Being Booked

You are officially booked when you accept an offer for work and receive your details. Make sure you write all your booking information down so you’re prepared when you get on set.

When a Casting Director contacts you for work, you will often receive an alert in your profile and an email through our online self-service system. We recommend setting up email alerts so you never miss a message from Central Casting. To learn how to set up email alerts on your device, read these instructions.

FAQs

• I’m going to be late or need to cancel. What do I do?

  Call 404.920.8011. When cancelling, please give us enough notice to replace you.

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• Is there a guarantee of work?

  No, there is no guarantee of work because the needs of our production clients change every day. Due to the nature of background acting, Central Casting can never offer full-time employment to any of the talent (i.e., you) it employs.

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• What does “checking your avail” and “first avail” mean?

  When you hear these phrases, it means a Casting Director is prepping a scene for a future work date and is checking your availability. If you are available, please mark your calendar to limit work conflicts. “First avail” means that the Casting Director cannot hire you until production looks at your picture submission and approves the look. It’s typical not to get this information until the day before the shoot.

  If you are offered another job on the same day, we ask that you give us the courtesy of the “first right of refusal.” Just let us know so we can inform our show. They may option to offer to hire you first. You are still able to be hired elsewhere if we are unable to confirm a booking for you.

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• How do I get my details?

  The Casting Director will give you your booking information, which usually comes in the form of a Details Blog. You will enter a show name (which may be different than the name of the project) and a 4-digit passcode given to you by the Casting Director. Access your booking information by going to the My Details page.

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• What happens if I miss a call from Central Casting?

  Please do not call back until you have checked your voicemail to ensure the Casting Director did not leave specific instructions. If you do not get a call back, assume you are no longer needed.

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• What is a rush call?

  Rush calls are for immediate same-day work, usually to replace a “no show” on set. If you’re booked as a rush call, you may need to get to set as soon as possible. Please read rush call job posts carefully before submitting to ensure you fit the requirements.

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• Why have I not been contacted for work in a while?

  Our Casting Directors book Background Actors based on the needs of production. Be sure to fill out your profile thoroughly and accurately so Casting Directors know the types of roles you can portray. You can also check our Jobs page for work opportunities.

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• What can I do to help myself get booked?

  Through our online self-service system, you can now edit your online profile and receive job inquiries from Casting Directors. Here are some tips to ensure you’re putting yourself in the best position to be booked.

  1. To get booked by Central Casting, you must first claim your online profile. To claim, select the log in button in our website menu, then choose the claim profile option. Once claimed, you will be able to log in and get jobs through our online self-service system.
  2. Casting Directors use the information in your profile, like hair color, eye color, sizes, vehicles you own, etc., when booking their shows. By filling out your profile completely and accurately, you will show up in more searches for roles you fit.
  3. Upload photos of yourself in different looks and wardrobe, your vehicles, and pets you are willing to work with. Casting Directors use your photos to make sure your look fits the role.
  4. Manage your availability calendar. Keeping your availability up to date lets Casting Directors know when to contact you for work and helps ensure you don’t become double booked.
  5. Reply to emails and texts promptly. You will receive availability messages, job inquiries, and other communications from Central Casting via email. Be sure to enable alerts so you never miss a job opportunity. Also, add DoNot-Reply@centralcasting.com to your safe sender list, so emails don’t get lost in junk or other folders. Casting Directors may also reach out via text message and you can also view all communications in the messages folder of your online profile.

Messaging

• How do I submit for work?

  Casting Directors will contact you directly when you fit the look or requirements for a role. Be sure to completely fill out your online profile and add additional photos in different looks so Casting Directors can consider you for a variety of roles.

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• How do I know the message came from Central Casting?

  Emails will always come from DoNot-Reply@centralcasting.com and include a link to reply to the message via your online profile. SMS text messages can come from a variety of numbers, but will always include a link to reply via our online self-service system. These inquiries will also appear in your online profile.

  

  

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• What happens after I respond to a message?

  Our Casting Directors will review their responses then reach out if they intend to book you. If you are not selected, you may not hear from anyone. Remember, you’re booked when you accept an offer for work and receive details.

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• What does the phrase “without time restrictions” mean?

  When booking, Casting Directors may not know the call time (which can often change before the shoot), so they need you to have completely open availability on the date in question. For example, if you cannot work between 3-4pm, you are not available without time restrictions.

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• I didn’t see the message until later. Can I still respond?

  Yes, always respond as soon as you can. Some messages will expire after a certain amount of time. When this happens, you will see a notification that submissions are closed. We recommend enabling alerts for Central Casting through your email provider so you can always respond to job inquiries on time.

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• Can I respond to multiple avail messages?

  Yes, you are responsible for letting Central Casting know when you are available to work. Once you are booked, you are also responsible for not becoming double booked. If you are on first avail, please let that Casting Director know before accepting another offer.

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• How do I know you received my response?

  After you respond to a message, you will be sent a notification detailing your response and confirmation we received it.

