive promptly at any auditions/casting

How much will I be paid?

This depends on which job you are on, but a rough average is between £90 to £200 per day. There are 3 main union agreements which are used to determine your rate of pay. These are: FAA/PACT Agreement, BBC Equity Agreement and ITV Equity Agreement. You will be informed of your rate of pay when we initially contact you to check your availability for a booking.