Dave Newman is an acclaimed Australian casting director with over 30 years of experience across multiple facets of the entertainment industry, including more than two decades dedicated exclusively to casting. He has been a partner of Tom McSweeney at McSweeney/Newman Casting for over 13 years, helping form one of Australia’s most respected and consistently active casting organisations.

Dave began his casting career working on hundreds of commercial projects, developing a sharp eye for authentic, camera-ready performances and an instinct for matching talent to tone, brand, and story. That strong commercial foundation led to his progression into some of the largest and most successful feature films and long-form television dramas ever produced in Australia, where his work expanded to large-scale, ensemble-driven storytelling.

A defining chapter of Dave’s career was his 15-month tenure as Australian Casting Associate on The Pacific (HBO), produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks. During this landmark project, Dave travelled extensively across Australia, personally conducting more than 3,000 auditions to identify emerging and established talent. The Pacific went on to win the 2010 Emmy Award for Outstanding Casting for a Miniseries, Movie, or Special—an experience Dave often refers to as his “degree in casting,” reflecting the rigor, scale, and creative depth of the process.

In addition to his casting achievements, Dave has been a respected leader in the industry. From 2020 to 2022, he served as President of the Casting Guild of Australia, representing his peers and advocating for the recognition, integrity, and evolving role of casting directors within the global production landscape.

Known for his collaborative spirit, meticulous approach, and deep respect for actors, Dave Newman remains a trusted creative partner to producers, directors, and performers, contributing meaningfully to projects that resonate locally and internationally.