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• Why am I unable to reply to an availability message?

  Casting Directors may only accept responses for a certain period of time and your message may have expired. If the message has expired and we’re no longer accepting submissions for the role for which you were contacted, you will see a page that explains this when you try to respond.

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• What if I don’t hear back from a Casting Director?

  If you don’t hear back with an offer for work and details, you are not booked. However, given the volume of roles they are booking, please be patient as it may take them some time to respond.

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• What are my booking details?

  Once you have accepted an offer for work, the Casting Director will let you know how to access your details, which will likely be in the form of a Details Blog. To access your details, enter the show name and passcode given to you in the My Details section of our website. Casting Directors get booking information as it comes in from production, so you likely will not receive your details until the evening before the shoot.

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• Do I still have to call the Call Time Change Box for my call time changes?

  Yes, your call time changes will be updated on the Call Time Change Box. You can find your Call Time Change Box information in your Details Blog.

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• If I receive a message, does that mean I’m officially booked?

  You are not booked unless you accept an offer for work and receive details.

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• What if I respond to a message then never hear back from the Casting Director?

  Thank you for replying. Your response lets the Casting Director know you are interested and available to work, but does not guarantee you will be booked. Depending on the casting volume, you may not hear back.

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• Can I reply directly to a text message?

  No, our texting numbers are only formatted to send outbound text messages from our online self-service system. When you respond to a text message directly, you will get a message indicating that you can only reply “Stop” to end text communication. We do not accept “yes,” “no,” or any other response through text message.

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• Can I call the number I received the text message from?

  No, our texting numbers are only formatted to send outbound text messages from our online self-service system. Please call our main line at 404.920.8011.

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• Why was there a link in my message?

  While you may receive an email or text message, all communication with Casting Directors happens through our online self-service system. Each communication will include a link to your online profile where you can reply to the message.

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• Can I get messages in a language other than English?

  No, the messages are only in English.

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• I’m not getting text messages. Does T-Mobile’s business message “opt-out” feature prevent me from receiving text messages from Central Casting?

  Yes. T-Mobile has released a feature that allows their customers to “opt-out” of business messages. In order to receive text messages from Central Casting, T-Mobile users will need to contact T-Mobile support at 1.800.866.2453 and ask for this feature to be turned off. Once the opt-out is removed, you will be able to receive messages from Central Casting. Even if you are a T-Mobile customer who has received text messages from Central Casting in the past, please check with T-Mobile to ensure you do not have the opt-out feature enabled.

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• Can I change my response?

  If your availability has changed after responding to a message, please call our office at 404.920.8011.

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• I’m not registered with Central Casting. Why am I getting these messages?

  We apologize for the inconvenience. Most likely your phone number was previously owned by someone registered with us, or provided to us in error.

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• Can I opt out of SMS messaging?

  As an employee of Central Casting you provided your mobile number to us so that we can contact you about jobs for which you would be a potential match. However, if you no longer want us to reach out to you via text message, please reply “STOP” to the text message you received.

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• How do I set up email alerts on an iPhone?

  Adding Central Casting as a VIP sender ensures you don’t miss out on job inquiries and other communications. If you have an iPhone, follow these steps. If you have another device, please check your email app settings.

  1. Open an email from Central Casting
  2. Tap on Central Casting in the “from” field at the top of the page
  3. Select “add to VIP” below Central Casting’s contact information

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On Set

Once you’ve been booked and received your details, it’s time to get ready for set!

Please show up to set on time and camera ready. Be sure to factor in time for check-in and parking.

Each production is different, but a typical day lasts up to 12 hours. You are an important part of making movies and TV shows, please be professional and have a good attitude on set.

FAQs

• What if I forget or lose my work information?

  It is critical that you write down your work information. If you lose your details or have any questions regarding your booking call 404.920.8011.

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• What do I do if I’m going to be late or need to cancel?

  Please call 404.920.8011 as soon as possible so we can replace you or inform production. Under no circumstances can you cancel via text message. You must call our office.

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• How will I know if my call time changes?

  When you get booked, the Casting Director will tell you how to get your call time changes. It is your responsibility to get call time changes for each booking.

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• What do I need to bring to set?

  Bring your ID and any additional wardrobe or props requested by production. Please arrive camera ready.

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• Who do I report to on set?

  Each set is different, but usually a Background Actor’s main contact is the 2nd Assistant Director (2nd AD) and Production Assistants (PAs).

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• What do I do when I’m not filming?

  You will be taken to a holding area when you’re not required on set. You can bring items to Holding to keep busy when you are not working.

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• Can I bring a guest to set?

  Do not bring guests to the set with you.

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• What happens if I get hurt on set?

  If you are injured on set, you must report it to the Assistant Director and/or medic immediately.

Payroll

When you register with Central Casting, we become your employer and, in most cases, are responsible for paying you. You’ll know you are paid by us if your voucher says Central Casting and/or Entertainment Partners. Payroll and casting are handled separately, so if you have questions about your paycheck, contact our payroll department directly.

