How Background Actors Can Prepare for the Fall TV Season
Are you registered with Central Casting and ready to get on set? With fall TV season right around the corner, now's your chance to brush up on your background acting skills and make sure your information is up to date to show Casting Directors you're ready to get cast in our productions.
Keep your online profile updated
If you've worked with Central Casting for a while, you know one of the best ways to find work is to keep your profile updated with your current sizes and appearance details. If you haven't updated in a while, now is a great time to review your measurements and other information. Remember, even small changes can matter when casting Background Actors, especially when booking doubles and when production provides wardrobe.
Adding vehicles you own, pets you are willing to work with, wardrobe, props, and special skills are all great ways to help Casting Directors determine the types of roles you can portray. Please be honest about all the information you include; you are booked based off these details and will be expected to show up to set with the look, skills, etc. described in your profile.
Upload quality photos
Keeping your photos current and uploading pictures in additional looks is a great way to set yourself up for success as a Central Casting Background Actor. We recommend updating your photos any time your look changes so Casting Directors always have an example of what you currently look like. Don't forget to delete old photos when you add new ones.
A good rule of thumb when uploading additional photos is to add distinct and unique looks. For example, if you're adding a photo in 1970s wardrobe, you only need to add one photo, not multiple pictures in '70s looks. If Casting Directors need to see you in different clothing from that look, they will likely ask you to send a current selfie with your submission.
Ensure your contact information is correct
Availability inquiries, booking messages, and other important communications from our casting platform will be sent to your email and often as a text message to your number on file. While all messages can be viewed in the inbox of your online profile, checking that your contact information is correct will help ensure you receive alerts for new messages.
We also need your current address so we can pay you, which will need to be updated with both casting and payroll. You can update your address with casting in your online profile and with payroll by going to my.EP.com and logging in with the same email and password you use to log in to your Central Casting online profile.
Direct deposit
If you would like to be paid by direct deposit instead of paper checks, you can sign up through myEP once then will receive all payment via direct deposit for productions where Central Casting and Entertainment Partners provide combined casting and payroll services. Learn more on our Direct Deposit page.
Minors permit
Is your minor eligible to be booked by Central Casting? In Los Angeles work permits must be renewed every six months, in New York every year, and in Georgia child certification numbers need to be renewed annually. To learn more about work permits, read our guide Ensure Your Minor is Eligible to Be Booked by Central Casting.
Interested in signing your minor up for background work with Central Casting? We book babies from 15 days old to teenagers 17 years old to work on our productions. See your location's Kids Sign Up page for more information on Talent Onboarding.
There are plenty of opportunities to work on set this fall TV season. For more tips, check out our articles What Background Actors Need to Bring to Set and 4 Tips for a Successful Day on Set.
