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

Make sure you write all their booking information down so you’re both prepared when you get on set.

FAQs

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

  Call 404.920.8011. When cancelling, please give us enough notice to replace your child.

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• Is there a guarantee of work?

  No, there is no guarantee of work because the needs of our production clients change every day.

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• What does “checking your avail” 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 child’s details?

  The Casting Director will give you your minor’s booking information, which usually comes as a details message. In some cases, you may receive details over the phone. Be sure to write down the project name, call time, call location, your role, the name of the Casting Director who booked your minor, and any other information you’re given.

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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 happens if I miss a call from Central Casting?

  Please do not call back until you have checked your voicemail to ensure the Casting Director did not leave specific instructions. If you do not get a call back, assume your child is no longer needed.

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• What is a rush call?

  Rush calls are for immediate same-day work, usually to replace a “no show” on set. If your minor is booked as a rush call, you may need to get to set as soon as possible. Please read rush call job posts carefully before submitting to ensure you fit the requirements.

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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?
  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.

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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 usually comes as a details message. In some cases, you may receive details over the phone. Be sure to write down the project name, call time, call location, your role, the name of the Casting Director who booked your minor, and any other information you’re given.

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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 5-digit texting number is only formatted to send outbound text messages from our casting platform. Please call our main line at 404.920.8011.

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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 404.920.8011.

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• Can I opt out of SMS messaging?

  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

Your minor is officially booked when you have accepted an offer for work and have received their details. Please show up to set on time and camera ready. Be sure to factor in time for check-in and parking.

Our article How to Help Your Minor Be Successful on Set has all the information you need to prepare for their work day.

FAQs

• What if I forget or lose my child’s booking information?

  Please write down your minor’s work information. If you lose their details or have any questions regarding their booking call 404.920.8011.

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

  Please call 404.920.8011 as soon as possible so we can replace your minor or inform production. Under no circumstances can you cancel via text message. You must call our office.

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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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• What do I need to bring to set?

  Bring your ID and any additional wardrobe or props requested by production. Please arrive camera ready. If your minor is required to attend school on set, please bring any schooling materials requested.

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• Who do we report to on set?

  Each set is different, 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 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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• What do I do when my minor is not filming?

  When they are not filming, you and your child will be taken to a holding area. You can bring items to Holding to keep busy when they are not working.

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• Can I bring a guest to set?

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

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• What happens if my child gets hurt on set?

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

Payroll

You’ll know your minor is 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.

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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• How long does it take for me to receive my minor’s paycheck?

  You will receive most checks within 2-3 business days after they are sent first class mail, but there are times when it could take longer through the federal mail system, particularly during holidays.

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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 child’s Social Security number on their voucher each time they work?

  We payroll many people with similar names. You will need to put your minor’s Social Security number (at least the last 4 digits) on each voucher so we can correctly identify who we should pay. Your 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 child’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.

  Don’t forget to also update their address with casting by logging in to their online profile.

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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.

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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.

Technical Support

Central Casting’s technical support team is available 6am-6pm PT to help with your minor’s online profile, email updates, 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 minor’s profile 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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• 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.