Help Your Kids Work on TV in 2023
There are plenty of opportunities for your kids to work on TV and in movies as Central Casting Background Actors and doubles. Now is the perfect time to make sure you have everything you need to help your minor get booked and on set.
Ensure their profile information is accurate
Our Casting Directors use the information in your minor’s online profile, like appearance, skills, props, and wardrobe, to determine the types of roles they can portray. The more accurate information you include in their profile, the easier it is for Casting Directors to find them when searching specific looks in our casting platform.
Accurate sizes are essential for your minor’s success as a Central Casting Background Actor. Casting Directors frequently use sizes when looking for minor doubles and when production provides wardrobe. We know children can grow quickly, so keeping these details updated as they change will help ensure your minor is considered for roles they fit.
To change their sizes and other details, log in to their profile, open the “appearance” section, and update any incorrect information.
Upload current photos
We also recommend uploading new photos of your minor any time their look changes. This helps make sure our Casting Directors always have an accurate representation of your child’s current appearance. Photos don’t need to be professional, but should be well-lit and clear, not include other people or touch ups, and (if possible) be taken against a solid or white background. If your minor has unique and distinct looks or wardrobe, like a Halloween costume or uniforms, you can upload these along with current looks in the “photographs” section of their online profile.
During the upload process, you may notice multiple slots (categories) you can use to classify their photo. They do not need a photo for every slot, these are just a way to categorize photos in their profile, which makes it easier when Casting Directors search for current looks or specific photos.
Obtain or update work permits
To be booked by Central Casting, your minor will need a valid work permit issued by your state on file. Follow the directions below to submit your minor’s permit to Central Casting.
Los Angeles
California requires minor entertainment work permits to be updated every six months. To obtain a work permit, a parent or legal guardian will need to fill out an entertainment work permit application with the California Department of Industrial Relations. When you receive your child’s permit, submit it to Central Casting using our Minor’s Permit Update form.
New York
To apply for a work permit in New York, a parent or legal guardian will need to fill out the child performer permit application from the New York Department of Labor. New York child performer permits are valid for one year. When you receive your minor’s permit, email it to Central Casting at regccny@centralcasting.com.
Georgia
In order for Central Casting to obtain a work permit for your child, they must be issued a certification number from the state of Georgia. You can obtain a certification number by filling out a short form on the Georgia DOL website. This certification number is valid for one year, after which it must be renewed. To update with Central Casting, send your child’s name and certificate number with the subject line “GDOL Certificate” to georgiainfo@centralcasting.com.
Louisiana
Once booked, a Casting Director will reach out with instructions on what we need to obtain a work permit for your minor. Often, you will need to send us a completed consent form from the Louisiana Workforce Commission, proof of age document, and other documentation.
There’s a lot to know about being booked and finding opportunities for your kids to work on TV and movies. Be sure to check out the Kids category of our Articles for all the information you need to help them be successful.
