Grid of multi-color squares of diverse Background Actors cast by Central Casting's Louisiana Casting Directors.

*Use of persons’ photos does not imply endorsement of Central Casting.

Adult Talent Onboarding/Registration

Becoming a Background Actor with Central Casting is free and easy! Complete the Talent Onboarding steps so you can get booked on movies and TV shows.

Online Onboarding Steps

Submit to the Form I-9 List

After reviewing your profile to ensure all fields are filled out, confirming your photos have been approved, and verifying your forms are e-signed, a member of our Talent Onboarding staff will reach out with instructions about completing your Form I-9 online.

You can submit by clicking the “onboarding hub” link after logging in to your online profile. This link will appear after you have completed forms and your photos have been approved.

Talent Onboarding FAQs

What is a Background Actor?

A Background Actor is someone who performs in a show in a nonspeaking role, usually in the background. Central Casting is your go-to resource for background casting opportunities. Every day, our Casting Directors cast hundreds of Background Actors to work on popular movies and TV shows.

Do I need to complete Talent Onboarding before I can work?

Yes, you must complete the application, photo, forms, and Form I-9 portions of Talent Onboarding before we can consider you for background work. Remember, the more thorough and accurate you are when filling out your application, the easier it is for Casting Directors to determine the types of roles you can portray.

I am unable to create a login, what do I do?

If you are unable to create a new login, it’s likely your email address is already connected to an online profile. To access your profile, select the “forgot password” option, enter your email, then follow the instructions provided.

What if I don’t know my measurements?

Your measurements are a key part of your casting profile and are used by Casting Directors to determine the types of roles you can portray. This information must be populated in your online profile before attending your reserved Talent Onboarding session. Visit our Measurements page for easy-to-follow tutorial videos on taking accurate measurements.

What should I wear in my photos?

While we understand that personal expression and artistic expression are important, we encourage you to infuse your personal style while dressing in a professional manner that you would like to be seen by Casting Directors, Production Staff, and other Industry Professionals. Please wear clothes that cover your torso and chest in your headshot and full body shot. Additional photos, including bathing suit images, can be uploaded to your profile once you are onboarded.

Why were my profile photos rejected?

The photos in your profile are used by Casting Directors to determine the types of roles you can portray and may be sent to production, so they must meet Central Casting’s photo guidelines. You will not be able to move on to the next step of onboarding until a member of our staff approves your photos.

If your photos are rejected, you will be given a reason(s). Retake your photo to fix the issue, then resubmit.

Why am I unable to move on to the next onboarding step?

Certain portions of the Talent Onboarding process must be completed before you can move on to the next step. Your Onboarding Hub will alert you to areas you must still complete and areas that are in review with Central Casting.

What if I don’t have the necessary required documentation?

Those without required documentation (unexpired originals only, no photocopies) to accompany the I-9 form will be unable to onboard.

I’m not a resident of the United States. Can I sign up with Central Casting?

In accordance with federal law, Central Casting is only able to hire those who are authorized to work in the United States.

What if I’m a member of SAG-AFTRA?

Please have your current SAG-AFTRA card/receipt issued by SAG-AFTRA for verification.

Why did I receive an email from EMP Trust to complete my Form I-9 online?

In some cases, Central Casting may send you an invitation to complete the Form I-9 process online via our vendor EMP Trust. If invited, you will receive an email from notifications@emptrust.com and from Central Casting with additional instructions.

Are you having trouble completing the Form I-9 on EMP Trust?

Step-by-step instructions can be found in our EMP Trust guide.

I am having technical difficulties with the EMP Trust application. How can I get help?

You can contact EMP Trust by following the instructions in your initial Form I-9 invitation message from EMP Trust.

I finished the Form I-9 process, when will I be eligible to work?

After completing E-Verify, Central Casting will review your entire profile before finalizing your onboarding. If you are a member of SAG-AFTRA, please include your SAG-AFTRA number in your profile so we can verify your membership.

Do I need to live in New Orleans to sign up?

No, but you need to be able to work in the New Orleans area.

Once I’m registered, how do I get work?

Please visit our Talent page to learn more about responding to availability inquiries, submitting for work, and everything you need to know about working with Central Casting.

Is my data secure?

Yes. Central Casting and Entertainment Partners, care very much about the security of your data. Please learn more by visiting EP’s website.

Registering with Central Casting is a privilege, not a right. We respectfully reserve the right to refuse registration to anyone.

Central Casting is a participant in the E-Verify program. We will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee’s I-9 form to confirm employment authorization. Note: If the government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, we are required to provide you with written instructions and an opportunity to contact the SSA and/or DHS before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment.