Archives: Testimonials

“Ben is an absolutely gem in the industry and a pleasure to work with! I’d worked with him four years ago during an acting course and he was such a fantastic teacher that whilst preparing to send a self-tape to audition for a place at a well respected acting school recently, I contacted him for a 1-1 session. It was such an amazing experience to work with him, he responded to my request really quickly which meant that I was able to do two sessions with him ahead of the recording. He took out the stress and anxiety that often comes from recording these self-tapes and brought the fun back into acting. I am happy to say that I secured a place to a school that I had wanted to attend for a very long time! Thank you Ben!!”

I have SO much to say about the incredible Ben Cogan. I credit Ben entirely with starting my acting career. I was just 11 years old when I first walked into BBC Centre to audition for Casualty, very inexperienced and very nervous. Ben immediately put me at ease, the walk from the waiting area to the casting room changed everything for me and in the room he treated me like a respected actor and gave me space to make my own choices.  He cast me in that first role and since then has always been there championing me with words of encouragement.  Ben - I owe you the world! 

Ben is extraordinary and knows exactly how to work with actors to bring out the very best in them.  As an agent for children and young performers, I knew that Ben was exactly the right person to bring in to run my first audition day. Watching him work in the room with talent from age 6 all the way up to young adults was quite simply mind blowing and a beautiful process to watch. It was a masterclass in itself.  In short, Ben just 'gets' actors. He champions them, encourages them and is hugely passionate in all he does.  He's a gem and a genius! 

Ben is an exceptional casting director and a wonderful person making working with him a complete joy. His love for actors is evident and he is hugely respected by them in return. He always listens and respects my ideas as a director but always brings something fresh to the table and thinks outside the box. An excellent eye for finding exciting new talent and giving many (now) house hold names their first break! Knowledgable, talented and passionate about his craft. Casting is key to a films success and I can't recommend Ben enough. I can't wait to work with him again....and again. 

I was lucky enough to have Ben cast me in my first feature film, Just Charlie. Throughout the whole audition process Ben's encouraging and friendly manner immediately put me at ease, allowing me to really concentrate on doing my best. I really hope I have the opportunity of working with Ben in the future.

I first worked with Ben on 'Waking the Dead' and more recently on the beautiful short film: 'The Outing'. He's a brave, provocative Casting Director. Always making interesting challenging choices. I love working with him and trust his impeccable taste 100%

I really wanted to avoid using cliched terms and phrases like "actor friendly", "deeply passionate about the craft etc", but with Ben Cogan it's basically feckin impossible. Ben exemplifies all those traits so uniquely as anyone who knows him will testify. My only defence is that cliches are born out of a truth..... He does however have questionable facial hair!

Ben is a wonderful Casting Director! He always welcomes u with such warmth and kindness that u feel immediately at ease. He's so personable yet professional and just makes an audition so much more easier and better for the actor. I can remember some of my earlier auditions with Ben and he just makes u feel so supported that it gives you that confidence as an actor to really feel like u can give that audition your very best and that u have someone in that room really rooting for you. Wishing u all the luck Ben!

For an actor, Ben is gold-dust - a casting director who has your ‘back’. He’s genuinely passionate about actors and you can feel him willing you to excel in every casting. I am lucky that he has played an integral part in my career and am honoured to call him a friend.

I always enjoy castings with Ben. He's always wise, warm and supportive, giving those introductions and helpful tips which really put an actor at ease. I have always found him to be a really lovely bloke who genuinely appears to like actors, and enjoys and respects what actors do.