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1.

Check your messages

Casting Directors will either email or text to check your availability and ask follow up questions. You can also directly respond to these messages through the inbox in your online profile.

Be sure to fill out the availability calendar in your profile, which Casting Directors will use when considering you for roles.

You can also check our Jobs page for roles you fit.

2.

If you are available

Reply to the message as soon as possible and be sure to answer all relevant questions.

If submitting via the Jobs page, email the address provided on the job posting. Don’t forget to attach requested photos or other materials.

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Illustration of a hand holding a cell phone with a text bubble reading 'are you available?'
3.

If you get the job

The Casting Director will send you a details message with your booking information. Any call time changes will be sent to you via our messaging platform. Be sure to check for any changes before arriving to set.

Profile Management

When you sign up with Central Casting, you create an online profile where you can update your photos and contact information, respond to availability inquiries, manage your availability, and much more. Our Casting Directors use your online profile to consider you for Background Actor, Stand-In, double, and other types of roles.

Profile Management FAQs

  • Can I submit for work if I have not completed the sign up process?

    No, you must complete the sign up process, including signing and returning forms, to be booked by Central Casting. Learn more on our Sign Up page.

  • What internet browsers are supported?

    Please note that our casting platform is not compatible with the Microsoft Edge browser. Chrome and Safari are recommended browsers.

  • What if I forgot my password?

    To reset your password, first enter your email address on the log in screen. When prompted to enter your password, select the “forgot password” option. We will send reset instructions to the email address you have on file.

  • I no longer have access to my email address on file with Central Casting. How do I log in to my profile?

    Contact our technical support team to update the email address on file* at 855.500.2055, helpme@centralcasting.com, or by tech support chat.

    * If you call, you will be asked for verification information such as, the legal name, date of birth and last 4 of the SSN on file. Our technical support line is available Monday-Friday from 6am-6pm Pacific Time.

  • How do I deactivate or activate my profile?

    To deactivate your profile, log in, select the “Profile” option in the main menu, then choose the “Manage” tab. Once in the Manage tab, click the checkbox next to your profile name, then tap the “Deactivate Profile” button. A message will appear confirming that your profile was deactivated. Your profile will now appear inactive in our casting platform.

    To activate your profile, log in, select the “Profile” option in the main menu, then choose the “Manage” tab. Once in the Manage tab, click the checkbox next to your profile name, then tap the “Activate Profile” button. A message will appear confirming that your profile was activated. Your profile will now appear active in our casting platform.

  • Did the changes I made to my profile save?

    Changes you make to your profile save automatically. Once you update information, the field will highlight in blue, indicating the information has been accepted and saved. If there’s an error, the field will highlight red and give a warning message.

  • How do I update my contact information?

    You can update your phone number and address in the Contact Information section of your profile. To update your email address, contact tech support at 855.500.2055, helpme@centralcasting.com, or by tech support chat.

  • How do I delete photos from my profile?

    To delete a photo, navigate to the Photographs section of your profile. Find the photo you wish to delete and click the trash icon underneath it.

  • How many photos can I add to my profile?

    Quality over quantity is key when adding photos to your online profile. Casting Directors recommend a current casual, business, and formal look, then 1-2 photos of unique looks, like a uniform you own or a period role you can portray.

    Keep in mind, these photos should always reflect your current look and be unedited/unfiltered. Professional headshots cannot be used to consider you for background work as they are often retouched and edited.

  • How do I change the email address associated with my profile?

    To update your email address, contact tech support at 855.500.2055, helpme@centralcasting.com, or by tech support chat.

  • Can I upload a Stand-In resume to my profile?

    Yes, in the Casting Information section of your profile, there is an upload feature where you can add your Stand-In resume.

  • Why won’t my photo upload to my profile?

    Please check to make sure your photo is in .jpeg or .png format. our platform does not accept photos in other formats, like .pdf.

  • My sizes have changed. How do I update them?

    You can update your sizes and measurements in the Appearance section of your profile. Current and accurate sizes are key to finding work through Central Casting. To learn more about taking your measurements correctly, see our video guides on the Measurements page.

  • Can I add vehicles to my profile?

