STAGES Episode 628: FAITH MARTIN

Faith Martin is an Australian casting director for film and television, recognised for her pivotal role in identifying and launching Australian and International talent into global careers. With extensive experience across Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Europe, she has built a reputation for instinct-driven casting on high-profile television series and feature films with worldwide reach. Faith began her career casting television commercials, helping establish the casting department at Lintas Advertising, (TVCS), before founding Martin Artists, a successful talent agency representing actors, writers, and directors. Over twelve years, she built the agency into a thriving business representing many of Australia’s most respected creatives, including Geoffrey Rush, Mel Gibson, Wendy Hughes, John Meillon, Sam Neill, writer Geoffrey Atherden and director George Whaley. This foundation continues to inform her sharp understanding of talent development, career trajectory, and international market positioning. Her early Australian television credits include Return to Eden, Bad Cop, Bad Cop, Above the Law, Going Home, The Battlers, Two Twisted, Blue Heelers, Water Rats, Stingers, Murder Call, Sea Patrol, and the internationally distributed, award-winning children’s series Mortified, which launched the career of Marny Kennedy. Faith also cast the international HBO miniseries A Dangerous Life, produced by Hal McElroy in the Philippines, and the ABC drama Rain Shadow, directed by George Ogilvie and starring Rachel Ward. Internationally, Faith played a defining role in casting the first season of Spartacus for Starz, produced by Rob Tapert. She championed Andy Whitfield in the title role — despite initial U.S. resistance to an Australian lead — famously declaring, “I’ve found your Spartacus.” The series also marked Jai Courtney’s first professional acting role. She later contributed to the expanding Spartacus universe, including Spartacus: House of Ashur. Her U.S. and international television work includes Ash vs Evil Dead (produced by Rob Tapert), Legend of the Seeker (ABC Network), Banshee (casting lead Antony Starr), Rectify (starring Aden Young), and Outlander (casting David Berry). Her feature film credits span both independent and studio productions. Early career highlights include Strictly Ballroom (dir. Baz Luhrmann), The Crossing (dir. George Ogilvie — the first feature film for Russell Crowe), The Sum of Us (starring Russell Crowe and John Polson), Paperback Hero (starring Hugh Jackman), Dead Heart (produced by Bryan Brown), and Alexandra’s Project (dir. Rolf de Heer). Her later feature work includes: The Junction Boys, which helped launch Ryan Kwanten’s international career; Invincible (dir. Jefery Levy for Icon Productions); Lapis Lazuli (20th Century Fox), introducing Clarence Ryan; Satellite Boy (dir. Catriona McKenzie); The King Is Dead (dir. Rolf de Heer); Cactus; Better Watch Out; Infini; Gabriel (starring Andy Whitfield); The Osiris Child (dir. Shane Abbess); Diabolic produced out of Adelaide in 2024, Rising Wolf; and Companion (formerly titled Sahela), a project she considers especially significant for its storytelling and ensemble. Faith continues to work on bold, character-driven film and television projects with international scope, maintaining her longstanding commitment to connecting exceptional Australian talent with global audiences. The STAGES podcast is available to access and subscribe from Spotify and Apple podcasts. Or from wherever you access your favourite podcasts. A conversation with creatives about craft and career. Follow socials on instagram (stagespodcast) and facebook (Stages).