Shaheen, hails from Birmingham UK and started work in film as a producers assistant and then made the move into casting. She has a huge love for art, photography, music and film, finding inspiration from artists Derek Jarman, Alan Clarke, Anselm Kiefer, Patti Smith, Chris Killip, Robby Müller and Marina Abramović amongst others. Shaheen is always on the lookout for new ways to challenge and reinvent her work.

Layla has worked at SBC since 2010 after studying English/ Film & Theatre at the University of York. Following some experience working in various parts of the TV & Film industry, she found herself happiest at the beginning of the process, in casting. There are too many SBC highlights to mention but the time Mandy Patinkin called the office is pretty high up.

Maternity leave until December 2026 

Gabby joined Shaheen’s office in 2016 after graduating from the University of the Arts, Brighton. While exploring a variety of roles within production, she found that casting was the most natural fit—combining her curiosity about people with a focus on storytelling and performance. Since then, she has continued to grow and refine her creative practice, always learning and evolving within the craft of casting.

Following a drama degree, a brief yearning to act and a number of jobs that are frankly best forgotten; Naomi started her career in casting in 2003, working in Manchester.

Naomi has been working on and off with SBC since 2007 and loved every minute of it. She worked as a teacher for a few years, the teaching was great but the yearning to be back in casting was greater. She has been back with SBC since 2021 and loves the process of casting and the incredible projects she has been lucky enough to work on.

As well as an appreciation of a good film, TV series and an interesting book, Naomi loves seeing friends, eating great food, the sea and dancing

Connor graduated from the NFTS Casting Course in 2021 and moved to London from Liverpool to begin work with SBC. Prior to this he studied for three years at drama school and worked in youth theatre.

Emma Jane made the move from Tipperary, Ireland (it's a long way) with the mission of building a career in the film and TV industry. After a lot of side jobs, she was delighted to join the SBC team back in 2022. With a degree in drama and a podcast about failure, she now brings creativity and a genuine curiosity about people to her work in casting. Emma Jane is deeply passionate about the projects we do at Shaheen’s and is a firm believer in keeping an open mind while championing fresh voices and emerging talent.

Najia joined Shaheen’s office in 2025 after graduating from the 5th cohort of the NFTS Casting Certificate Course earlier in the same year. Prior to this, Najia has been working in casting in the fashion industry for the past 10 years after studying Photography BA at the University of the Arts London, and Fine Art Foundation at Manchester School of Art. A permanent student and proud Northerner!