    Yes, you can add vehicles that you own and are willing to work with in the Vehicles You Own section of your profile. Be sure to include as much information as you can, including vehicle type, make, model, color, and year. We will continue to add vehicle options to our system; if you don’t see information that matches your car, include what you can and check back for updates.

  • How do I change my account settings?

    When you are logged in to your profile, you will see a triangle either in the upper right desktop menu or on the bottom of the mobile menu. Clicking the triangle will give you additional options, including your Account Settings.

For technical support, please contact 855.500.2055, helpme@centralcasting.com, or tech support chat.

Frequently Asked Questions

Being Booked

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

You are booked when you accept an offer for work and receive details. It’s important to write down your work information so you’re prepared when you head to set.

FAQs

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

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

  • Is there a guarantee of work?

    No, there is no guarantee of work because the needs of productions change every day.

  • 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 you are available to work that day. When Central Casting checks your availability, we are not offering or guaranteeing work, we are only asking if you 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 you 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 need to have all day availability when responding as avail to these messages.

  • What does “first avail” mean?

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

  • How do I get my details?

    After accepting an offer for work, you will receive a details message with your booking information. Casting Directors get this information as it comes in from multiple departments within production, it is likely you will not receive your details until later in the evening the night before you work.

  • Where can I find the dates I’ve been booked for?

    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.

  • 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 you are no longer needed.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • What can I do to help myself get booked?
    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. Manage your availability calendar. Keeping your availability updated helps Casting Directors find you 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 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 for work, you will often receive an email sent to the address on file, a text message with a link to respond, and the message will appear in the inbox of your 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 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. You can also check our Jobs page for roles you fit and submit according to the instructions in the post.

  • 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 our casting platform. 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.

    Emails from Central Casting will include your name, a message from the casting director, and a link to our casting platform.
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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 availability inquiries on time.

  • Can I respond to multiple availability inquiries?

    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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

    Screenshot of the My Schedule section of the Casting Platform.(click image for more information)

  • 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.

  • How do I get my call time changes?

    Any call time changes will be sent to you as an email and text message from our casting platform and can be viewed in the inbox of your online profile. Be sure to check for any changes before arriving to set.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Can I reply directly to a text message?

    No, our texting number is 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.

  • Can I call the number I received the text message from?

    No, our texting number is only formatted to send outbound text messages from our casting platform. Please call our main line at 404.920.8011.

  • 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. Click the link in the email or text message to respond.

  • Can I get messages in a language other than English?

    No, the messages are only in English.

  • 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.

  • Can I change my response?

    If your availability has changed after responding to a message, please call our office at 404.920.8011.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

    You will now receive email alerts when Central Casting sends you a message.

On Set

Once you have booked a background acting job, you are ready to get on set!

It’s important to show up on time and camera ready. When you arrive, check in with your contact and get your voucher.

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

FAQs

Payroll

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.

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.

myEP

To change your address with payroll, view your pay history, compare paychecks, and more, log in to myEP. If you have not logged in to myEP before, you can access using the same email and password you use to log in to your Central Casting online profile.

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.

  • How long does it take for me to receive my 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.

  • Why do I sometimes receive my 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.

  • What do I do if I think a 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 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.

  • Do I need to write my Social Security number on my voucher each time I work?

    Yes, there are many people we payroll with the same or similar names. You will need to put your Social Security number 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.

  • 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 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.

  • How do I sign up with myEP?

    To create an account, please go to my.EP.com and log in using the same email address and password you use to log in to your Central Casting online profile.

    Once you have 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.

  • How do I change my address with payroll?

    To change your address with payroll, please log in to myEP. You can access myEP by using the same email address and password you use to log in to your Central Casting online profile.

  • How do I place a stop payment on a check?

    You can email or mail a stop payment request by filling out a Stop Pay/Reissue Form. A stop payment can be placed no sooner than one calendar week after the check has been mailed.

  • 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.

  • How do I request a work history?

    You can access your pay history by signing up or logging in to your myEP account.

  • How do I get my W-2?

    To access your W-2, visit EP’s W-2 page.

  • 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.

  • How can I verify my 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 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 Central Casting.

FAQs