Meet David Waldron

We were lucky to catch up with David Waldron recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have David with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?

My work ethic in extras casting is rooted in dedication, attention to detail, and a deep love for the industry. Growing up, his parents instilled in him the belief that nothing is ever given—you have to work hard for what you want, and mutual respect goes a long way. That lesson has shaped his approach to casting, where he knows success isn’t just about filling spots—it’s about elevating every scene with the right people.

In the fast-paced world of background casting, David has built a reputation for efficiency, organization, and clear communication, ensuring productions run smoothly while making sure every background actor feels valued and prepared. With years of hands-on experience, he has developed a casting process that is not only meticulous but also deeply personal, setting a high standard in the field.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m an Extras Casting Director with over 20 years of experience in the industry. I grew up in South Jersey, and from a young age, I knew I wanted to be part of the entertainment world. I studied Communications and Theatre Performance at Stockton University, and after graduating, I moved to NYC to chase my dreams.

My journey in extras casting began with an internship at Grant Wilfley Casting, which quickly turned into a full-time job. After working with a few companies, I teamed up with three other casting directors to launch Waldron Casting, a boutique extras casting company serving the tristate area.

I’ve been fortunate to work on some incredible projects, including The Blacklist, Blindspot, Feud: Capote vs. the Swans, American Sports Story: Aaron Hernandez, and Dead Ringers, just to name a few. I love the collaborative process of working with directors, writers, and producers to find the perfect talent to bring their vision to life. We tap into our extensive database of actors, as well as real people casting, leveraging our strong social media presence to discover fresh faces.

There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a scene come together with the right background talent—it’s what makes the world on screen feel real.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Three qualities that have shaped my career are perseverance, networking, and kindness.

Perseverance has been essential in an industry filled with more “no’s” than “yes’s.” The entertainment world can be tough, but my determination pushed me forward, making those few “yes” moments even more rewarding.

Networking is a skill I learned early on—it’s not just about talent but about building relationships. The connections I made with producers and directors over the years played a huge role when it came time to launch Waldron Casting. Reaching out to those contacts helped open doors and establish trust in our company.

But above all, kindness has been the most important quality. It may seem simple, but in a high-paced, often stressful industry, a little kindness goes a long way. People remember how you treat them, and fostering a positive, respectful work environment makes all the difference. It’s one of the reasons people want to work with us again.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

Growing up, my parents played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today, both personally and professionally. What truly impacted me the most was how they always pushed me to work for everything I had. They never handed me anything on a silver platter, and I’m grateful for that. Instead of making things easy for me, they taught me the value of hard work, perseverance, and independence.

Their belief in me was unwavering, but it was their insistence that I had to earn what I wanted that left the deepest mark. Whether it was pushing me to go the extra mile in school, encouraging me to take on new challenges, or holding me accountable for my actions, they instilled a sense of responsibility that has stayed with me. I’ve carried that mindset into my career, where I understand the importance of persistence, earning trust, and the satisfaction that comes from putting in the work to achieve success.

Thanks to them, I know that nothing worth having comes easily, and that lesson has been a guiding principle in all areas of my life. Their tough love shaped my drive, my resilience, and my ability to navigate the challenges I face today.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://waldroncasting.com
• Instagram: @waldroncasting
• Facebook: @waldroncasting
• Linkedin: @waldroncasting
• Twitter: @waldroncasting
• Other: Linktree is @waldroncasting
  TikTok is @waldroncasting