Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of European cinema and television, few names have become as synonymous with casting excellence as Izabela Połeć. A dynamic force in Poland’s entertainment industry, Połeć is not only a seasoned casting director but also the founder and CEO of Casting Studio, a company responsible for discovering and nurturing a new generation of Polish actors. Her story is one of passion, persistence, and the unwavering belief that talent can come from anywhere.
Early Career and Background
Izabela Połeć’s journey into the world of casting didn’t begin in the spotlight. With a background rooted in media and performance studies, Połeć began her career working behind the scenes in film production. It wasn’t long before she found her true calling in casting — a profession that allowed her to combine her eye for detail with her innate understanding of character development.
“I realized early on that casting was not just about filling a role. It was about translating the essence of a script into real, breathing people,” Połeć shared in a recent interview.
In 2012, she founded Casting Studio in Warsaw, a venture that would go on to become one of the most respected talent recruitment agencies in the region.
Casting Studio: A Hub of Discovery
Under Połeć’s leadership, Casting Studio has become an essential resource for directors and producers across Poland and beyond. The studio is widely recognized for its innovative approach to scouting talent — particularly its outreach to non-traditional actors and individuals without formal acting backgrounds.
Her casting calls, often published through her Instagram profile (@izabelapolec), reach thousands of aspiring talents. The process is refreshingly transparent and inclusive. Recent campaigns have included roles for children, mature women, and even real-life professionals, such as doctors and athletes, lending an authentic edge to the productions she supports.
One notable example is a recent casting for women aged 40–60, offering a substantial 12,000 zł fee, and another for children aged 6–12 with a 6,000 zł stipend. These roles attracted wide attention, not only for the compensation but for the unique opportunity to work in film without prior experience.
The Instagram Effect
Połeć’s use of social media, particularly Instagram, has played a transformative role in how casting is approached in the digital age. With over 25,000 followers, her platform acts as a megaphone for underrepresented talent and as a real-time casting bulletin.
What sets her apart is the transparency and accessibility she brings to the casting process. Followers are kept in the loop with updates, behind-the-scenes content, and calls to action that demystify what has historically been an opaque industry.
“It’s important for people to see how the process works. It builds trust — and it encourages people who might not otherwise consider acting to take that first step,” Połeć explains.
Impact on Polish Media
The influence of Izabela Połeć extends far beyond casting calls. Through her work, she has contributed to the diversification and enrichment of Poland’s entertainment industry. She has worked on award-winning films, high-profile TV series, and commercial campaigns for global brands — all while maintaining a focus on authenticity and human connection.
Casting Studio has built a reputation for casting fresh faces who deliver outstanding performances, helping projects earn both critical acclaim and commercial success.
“Working with Iza is always a pleasure,” says Tomasz Król, a Polish film director. “She understands the emotional DNA of a script. She doesn’t just find actors — she finds the right souls.”
Challenges and Triumphs
Of course, the path hasn’t always been smooth. Like many in the entertainment industry, Połeć had to navigate the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, including delays in production and the shift to virtual auditions. But her adaptability turned those challenges into growth opportunities. During the pandemic, she led one of the first fully remote casting initiatives in Poland, proving that talent knows no borders.
More recently, Połeć has faced the broader challenge of keeping up with Poland’s booming demand for content in the streaming era. With platforms like Netflix and HBO investing heavily in local programming, casting directors like Połeć are at the forefront of shaping the visual and cultural narratives of a new generation.
Looking Ahead: Education and Expansion
Looking toward the future, Połeć plans to expand Casting Studio’s educational initiatives, offering training for aspiring casting professionals and workshops for new actors. She’s also expressed interest in launching a mentorship program, particularly for women in the industry.
“There’s so much talent in this country,” she says. “But talent alone isn’t enough. People need opportunity, guidance, and belief. That’s what I want to build.”
Her long-term goal? To position Poland as a global hub for talent discovery — and to ensure that Casting Studio plays a leading role in that transformation.
Conclusion
Izabela Połeć is more than a casting director — she’s a cultural curator, a mentor, and a champion of hidden potential. Through her relentless pursuit of authenticity, she has redefined what it means to find the “right” actor for the role. In doing so, she’s not just casting characters — she’s casting the future of Polish cinema.
For more information, visit www.casting-studio.com or follow @izabelapolec on Instagram.
