As owner and operator of Head Hunters Casting, Willie Anicic brings to this role a lifetime of experience in the visual and performing arts.

Born of European parents, it is not surprising that he has adopted a traditional apprenticeship-based approach to any endeavour that he has pursued; this is particularly true of his operation of Head Hunters Casting, which he founded in January, 2002.

Anicic brings nine years of experience to his position, seven of which were spent working with stellar industry names at Powerhouse Casting, striving diligently to assist in the creation and defining of the templates for the now-thriving company.

During his tenure with the organization, Anicic participated in creating the standard by which casting facilities operate today, developing a proven formula for an operation that is currently the most profitable of its kind.  

His collaborative work experience not only encompasses legendary mentors such as Kim Everest, Gloria Mann, Michael Stevenson, but also includes front-line advertising and production professionals from pre-eminent agencies such as Chiat/Day, Leo Burnett and Young & Rubicam, as well as household-name clients that include AT&T, Budweiser, Nestea, and a plethora of others.

This was a period that also saw his development as a director of acting talent. Anicic has photographed and directed literally thousands of actors while collaborating on an equal number of commercial scripts, thereby gaining an invaluable appreciation of the fine differences between commercial and film actors. In short, his prowess has been honed by working alongside the brightest and most creative people in their respective fields.

It is hardly surprising that such a keen appreciation has been powerfully augmented by a wealth of previous creative endeavours.

These activites have often taken place simultaneously; in the late 1980s, while doing welding and metal sculpture Anicic attended acting classes at Studio Sound Stage. This led him to perform in a string of television commercials, made-for-TV movies, and theatre work, all of which deepened his enthusiasm for the industry.

Throughout all of this, his love of three-dimensional forms inspired him to produce a wide range of works including large metal relief panels, furniture, sculpture and miniature works of jewellery. He has displayed his work in many locations, including the Del Bello Gallery, the Abbozzo Gallery and Avalon Fine Jewellery among others.

He has also been active in the community, donating time and original works to organizations including Bereaved Families of Canada, Save the Rwanda Children Fund and The Theatre Society.

Through a chance introduction and an artistic commission to create a metal sculpture of the Powerhouse logo, an opportunity arose to work as a casting assistant in the early days of the now-prominent company.

It was in this role that his acting experience proved invaluable, not only in recognizing talent, but in coaching actors and assisting them in overcoming performance anxiety. Since 1994 Anicic has gone through this process with literally thousands of commercial scripts.

Unlike so many other career paths that could be characterized by the word “eclectic,” Anicic’s vocational explorations have resulted in a powerful convergence – an extraordinary appreciation of creative talent, and the many ways in which it can express itself.

Given the size of the industry, and the creative and entrepreneurial strengths and instincts he brings to it, it is not surprising that the next venture he chose would involve the creation of an entirely new casting entity upon which he could place his own unique stamp.

So it was, that in January of 2002, he successfully launched Head Hunters Casting, attracting some of the top casting directors, comedians, actors, producers, directors, and musicians.

Anicic enjoys a superb reputation throughout the acting community. Moreover, his many artistic pursuits have resulted in a unique “cross-pollenation,” exposing him to a great variety of personalities.

This has been instrumental in assisting him in another niche specialization: the casting of “real people.” Head Hunters Casting currently has over 1000  “real people” on its roster, and with a booking rate of 90% or greater, has become the leader in this industry segment.

In his many-faceted creative career, Willie Anicic has always taken a “ground-up” approach, learning his craft by doing.  Now experienced as an artist and sculptor, jewellery designer, actor, director, and casting director, Anicic applies a critically appreciative eye to evaluating and developing the talents of others.

This unique sensitivity is the single most invaluable asset that he brings to the task of identifying the people most appropriate to particular roles.

It’s this kind of deeply-rooted understanding that will ensure that Head Hunters Casting continues to thrive and provide not only conventional casting but an essential specialty casting service that reigns supreme in this field.   Head Hunters Casting comes with15 years of experience and success locating the unique for the visual Industry.   Willie Anicic with his team spirit,  coupled with a diverse creative background in design and the visuals arts, working constantly as a director, is seasoned, in tune has the primal understanding and knowhow that is required and shared among all the creative's involved in the process of bring a project to a perfect end.

This understanding and dedication to the client needs and working together to reach the same results are Head Hunters Casting standards.  This in turn allows the clients the confidence and reassurement that Head Hunters Casting can keep up to this ever changing, unpredictable, fast paced Industry.  All with out cracking.   With his people person skills and his wonderful attitude towards life Willie Anicic can only succeed with favourable accomplishments and accolades.   

Head Hunters Casting as a company stands on it's own with a professional seasoned staff and the highest booking ratio in the business today.   Willie Anicic has been a major player in the Canadian film and commercial television industry for over 15 years now.  Head Hunters Casting has been open and running successfully now for over 7 years; its success rests not only upon the quality of his instruction, but also upon his comprehensive industry experience, established profile, contact network, and unique abilities.