From a first casting without a database to an agency with over 2,000 people – a story of enthusiasm, growth, and a community that truly lives the film atmosphere.
The Beginning of a Story
Istria Casting has established itself as an important player in the Croatian film, television, and commercial industry, but its beginnings were far from a typical business story.
“It all started quite spontaneously, out of a collaboration and a great deal of enthusiasm,” says Katja Restović, recalling the early days of Istria Casting and her work with Fabris Radin, with whom she had already collaborated for years on music videos, choreography, and various artistic projects.
The call for the first major project came through the Istrian Tourist Board, from Denis Ivošević. It involved a Warner Bros. production for the reality show First Dates Hotel, filmed at the San Canzian Hotel & Residence in Istria. At that time, without a database of extras and without an established system, but with extensive experience in film and production work, they entered a demanding project involving up to 120 people per day over nearly twenty days of filming.
“We entered it ‘from scratch’ because we had no database of extras. We only had people we already knew from previous projects, along with a lot of passion and drive. Fabris and I learned everything along the way – every aspect of the job, from organizing a very demanding reality show set to working with different profiles of people,” explains Restović.
A Defining Moment
The following year, the project continued under pandemic conditions, which made organization even more complex, but also confirmed their ability to handle serious productions.
“I remember one lunch when we sat down and said – why wouldn’t we create a proper casting agency? We already had experience, a base of people was forming, and it was clear that this could grow,” says Restović.
From Idea to Full-Scale Production
This is how Istria Casting was born – an agency that today brings together more than 2,000 registered extras, actors, models, dancers, and performers of various profiles, as well as animals, vehicles, stunt performers, and body doubles.
Over the years, the agency has participated in numerous projects – from commercials and campaigns to series and films, including productions for Netflix, collaborations with studios from Hungary, and a wide range of international projects.
Among them, a particularly notable project was a commercial featuring the well-known actor from the series Baywatch and Knight Rider, David Hasselhoff, together with his iconic car KITT from Knight Rider.
The People Behind the Story
“Behind every project are people. What brings us the most joy is that over the past six or seven years we haven’t only built professional relationships, but also friendships. There’s a sense of connection, trust, and a special kind of energy that’s hard to describe,” says Katja Restović.
Working on film sets creates a unique atmosphere.
“It’s a demanding and often stressful job, but also full of adrenaline. Many people come because of that feeling – the dynamics, the sense of belonging, the fact that every day is different. You meet new people, new stories, and that’s what keeps us all in this world,” she adds.
Only Good Vibes
That is precisely why atmosphere on set is always a priority.
“We love working in a positive environment, and that’s very important to us. Our internal hashtag is always only good vibes – and we truly try to maintain that, no matter how demanding or stressful the job can be,” says Restović.
Structure and Team
Today, the agency operates through several specialized departments – from modeling and working with actors to organizing large crowd scenes.
Each team member focuses on their area of expertise, with Gordana Restović playing a key role. Thanks to her extensive experience in television production and as the director of the Pula Film Festival, she significantly contributes to and leads the organizational and production aspects of the work.
In the operational segment, crowd marshals play a crucial role – managing and coordinating extras on set. This structure is led by Ozren Grbavčić, who also frequently works as a second assistant on productions, ensuring smooth execution of complex processes.
Collaborations and Production Support
When it comes to locations, Istria Casting works closely with industry partners, including Iskren Jovandić from QUO Location Service, with whom the agency maintains continuous collaboration on location scouting and production logistics.
“Collaboration is key. This is a team-based industry, and without reliable people on the ground, almost nothing would be possible. The human factor plays a crucial role,” emphasizes Restović.
Care for People
Special attention is given to the well-being and working conditions of extras.
“Filming days can last up to 12 hours. It’s a demanding job – with long waiting periods and early starts, sometimes as early as 4 a.m., depending on locations and transport. That’s why it’s very important to us that our people have proper conditions – warm meals, breaks, heated spaces, adequate rest, and fair compensation. We stand up for them because they are the foundation of every scene and of the work we do,” she explains.
Development and Education
In addition to production work, the agency organizes training sessions and masterclasses to prepare newcomers for work on set and to introduce them to all aspects of production.
Today, Istria Casting operates across the entire region of Istria and beyond, with its largest bases in Pula and Rijeka, as well as a dedicated department in Zagreb, always ready to respond to the needs of various productions.
Istria as a Film Destination
The development of the film industry in the region is supported by institutional backing. The Istria Film Commission and the Istrian Cultural Agency (IKA), founded by the Istrian County and led by director Aleksandra Vinkerlić, actively contribute to positioning Istria as an attractive filming destination.
“Istria has incredible locations, but also incredible people. It’s a combination that makes this region truly special,” concludes Katja Restović.
Become part of the experience
Istria Casting is also active on social media, where it shares current projects, casting calls, and everyday moments from set — where the real film atmosphere comes to life.
Follow them on Facebook and Instagram, and find out more on their official websites:
