Fully researched, pre-interviewed, production-ready contributors aligned precisely to your brief
With more than 50 years of real-world journalism, SWNS specialises in uncovering extraordinary people and stories others struggle to find. As the UK’s largest independent media agency, we help TV, documentary and digital producers source compelling real-life contributors quickly and reliably.
Our journalists are experts at identifying, approaching and securing individuals at the centre of powerful real-world stories – including contributors who may be hard to locate, sensitive to approach or reluctant to speak publicly.
From Global Search to Screen
See on of our TV casting commissions now airing on TLC and HBO Max in the US.
Commissioned by Arrow Media, our team helped cast Most Extreme Humans, a 10-part series exploring some of the world’s rarest medical conditions. The project involved identifying and supporting contributors from around the globe, combining expert story sourcing with a sensitive, people-first approach.
Our specialist casting team successfully connected the production with extraordinary individuals whose stories help bring this remarkable series to life.
If you’re producing a documentary, factual entertainment series, or need help finding hard-to-reach contributors, we’d love to hear from you.
Why producers work with SWNS
Access hard-to-reach contributors
Our journalist network specialises in uncovering extraordinary people and untold stories across the UK and internationally.
Trusted contributor relationships
We know how to approach sensitive stories and build trust quickly, ensuring contributors feel comfortable participating.
Exclusive access
Where required, we can secure contributors and protect access for your production.
Speed and certainty
We only take on briefs we know we can deliver, providing a fast and reliable pipeline of contributors.
Contributors arrive fully briefed and ready for production teams, helping streamline development and filming.
SWNS recently sourced contributors for a major US network documentary series, delivering contributors for 10 hour-long episodes in just 12 weeks.
What we deliver
Our casting and story sourcing service typically includes:
- Curated contributor shortlists
- Background research and verification
- Recorded pre-interviews
- Responses to production research questions
- Archive photos or video where available
- Duty of care considerations and flags
What our clients say...
SWNS delivered excellent casting for our TLC series Most Extreme Humans. The brief was demanding—finding individuals with extraordinarily rare physical conditions worldwide. George, Harriet, and Katie approached it with professionalism and creativity.
Despite regular feedback and rejections from TLC commissioners, they stayed resilient and consistently came back with stronger stories. Many contributors were in remote locations, and didn't speak English, but this was never a barrier. The team showed impressive resourcefulness in finding some truly unique stories.
Sam Ornbo Showrunner - Arrow Media
Our journalists located participants across multiple countries, navigating language barriers and remote locations to deliver a production-ready contributor pipeline at scale.
SWNS can also support projects beyond casting, including:
- Story and narrative development
- Pre-interview preparation
- Contributor expectation management
- Field production and filming
- Editing and delivery of finished content
