Equity issues caution advice about Mad Dog Casting Ltd and Somebody Ltd

Equity is urging members to exercise caution in relation to casting agency Mad Dog Casting Ltd which trades as Mad Dog 2020 Casting (‘Mad Dog’), and a possibly related company called Somebody Ltd, following dozens of instances of non-payment and an escalation of legal action to recover money owed.
 
Equity became aware of the problem at the beginning of the year when several members contacted us because they had not been paid for work by Mad Dog, some stretching as far back as June 2023. We put out a notice in January 2024 and since then many more members have contacted us for help recovering earnings owed to them by Mad Dog.
 
A claim against Mad Dog has been commenced by our solicitors on behalf of 39 members. A second claim consisting of at least 18 further members is being considered pending the outcome of the first claim. Together these claims amount to over £21,000. We are also aware from performers who have already won claims against Mad Dog that, in some cases, the agency is not complying with judgments and enforcement action has been necessary.
 
Equity is now issuing advice, encouraging members to exercise caution regarding any work offered via Mad Dog.
 
If you are owed earnings by Mad Dog, please get in touch with us at agents@equity.org.uk for assistance.
 
Mad Dog promotes itself as a casting agency for film, TV, and commercials, mostly for extras, supporting artists, walk-ons and stand ins. It includes big producers on its client list, including Paramount, BBC, ITV and Working Title, with opportunities which may be tempting to many performance members. It has offices in London, Manchester, Cardiff and Glasgow.
 
In addition to urging caution over Mad Dog, Equity is concerned about another casting agency called Somebody Ltd, which bears a number of business similarities to Mad Dog. Specifically, Somebody Ltd shares the same Cardiff and London addresses as Mad Dog, and a company called Cinextra Limited (previously known as Mad Dog Holdings Limited) is listed as a company with significant control for both Mad Dog and Somebody Ltd.
 
If you have encountered issues with Somebody Ltd, please get in touch with us at agents@equity.org.uk
 
Equity can help members with eligible claims for unpaid work.
 
For more information on advice about agents and common issues, see our advice page.