Your Paycheck and Other Payroll Questions Answered

Whether you're new to Central Casting or are returning to background work after a break, we know you may be wondering about the payroll process. Here are some common questions we receive about getting paid by Entertainment Partners Payroll.

How does the payroll process work?

Usually, when you're cast by Central Casting, Entertainment Partners Payroll is responsible for paying you. Though there are some cases where you're cast by Central Casting, but payroll is handled by a different company. You'll know you're paid by EP Payroll when your production uses SmartVoucher or your paper voucher says Central Casting and/or Entertainment Partners. If you are booked on a production using a different payroll company, you will need to reach out to that company with any pay-related questions.

When you work on set, your voucher is your time card for the day. There are two types of voucher: SmartVoucher, Central Casting's digital voucher platform, and paper vouchers. When the production you're booked on uses SmartVoucher, you'll receive an email at your call time with work date specific tasks you must complete. Then at the end of the day, you'll get an email with a link to review and approve your SmartVoucher. It's extremely important to review while still on set to resolve any queries in person. You can learn more about using SmartVoucher in our SmartVoucher guide.

If your production is using paper vouchers, you will receive your voucher at check-in and will need to fill out your full legal name, the last 4 digits of your Social Security number, and your complete address. EP Payroll pays many people with the same or similar names, by filling out your voucher with the necessary information, you help our paymasters pay you accurately and on time. At wrap, be sure to take a copy of your voucher with you for your records.

Payroll is processed as these vouchers come in production, so it's possible to receive your paychecks out of work date order. If you receive a check from a later work date first, it doesn't necessarily mean that the check from an earlier date is missing.

Can I update and track my pay information online?

You can see your pay history, view tax documents, and change your contact information online through Entertainment Partners' pay portal, myEP. You can access myEP by going to my.ep.com and logging in using the same email 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 check, net, 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. Casting and payroll store information separately, so if your contact information changes, you must update that in your Central Casting online profile and through myEP.

Can I sign up for direct deposit?

Yes, you can elect to be paid via direct deposit instead of paper checks for projects using Central Casting and Entertainment Partners for combined casting and payroll services. After linking myEP to your EP payroll profile, you can easily sign up for direct deposit by clicking "my pay" in the main menu, then choosing the "direct deposit management" option. For step-by-step instructions, see our Direct Deposit page.

What can I do if I have other payroll questions?

If you have questions about your paycheck or other payroll matters, you can read through our Payroll FAQs and EP's myEP support page. If you have further questions, you can contact payroll support at cpinquiries@ep.com or 855.500.2055 (press option 4, then sub-option 3) between 6am-6pm PT. Remember, casting and payroll are handled separately, please do not call your Central Casting office for payroll-related inquiries.

To learn more about working as a Background Actor with Central Casting, check out What to Know About Submitting for Roles and How to Prepare for Your First Day on Set.