Biography
Mark Summers is a multi-award winning and prolific casting director whose work spans the UK and international markets, covering film, television, commercials, music videos, theatre, live tours, short films, voice-overs, and "real people" projects.
Born in West London into a bi-racial family of Indian Parsi Zoroastrian and Irish heritage, one of six siblings, Mark spent his childhood between the UK and the US. Talent-spotted as a child by agent June Collins (mother of Phil Collins), Mark trained at the Barbara Speake Stage School and worked consistently as a child performer. At just 17, he launched his first casting company from his father's spare room, beginning a career that would see him cast thousands of projects worldwide.
Mark's reputation as an international casting director is unmatched. He works extensively across the UK and around the world, frequently traveling on location to discover the perfect talent for each project. He has collaborated with some of the world's most celebrated artists and directors, including Madonna, Michael Jackson, Metallica, Coldplay, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, David LaChapelle, Marc Forster, and Edgar Wright. Notably, he served as the UK Casting Director on Michael Jackson's planned This Is It tour. His casting expertise spans commercial, feature, and creative projects, reflecting both artistic vision and industry-leading professionalism.
A passionate mentor and educator, Mark regularly leads masterclasses worldwide and online, helping performers and creatives navigate the competitive entertainment industry. He is a long-time advocate for diversity and inclusion in casting and has been recognized for his community contributions, becoming Patron of the Royal Academy of Dance Community Outreach Programme and being made a Friend of LIPA (the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts) by Sir Paul McCartney, one of the highest honors the university can bestow.
He has appeared on numerous television shows, including Move Like Michael Jackson (BBC/SBS6), Britain's Missing Top Model (BBC), Make Me a Supermodel UK (Five), and The Model Agent (RTÉ). As a judge and panelist, he has hosted and evaluated talent on television around the world. Mark is also a regular media commentator, with appearances in publications such as The Times, Variety, and Marie Claire. A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, he has long championed representation and equality within the casting industry.
