Background Actor Do’s and Don’ts for Submitting
As a Central Casting Background Actor, there are a variety of ways you can get booked. Whether submitting for work through the Jobs page or replying to a message from a Casting Director, follow these tips to get on set of your favorite movies and TV shows.
Do fill out your online avail calendar
The availability calendar in your online profile allows you to easily indicate what days you are available and interested in getting work through Central Casting. On desktop, your avail calendar appears on the right side of your profile and can be accessed on mobile by selecting the “calendar” button below your photo.
For dates you are available, just tap once to turn green. If unavailable, tap twice to turn the date red. Keep in mind, your online calendar is a tool to let us know when you are available to work; you are still responsible for managing your jobs so you do not become double booked.
Do tell us if your availability changes
When responding to a job post or replying to a message, you can submit for multiple roles on the same day. If you do get booked and were messaging with different Casting Directors about work for the same date, please contact your Central Casting office to change your avail status for the other roles.
If you’re on first avail and your availability changes, you must call the Casting Director to let them know. You cannot change your first avail status or cancel a booking by responding to an availability inquiry or changing your availability on your online calendar.
Do submit the way you’re instructed to
When you’re scanning through job posts, it’s easy to miss a few key details, like how the Casting Director would like you to submit. The submission instructions can vary by Casting Director and project, so it’s important to read through them carefully.
It might seem like a no-brainer, but you should also follow directions for what you need to send in an email submission. The job post will often contain specific instructions for the subject line and what to include in the body of the message, like your email address or phone number. This makes it easier for Casting Directors to sort through submissions and look up your profile in our casting platform. Attention to detail is an important trait to have if you want to be a successful Background Actor.
Don’t submit for roles you don’t fit
Another reason to read job posts carefully is to ensure you fit the requirements included, like portrayable age, portrayable ethnicity, sizes, SAG-AFTRA status, and more. We know you’re excited to get on set, but submitting for roles you don’t fit the description for doesn’t help you or the Casting Director. There are plenty of opportunities to get booked by Central Casting, so if you don’t see a role you fit on our Jobs page, keep checking back.
Don’t forget to update your profile
Have you claimed your online profile? Our Casting Directors use the information in your profile when considering you for work, so claiming and updating your profile can help set you up for success. Your profile is always available to log in to, but instances where your look changes, your sizes need updating, and to upload additional photos are all good opportunities to update your profile.
Want to learn more about submitting for work and finding background jobs through Central Casting? Check out our articles 5 Tips for Getting Booked and Do’s and Don’ts for Submitting Photos to Casting Directors.
