Being Booked

Casting Directors use multiple tools to book Background Actors, including seeking submissions on our Jobs page and sending availability inquiries through our casting platform.

Your minor is booked when you accept an offer for work and receive details.

It’s important to write down your minor’s work information so you’re prepared when you head to set.

FAQs

• What do I do if my minor is going to be late or needs to cancel?

  If your minor is working on a non-union voucher call 818.562.2799. If your minor is working on a SAG-AFTRA voucher call 818.562.2700. If you cancel, we ask that you give us enough notice to replace your minor. Please note: You may not cancel via text message. You must call our office.

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• Is there a guarantee of work?

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

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• What does “checking your availability” mean?

  “Checking your availability” means that a Casting Director is preparing the look for a show for a future date and is checking if your minor is available to work that day. When Central Casting checks their availability, we are not offering or guaranteeing work, we are only asking if they can work without time restrictions on a specific date or date range. “Without time restrictions” means that there are no possible conflicts that would prevent your child from working that day. When preparing for and booking their shows, Casting Directors may not know call times until they get additional information from production and those call times often change through the night and early morning. That’s why you and your minor need to have all day availability when responding as avail to these messages.

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• What does “first avail” mean?

  “First avail” means that you have confirmed your child’s availability, but the Casting Director cannot book them right away. Your minor is not booked unless you accept an offer for work and receive their details. So when they are on first avail, they are not officially booked and are still able to look for other work. If your minor is offered another job or put on first avail for another job, please call the initial Casting Director they are on first avail for before accepting the offer; the first avail show may choose to hire them first. Also, if your minor’s availability changes while on first avail, please call our office as soon as possible to let us know they are no longer available to work.

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• How do I get my minor’s details?

  You will receive a show name and 4-digit passcode from a Casting Director to access your child’s Details Blog via our Details page. Please review all provided information to ensure your minor is ready for work when you arrive to set. Any call time changes will be sent to you via our casting platform.

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

  Always check your voicemail. Do not call back until you have checked your voicemail to ensure the Casting Director did not leave specific instructions. If no message was left, wait and see if you receive a call back. If you do not receive a call back, assume your minor is no longer needed.

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• Where can I find the dates my minor has been booked for?

  In the “My Schedule” page of your minor’s online profile, you can easily track messages and responses from our Casting Directors to avoid confusion or potential double bookings.

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• What is a rush call?

  Rush calls are for immediate same-day work. This is usually to replace a “no show.” When you respond to a rush call, you may be required to get to the set location within an hour or less after being booked.

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• Why has my minor 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 child’s profile thoroughly and accurately so Casting Directors know the types of roles they can portray. You can also check our Jobs page for work opportunities.

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• Does Central Casting offer proof of anti-harassment training I can use to obtain an entertainment work permit?

  Central Casting’s training is non-transferrable and we do not provide proof of completion. If training is required through the State of California to receive an entertainment work permit, you must follow directions given by the state. If anti-harassment training is taken elsewhere, Central Casting still requires training to be completed through us to be eligible to be booked.

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• What can I do to help my minor get booked?
  1. Casting Directors use the information in your minor’s profile, like hair color, eye color, sizes, etc. when booking their shows. By filling out their profile completely and accurately, they will show up in more searches for roles they fit.
  2. Upload photos of your minor in different looks and wardrobe. Casting Directors use these photos to make sure your minor’s look fits the role.
  3. Manage their availability calendar. Keeping your minor’s availability updated helps Casting Directors find them when searching Background Actor availability for a certain date or date range.
  4. Reply to emails and texts promptly. You will receive availability inquiries and other communications from Central Casting via email, text message, and in the inbox of your minor’s online profile. 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.

Messaging

When a Casting Director contacts you regarding work for your minor, you will often receive an email sent to their address on file, a text message with a link to respond, and the message will appear in the inbox of their online profile. 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.

To learn more about the messaging process, see our article What to Know About Responding to Casting Messages.

• How do I submit my minor for work?

  Casting Directors will contact you directly when your child fits the look or requirements for a role. Be sure to completely fill out their online profile and add additional photos in different looks so Casting Directors can consider them 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 will always come from the same 5-digit number and will always include a link to reply via our casting platform. 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 your child. If they are not selected, you may not hear from anyone. Remember, your minor is 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 your child cannot work between 3-4pm, they 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 availability inquiries?

  Yes, can respond available to multiple inquiries. Once booked, you are responsible for your minor not becoming double booked. If your child is 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 inquiry?

  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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• Where can I find my responses to messages I’ve received?

  In the “My Schedule” page of your online profile, you can easily track messages and responses from our Casting Directors to avoid confusion or potential double bookings.

  (click image for more information)

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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, your minor is 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 child’s booking details?

  Once you have accepted an offer for work, the Casting Director will let you know how to access your minor’s details, which will likely be in the form of a Details Blog. To access their 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 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?

  Any call time changes will be sent to you via our casting platform. We will no longer be using the Call Time Change Box.

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• If I receive a message, does that mean my child is 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 your child is interested and available to work, but does not guarantee they 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 casting platform. 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 casting platform. Please call our main line at 818.562.2700.

