How to Be a Successful Background Actor in 2022

JANUARY 3, 2022

There’s a lot to be excited about in the new year! Whether you make resolutions or just want to find ways to better yourself, these tips will help you be a successful Background Actor in 2022.

Update your photos and information

The new year is a perfect time to update your sizes and take new photos. Having accurate sizes and appearance information is extremely important. Not only does this help you show up in searches for roles you fit, but is an important factor when booking doubles and when production provides wardrobe. Remember, even the smallest change can matter to Casting Directors, so be sure to update your profile any time your look changes.

Keeping your photos updated is another way to be successful. While the photo you took at Central Casting will always be the main photo in your profile, you can upload additional photos of your current look so Casting Directors know what you look like right now. When you add new photos, don’t forget to delete old ones that no longer represent your look.

If you update any contact information, like address, phone number or email, be sure to update the information in myEP so payroll has it as well. If you’ve yet to access myEP, you can log in and set up your account using the same email and password you use to access your Central Casting online profile.

Update your minor’s work permit

An important factor in ensuring your minor is eligible to be booked is their work permit. Work permit procedures vary by state, here’s what you need to know based on your location:

Los Angeles

In California, entertainment work permits are valid for six months. To renew your child’s work permit, visit the California Department of Industrial Relations website and follow the instructions. When you receive the updated permit, you can submit it to Central Casting through our Minor’s Permit Update page.

New York

New York child performer permits are valid for 12 months. You can obtain a child performer permit by applying and filling out the necessary forms on the New York Department of Labor website. Once you receive your minor’s permit, send it to regccny@centralcasting.com.

Georgia

Children in Georgia must have a minor’s certification number from the state on file. Visit the Georgia Department of Labor website and fill out the application. After submitting, you will receive an email from the DOL within one business day with your minor’s certification number. Central Casting uses this number to secure a work permit for your child; we cannot book them without it.

Louisiana

When we cast your minor, Central Casting Louisiana will acquire a minor work permit from the Louisiana Workforce Commission. A Casting Director will reach out with instructions for what we need from you to complete this process, be sure to read these directions carefully and submit any required documents and information.

Brush up on your background acting skills

Has it been awhile since you’ve been booked? Want to learn how to put the perfect outfit together? Our articles section has a ton of great resources to help you succeed on set. If you’re interested in being a successful Background Actor, these articles are a good place to start:

Attend a Talent Onboarding session

Interested in becoming a Background Actor or registering your minor with Central Casting? Signing up is easy! The first step is to make a reservation for a Talent Onboarding session at one of our offices in Los Angeles, New York, Georgia, or Louisiana. Then you’ll bring your required documentation to your Talent Onboarding session, fill out paperwork, and take a photo for our casting platform. For more information and to make a reservation, visit your location’s Sign Up page.

Here’s to a successful 2022! For more background acting tips and guides, check out our Best You and Industry Essentials article categories.