Allcasting.com and Kidscasting.com, two of the biggest talent platforms in the US and Canada, have seen a nearly twofold increase in the pace at which ethnically diverse talent is joining up for their services.

African Americans, Asians, Indians/South Asians, Latinos, Hispanics, Middle Easterners, Native Americans, and Pacific Islanders will make up 67% of all users who have signed up as of 2022, an increase of 86% over the previous year.

The entertainment business is undergoing a huge shift, with technology’s integration playing a crucial role in promoting inclusion and diversity.

With the help of data and solutions from Kidscasting and Allcasting, which are now part of the Entertech group, businesses can now use cutting-edge technology to build a more varied and inclusive sector.

It’s not only about ethnicity either. Talent identifying as plus-sized have seen a total increase of 33% in Allcasting and KidsCasting registrations in 2021 and 2022 combined, compared to 2019-2020.

In the past, the entertainment industry was dominated by a single, narrow standard of beauty. However, audiences now demand more authenticity and representation, not just a diversity checkmark.

Today, diversity in entertainment is not just a moral imperative; it’s a business strategy, as proven by a report that found films with diverse casts perform better at the box office. When it comes to talent representation, Kidsсasting and Allcasting see a clear pattern change.

For instance, when comparing 2019 and 2022, the talent roster has also become more inclusive, with the representation of the LGBTQ+ community up by 23% in 2022 compared to registration data from just three years prior.

“The wider talent pool also represents a significant change in talent demand,” says Kate Taurina, Head of the Casting Directors Department at Entertech.

“Talent associated with any of the diversity metrics performed 27% better last year than in 2019 and landed 4x more contracts across the US and Canada, with casting directors and the industry as a whole actively seeking out new voices to bring to the table. For instance, production companies are hiring real people with disabilities rather than actors playing them.”

This is where technology enters the conversation and can serve as a powerful enabler. Kidsсasting and Allcasting are using technology to improve their search engine services and filters for casting directors. This tech-driven approach helps them find the best and most suitable talent for their projects, reflecting the diverse needs of the audience.

Entertech has been working with casting directors and talent agencies to ensure that its search engine services and filters are user-friendly and effective. The company is committed to providing its clients with the best possible experience on its platform and will continue to make improvements to its services based on client feedback.

The upgrade features extensive search methods with integrated keywords that can better describe the details of the talent needed. This includes industry-standard age, gender, ethnicity, as well as appearance, LGBTQ+ status, disabilities (if any), physical traits, and other characteristics.

Talent will also be able to designate their skills and hobbies with an exact level of proficiency – like different sports, musicianship, professions, languages and accents, driver’s license, dance abilities, tattoos, piercings, and even if they have a family/twin/triplet/pet for a photoshoot.

This way, casting directors can find not only experienced actors and models, but also professional athletes, chefs, talented musicians, and more.

“Entertech understands the importance of diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry,” explains Taurina.

“With streaming platforms leading the charge, there are opportunities for all types of talent. You don’t need to attend acting school to make it in this industry – your unique skills and talents can set you apart from the professionals. There are countless examples where people from regular professions have switched to acting or modelling, thanks to our platforms,” Taurina adds.