Being Booked

You are booked to work when you accept an offer for work and receive details.

When a Casting Director contacts you for work, you will receive an alert in your profile inbox and an email or text from our online self-service system. 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.

FAQs

• What do I do if I’m going to be late or need to cancel my booking?

  Call 646.205.8244 ext. 4. If you cancel, we ask that you give us enough notice to replace you. 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., you) it employs.

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• What does “checking your avail” and “first avail” mean?

  This means our NY casting team is prepping a scene for a future date and is checking if you are available. If you do confirm your availability, please mark your calendar to limit conflicts. You become “first avail” (first available) for that show. Typically in these situations, Casting Directors will not be able to book you until the production looks at your photo and approves the look. Productions will not usually release any booking information until late afternoon the day before the shoot.

  If you are offered another job on the same day, we ask for you to give us the courtesy of the “first right of refusal.” Please call the office to let us know so we can inform our show. They may option to offer to hire you first. You are still able to be hired elsewhere if we are unable to confirm a booking for you.

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• How do I get my details?

  The Casting Director will give you your 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 your 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 you are no longer needed.

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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 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 have I 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 profile thoroughly and accurately so Casting Directors know the types of roles you can portray. You can also check our Jobs page for work opportunities.

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• What can I do to help myself get booked?

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

  1. To get booked by Central Casting, you must first claim your 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 system.
  2. Casting Directors use the information in your profile, like hair color, eye color, sizes, vehicles you own, etc., when booking their shows. By filling out your profile completely and accurately, you will show up in more searches for roles you fit.
  3. Upload photos of yourself in different looks and wardrobe, your vehicles, and pets you are willing to work with. Casting Directors use your photos to make sure your look fits the role.
  4. Manage your availability calendar. Keeping your availability up to date lets Casting Directors know when to contact you for work and helps ensure you 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 online profile.

Messaging

• How do I submit for work?

  Casting Directors will contact you directly when you fit the look or requirements for a role. Be sure to completely fill out your online profile and add additional photos in different looks so Casting Directors can consider you 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 can come from a variety of numbers, but will always include a link to reply via our online self-service system. 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 you. If you are not selected, you may not hear from anyone. Remember, you’re 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 you cannot work between 3-4pm, you 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 you are available to work. Once you are booked, you are also responsible for not becoming double booked. If you are 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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• What if I don’t hear back from a Casting Director?

  If you don’t hear back with an offer for work and details, you are 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 booking details?

  Once you have accepted an offer for work, the Casting Director will let you know how to access your details, which will likely be in the form of a Details Blog. To access your 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 your 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 call time changes will be updated on the Call Time Change Box. You can find your Call Time Change Box information in your Details Blog.

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• If I receive a message, does that mean I’m 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 you are interested and available to work, but does not guarantee you 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 system. 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 system. 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 system. Each communication will include a link to your 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 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 you 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

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On Set

Once you’ve been booked, you are ready to get on set!

Please show up to set on time and camera ready. Check in with your contact and get your voucher when you arrive.

Your time on set will vary, but a typical day can last up to 12 hours. You are an important part of the production, please be professional and have a good attitude on set.

FAQs

• What if I forget my booking information?

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

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• What if I’m 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 call time changed?

  The Casting Director will give you a Call Time Change Box number or instructions on how to get your 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 I report to on set?

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

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• What do I do when I’m not filming?

  When you are not required on set, you 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 to the set with you.

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• What happens if I get hurt on set?

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

Payroll

When you signed up with Central Casting, we become your employer and, in most cases, are responsible for paying you. You’ll know you are paid by us if your voucher says Central Casting and/or Entertainment Partners. Payroll and casting are handled separately, so if you have questions about your paycheck, contact our payroll department directly.

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

Contact payroll
800.562.2718
(select option #3 when prompted)

To change your address, view your 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 you have on file with Central Casting. To learn more, watch the myEP video from Entertainment Partners.

FAQs

• How soon after I work can I expect my 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 pay history by logging in to myEP.

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• Can I pick up my 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 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 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 a check is missing?

  To inquire about a missing check, please contact payroll at 800.562.2718. Be sure to have the name of the project you worked on, the date you worked, and your voucher information. You can also check your 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 Social Security number on my voucher each time I work?

  Yes. We payroll many people with the same or similar names. You will need to put your Social Security number (at least the last 4 digits) on each voucher so we can correctly identify who we should pay. Your 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 questions only, please call 800.562.2718 and select option #3 when prompted. Representatives are available Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm PT.

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

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• How do I sign up with myEP?

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

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

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

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• How do I change my address with payroll?

  To change your address with payroll, please log in or sign up with myEP. If signing up for the first time, please use the email address you have 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 pay history by signing up or logging in to your myEP account. If you need 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 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 tax form?

  Please fill out and sign our inquires and corrections form.

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• How can I verify my employment with Central Casting?

  For employment verification, call Entertainment Partners at 818.955.6313.

Updates

We are closed for Updates, Talent Onboarding, and all other events due to COVID-19. Our notices have the most up-to-date information, please check them for updates.

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

Address change
To change your address with payroll, please log in or sign up with myEP. If signing up for the first time, please use the email address you have on file with Central Casting.

To change your address with casting, please log in to your online profile.

FAQs

• What are some examples of additional photos?
  • Photos of you in unique and distinct wardrobe (homeless, doctor, formal, etc.)
  • Vehicles or motorcycles that you own and can work with
  • Pets you are willing to work with (pet photos must be submitted; we cannot take any photos of pets at our office)
  • Photos of you in costumes that you own (generic non-trademarked Halloween costumes, Santa Claus, etc.)

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

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

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• How do I change my file information?

  If you would like to update or change any information you can do so by logging in to your online profile.