Being Booked

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

Your child is booked to work when you accept an offer for work and receive their details.

FAQs

• What do I do if my minor is going to be late or need to cancel their booking?

  Call 646.205.8244 ext. 4. If you cancel, we ask that you give us enough notice to replace your child. Note: You cannot 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., kid 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?

  The Casting Director will give you your child’s booking information, often in the form of a Details Blog. You will use the show name and 4-digit passcode given to you to access their booking information.

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

  Please check your voicemail before calling Central Casting. If the Casting Director did not leave a message, wait to see if you hear 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. When you respond to a rush call, you and your minor may be required to get to set as soon as possible.

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• Where can I view the New York Anti-Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Policy?

  You can view the New York Anti-Sexual Harassment in the Workplace Policy here and the Sexual Harassment Complaint Form here.

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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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• What can I do to help my minor get booked?

  Through our online self-service platform, you can now edit your minor’s online profile and receive job inquiries from Casting Directors. Here are some tips to ensure you’re putting your child in the best position to be booked.

  1. To get booked by Central Casting, you must first claim your minor’s online profile. To claim, select the log in button in our website menu, then choose the claim profile option. Once claimed, you will be able to log in and get jobs through our online self-service platform.
  2. Casting Directors use the information in your child’s profile, like hair color, eye color, sizes, etc., when booking their shows. By filling out their profile completely and accurately, your minor will show up in more searches for roles they fit.
  3. Upload photos of your child in different looks and wardrobe. Casting Directors use these photos to make sure your minor’s look fits the role.
  4. Manage your child’s availability calendar. Keeping their availability up to date lets Casting Directors know when to contact you for work and helps ensure they don’t become double booked.
  5. Reply to emails and texts promptly. You will receive availability messages, job inquiries, and other communications from Central Casting via email. 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. Casting Directors may also reach out via text message and you can also view all communications in the messages folder of your minor’s online profile.

Messaging

When a Casting Director contacts you about work for your minor, you will often receive an alert in their profile and an email through our online self-service platform. 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 check avail, first avail, and other booking terminology, see our article First Avail: Everything You Need to Know.

• 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 avail messages?

  Yes, you are responsible for letting Central Casting know when your minor is available to work. Once booked, you are also responsible for them 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 message?

  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?

  Yes, your minor’s call time changes will be updated on the Call Time Change Box. You can find the Call Time Change Box information in their Details Blog.

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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 online self-service 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 online self-service platform. Please call our main line at 646.205.8244.

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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 online self-service 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 646.205.8244.

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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 minor has been booked, they are ready to get on set!

Please ensure your child shows up to set on time and camera ready.

FAQs

• What if I forget my minor’s booking information?

  It’s important that you write down your child’s work information. If you lose your Details Blog show name or passcode or if you have any questions regarding their booking details call 646.205.8244 ext. 4.

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• What if we’re going to be late or need to cancel?

  Call 646.205.8244 ext. 4. If you cancel, please give us enough time to replace you. You may not cancel via text message. You must call our office.

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• How do I find out if my child’s call time has changed?

  The Casting Director will give you a Call Time Change Box number or instructions on how to get your minor’s call time changes. It is your responsibility to get call time changes and show up to set on time.

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• Who do we report to on set?

  It depends on the production, but often a Background Actor’s main contact is the 2^nd Assistant Director (2^nd AD) or Production Assistants (PAs).

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• What do I do when my child is not filming?

  When you are not required on set, you and your minor will be taken to Holding. You can bring items to the holding area to keep busy while you are not working.

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• Can I bring a guest to set?

  Do not bring guests or other children not booked on the production to the set with you.

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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. If you have not yet logged in to our online self-service platform, visit our Log In page to learn how to access your minor’s profile. You will need to log in to their 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 do not need to take any actions with your minor’s SmartVoucher prior to or 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 SmartVoucher says approved, but I never approved it. What happened?

  After production sends your SmartVoucher for review, you have 24 hours to approve or raise queries. After 24 hours, your 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 SmartVouchers?

  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 copies of SmartVouchers. 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

When your minor signs up with Central Casting, we become their employer and, in most cases, 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 or 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 I work can I expect my child’s 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 check?

  We do not currently have the resources for checks to be picked up. Payroll is handled in a secure area with 24-hour surveillance and delivered directly to the post office by our bonded driver. Paymasters do not have access to your paychecks.

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• How long does it take to receive my child’s check after it has been mailed?

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

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• Why do I sometimes receive my minor’s paychecks out of work date order?

  Checks are processed as they come in from production. Production companies vary on how often they process and send in background 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. We payroll many people with the same or similar names. You will need to put your child’s Social Security number (at least the last 4 digits) on each voucher so we can correctly identify who we should pay. Their voucher will not be processed or delayed if we are unable to identify who worked.

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• How do I 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 child’s address with the payroll department?

  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?

  Please fill out our Stop Pay/Reissue Form and submit via the instructions provided on the form.

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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, but it may take longer for checks cut in a previous calendar year. We cannot 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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• Can 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
  New York IT-2104

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• How do I get my 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 minor’s tax form?

  Please fill out and sign our inquires and corrections form.

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• How can I verify my child’s employment with Central Casting?

  For employment verification, call Entertainment Partners at 818.955.6313.

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• Does my minor need a trust account?

  Per New York law, minors must have a Child Performer Trust account to obtain a child performer permit and work on set. You can learn more about trust accounts on the DOL’s Child Performer Trust Accounts page.

Updates

Once signed up with Central Casting, you can update your minor’s profile information and add additional photos by logging in to their online profile. By keeping your child’s information current, our Casting Directors can consider them for a variety of roles.

Address change
To change your minor’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. It’s important that the minor’s email is unique and not the same one listed in the file of parents or guardians signed up with Central Casting.

Work permit
Please send updated work permits to regccny@centralcasting.com

SAG-AFTRA status
Need to update your status as a SAG-AFTRA member? Submit Here

FAQs

• How do I change my minor’s status from Non-Union to SAG-AFTRA?

  You can change their status by filling out our SAG-AFTRA update form.

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• How do I change my child’s file information?

  You can update your child’s information in their online profile.