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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 casting platform. Each communication will include a link to your minor’s 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 minor’s availability has changed after responding to a message, please call our office at 818.562.2700.

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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 signed up 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 your child 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

On Set

Once your child actor has booked a job, they are ready to get on set!

A guardian must always accompany a minor on set. It’s important to show up on time and camera ready. When you and your minor arrive, check in with your contact and get your minor’s voucher.

Be sure to read our article What to Do When Your Minor Books a Job for everything you need to know about being on set.

FAQs

• What if I forget or lose my minor’s work information?

  It is critical that you write down all work information. If you lose your information or if you have any questions regarding work information call 818.562.2700.

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• What do I do if my minor is going to be late or needs to cancel?

  If your minor is working on a non-union voucher call 818.562.2799. If your minor is working on a SAG-AFTRA voucher call 818.562.2700. If you cancel, we ask that you give us enough notice to replace your minor.

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• What do I need to bring for school on set?

  Have your minor’s work permit and school work ready to show the teacher. Bringing homework is required, even if the minor is home schooled.

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• Where will I be when my minor is filming?

  You will be on set with them, behind the scenes. Please stay within your designated area and do not interfere with production. Be prepared to accompany your minor when they go to wardrobe, set, and to school.

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• What if a parent cannot accompany the minor to set?

  The parent or guardian who attended COVID-19 testing must accompany the child to set. If that parent or guardian is no longer available, please contact your Casting Director as soon as possible.

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• What happens if I get booked on the same show as my minor?

  Let the Casting Director know you are also booked on the production. Another parent or legal guardian may need to accompany them to set.

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• Can I bring other children or guests to set?

  Do not bring anyone to set who is not working, including other children.

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• How will I know if my minor’s call time changes?

  Any call time changes will be sent via our casting platform.

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• Who will my minor and I report to on set?

  Roles change from set to set, but often Background Actor’s main contact is the 2^nd Assistant Director (2^nd AD) and Production Assistants (PAs).

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• What happens when my minor is not filming?

  When your minor is not required on set, you both will be taken to a holding area or to the school area. You can bring items to the holding area to keep busy while your minor is not working.

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• Where can we eat on set?

  During designated meal breaks, craft services will provide food. Please eat breakfast before you arrive. Guardians, please allow all minors to get their meals before you get yours. Do not ask craft services for food outside of your designated meal times. If your child has special dietary needs, please bring food to set with you. It is not production’s responsibility to supply specialty food. You are allowed to bring snacks to eat throughout the day.

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• What happens if my minor gets hurt on set?

  If you or your minor are injured during your time on set, report it to the Assistant Director and/or set medic immediately.

SmartVoucher

SmartVoucher is Central Casting’s digital voucher platform. You will need to log in to your minor’s online profile to access SmartVoucher if used on the production they are booked to work.

• What do I need to do at my minor’s call time?

  You will receive an email or can log in to your minor’s online profile to complete required tasks at their call time.

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• Do I need to complete the forms sent to me/appearing in my minor’s dashboard every day they work?

  Yes, as some of the forms are project/work date specific.

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• Do I need to upload my child’s ID documents before a work date?

  No. Central Casting has already obtained and validated your minor’s start paperwork. If not, you will be asked to complete on paper on set.

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• Will my minor receive a separate SmartVoucher for any non-filming day events?

  Yes, your minor will receive a unique SmartVoucher to review and e-sign for each Job type they perform (i.e. Pre-employment Covid Test, Fitting, Interview, etc.).

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• I don’t have a login for my minor’s online profile. How can I review their SmartVoucher?

  Click the “log in” button in our website menu and choose the “create new login” option. Once created, you will be able to log in to review your minor’s SmartVoucher.

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• How do I change my minor’s tax withholding information?

  Please visit myEP for more information on updating any payroll information.

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• Do I need to add my meal/allowances/adjustments to my minor’s voucher?

  No, production will input this information as the day progresses.

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• Can I see changes made to my minor’s SmartVoucher in real time?

  No, the on-set production representative will fill out your child’s SmartVoucher throughout the workday then send for you to review at wrap. Be sure to raise any queries with production in person before leaving set.

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• When should I receive and review my minor’s SmartVoucher?

  Production should be sending your minor’s SmartVoucher to review immediately at wrap. You should review and e-sign their voucher while still at the production location, so any disputes can be raised and resolved in person.

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• Do I have to e-sign my child’s SmartVoucher while on set?

  We suggest you review your minor’s SmartVoucher while still on set, so you have the opportunity to raise any questions in person with the production staff that completed their voucher.

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• How do I access my minor’s SmartVoucher without going through the email link?

  Log in to your minor’s Central Casting online profile and select the “Job Review” option in the blue toolbar on top.

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• How can I access forms after I’ve e-signed them?

  Upon request, Central Casting can provide you the signed copy of a form.

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• Can I undo the e-sign checkbox?

  Once the e-sign checkbox is selected, it cannot be undone.

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• My minor’s SmartVoucher says approved, but I never approved it. What happened?

  After production sends your child’s SmartVoucher for review, you have 24 hours to approve or raise queries. After 24 hours, their SmartVoucher is deemed approved and sent for processing.