For payroll updates, read our article Your Paycheck and Other Payroll Questions Answered.

Contact payroll
800.562.2718
(select option #3 when prompted)

To change your address, view your pay history, compare paychecks, and more, log in or sign up with myEP. When signing up for the first time, please use the same email address you have on file with Central Casting. To learn more, watch the myEP video from Entertainment Partners.

FAQs

• How soon after I work can I expect my paycheck?

  Payroll is processed as vouchers come in from production, which means you may receive checks out of work date order. You can learn more about your pay history by logging in to myEP.

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• Can I pick up my paycheck?

  No. At this time, we do not have the resources for paychecks to be picked up. Paychecks are handled in a secure area with 24-hour surveillance and delivered by our bonded driver to the post office.

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• How long does it take for me to receive my paycheck?

  You will receive most checks within 2-3 business days after they are sent first class mail, but there are times when it could take longer through the federal mail system, particularly during holidays.

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• Why do I sometimes receive my paychecks out of work date order?

  Checks are not mailed out in order of work date. Before we can cut a check, the production reviews and completes the voucher, and production companies vary on how often they process and send in the vouchers.

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• What do I do if I think a check is missing?

  To inquire about a missing check, please contact payroll at 800.562.2718. Be sure to have the name of the project you worked on, the date you worked, and your voucher information. You can also check your pay history on myEP.

  To request a stop payment, fill out and follow the instructions on our Stop Pay/Reissue Form. A stop payment can be placed no sooner than one calendar week after the check has been mailed.

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• Do I need to write my Social Security number on my voucher each time I work?

  We payroll many people with similar names. You will need to put your Social Security number (at least the last 4 digits) on each voucher so we can correctly identify who we should pay. Your voucher will either be delayed or not processed if we are unable to identify who worked.

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• What is the best way to contact the payroll department?

  For payroll inquiries, please call 800.562.2718 and select option #3 when prompted. Representatives are available Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm PT.

  Payroll and casting are handled separately. Our Casting Directors do not have access to your pay information. Please contact payroll for paycheck related questions and be prepared with the name of the project you worked on, the date you worked, and your voucher information.

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• How do I sign up with myEP?

  To create an account, please go to my.EP.com and sign up using the same email address you have on file with Central Casting.

  Once you have created and logged in to your account, you will need to link myEP to your EP payroll profile. To do this, select the “update profile” option under “manage account” and click the “connect payroll profile” button. You will then be prompted to enter your Social Security number and verify your employment by providing net pay, check, or gross pay information.

  Now that your payment profile is linked, you will be able to change your address, view your pay history, and compare paychecks. Be sure to review your contact information to make sure everything is current.

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• How do I change my address with payroll?

  To change your address with payroll, please log in or sign up with myEP. If signing up for the first time, please use the email address you have on file with Central Casting.
  
  Don’t forget to also update your address with casting by logging in to your online profile.

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• How do I place a stop payment on a paycheck I never received?

  You can request a stop payment by filling out payroll’s Stop Pay/Reissue Form. Please follow the directions listed on the form for how to submit.

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• How long does it take to reissue a check after I request a stop payment?

  Five business days for current year checks, longer if the check was cut in a prior year. We are unable to reissue a check that has been stop paid until after we have received confirmation from the bank that the stop payment was successful.

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• How do I request a work history?

  You can access your pay history by signing up or logging in to your myEP account. If you need records to join SAG-AFTRA, please call 818.955.6313. SAG-AFTRA will only accept faxes sent directly from our payroll department certified by our manager.

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• How do I get my W-2?

  To access your W-2, visit EP’s W-2 page.

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• How can I submit an inquiry or correction to my tax form?

  To submit an inquiry or correction to your tax form, please fill out and sign our inquires and corrections form.

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• How can I verify my employment with Central Casting?

  For employment verification, call Entertainment Partners at 818.955.6313.

Re-Registration and Updates

We are closed for Re-Registration and Updates and all other events due to COVID-19. You can update your information and add photos by logging in to your online profile.

Once registered with Central Casting, you can update your profile information and add additional photos by logging in to your online profile. By keeping your information current, our Casting Directors can consider you for a variety of roles.

FAQs

• What are some examples of additional photos?
  • Photos of you in wardrobe representing completely different looks that are commonly booked (business, formal, bathing suit, etc.)
  • Unique or rare vehicles or motorcycles that you own
  • Pets that you are willing to work with (pet photos must be submitted; we cannot take any photos of pets at our office)
  • Photos of you in commonly booked costumes that you own (clown, Santa Claus, etc.)

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• How do I change my status from Non-Union to SAG-AFTRA?

  You can change your status during updates. You must present your identification along with your current SAG-AFTRA card and fill out a data change form.

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• How do I change my file information?

  If you would like to update or change any information you can do so by logging in to your online profile.