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• Will I be emailed a copy of my minor’s SmartVoucher?

  No. For your security, you will always be required to use your minor’s unique login to view their SmartVoucher. You can print a copy at any time by selecting the “Export” button.

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• How do I access my minor’s past vouchers in SmartVoucher?

  Log in to their Central Casting online profile and select the “Job Review” option in the blue toolbar on top.

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• Can I access copies of my child’s paper vouchers through my online profile?

  No. Their online profile will only contain voucher history from productions where SmartVoucher was used. Paper copies are not uploaded.

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• How can I track any changes made to my minor’s SmartVoucher?

  Once you have received a SmartVoucher for review on a job, any changes made will create an updated version. You can view all versions from the dropdown menu within a job review.

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• What if something is missing or incorrect on my child’s voucher?

  We suggest you review and raise these concerns while on set for the quickest remedy. If you are unable to review until you get home, select “raise a query” from the review page and you may type your question for production there.

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• Does my minor get paid right away when using SmartVoucher?

  No, your minor’s payment will continue to be processed through payroll and their check will be sent as per normal schedule.

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• My minor’s login isn’t working. How can I get help?

  You can contact technical support Monday-Friday 6am-6pm PT at 855.500.2055, helpme@centralcasting.com, or tech support chat.

Payroll

In most cases, when your minor is booked by Central Casting, we are responsible for paying them. You’ll know they are paid by us if their voucher says Central Casting and/or Entertainment Partners. Payroll and casting are handled separately, so if you have questions about your child’s paycheck, contact our payroll department directly.

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

Contact payroll
855.500.2055
(press option 2, then sub-option 4)
6am-6pm PT

You can also contact payroll at helpme@centralcasting.com, through tech support chat on our website, or myEP.

To change your minor’s address, view their 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 your minor has on file with Central Casting. To learn more, visit Entertainment Partners’ myEP information page.

Direct deposit
If you would like your minor 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.

FAQs

• How soon after my minor works can I expect their 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 minor’s pay history by logging in to myEP.

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• Can I pick up my minor’s paycheck?

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

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• How long does it take for me to receive a check after it’s mailed?

  The checks are sent first class mail. While you will receive most checks within 2-3 business days after they are mailed, there are times when it could take longer through the federal mail system, particularly during holiday periods.

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• Why do I sometimes receive 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 my minor’s check is missing?

  To inquire about a missing check, please contact payroll at 855.500.2055. Be sure to have the name of the project your minor worked on, the date they worked, and their voucher information. You can also check their 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 minor’s Social Security number on their voucher every time they work?

  Yes, there are many people we payroll with the same or similar names. You will need to put your minor’s Social Security number on each voucher so we can correctly identify who we should pay. Your minor’s 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 855.500.2055 and select option 2, then sub-option 4 when prompted. Representatives are available Monday-Friday, 6am-6pm PT. Peak call times are between 3-5pm PT, we recommend calling outside of this window for assistance.

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

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• How do I sign my minor up with myEP?

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

  Once you have created and logged in to their account, you will need to link myEP to their 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 their Social Security number and verify their employment by providing net pay, check, or gross pay information.

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

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• How do I change my minor’s address with payroll?

  To change your child’s address with payroll, please log in or sign up with myEP. If signing up for the first time, please use the email address your minor has on file with Central Casting.

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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 minor’s pay history by signing up or logging in to their myEP account. If you need their 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 update my minor’s W-4?

  To update your minor’s W-4 and State Employee’s Withholding Allowance Certificate, select the relevant form from the links below, fill out and follow the directions on the form, then email to the payroll department at CPInquiries@ep.com. Please note: if claiming exempt, a new W-4 is needed each year.

  W-4
  California DE-4

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• How do I get my minor’s 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 minor’s employment with Central Casting?

  For employment verification, call 818.955.6313. This is an Entertainment Partners line; they will be able to provide employment verification.

Technical Support

Central Casting’s technical support team is available 6am-6pm PT to help with your minor’s online profile, email updates, required training questions (Los Angeles and New York only), and more.

You can contact tech support at helpme@centralcasting.com, 855.500.2055, or through tech support chat.

Please note: technical support and casting are separate. If you need to cancel, are going to be late, or have questions about your booking, you must contact your Central Casting office.

FAQs

• What happens if I submit a question to the chat outside of tech support hours?

  All after hours chats are sent to the technical support team. Our staff will review your query and will get back to you.

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• Can tech support help me cancel a booking?

  No, technical support is available to help with issues related to your online profile, required training (Los Angeles and New York only), and other non-casting related questions. To cancel a booking, change or first avail status, and update your availability, you must call your Central Casting office.

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• Can technical support help me get a reservation for Talent Onboarding?

  No, reservations for Talent Onboarding can only be made on your location’s reservation calendar, which you can find by visiting your location’s Kids Sign Up page. You can contact technical support if you experience issues with the online application portion of the onboarding process.

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• If I’m using the chat on behalf of my minor, which email address should I enter in the form?

  Our technical support staff uses the email you provide to look up your profile. If chatting on behalf of your minor, please use the email address associated with their online profile.