How to Find Work as a Background Actor with Central Casting
Want to work as a paid background actor on the sets of blockbuster films, popular drama series, your favorite sitcoms and a variety of other productions? Being a part of movies and TV shows is easy when you work with Central Casting.
Sign up as a background actor
If you’re not already signed up, the first step is to complete the online sign up process. Just fill out your application with your accurate sizes and appearance information, upload a current headshot and full body photo, then e-sign any necessary forms.
If you’re signing up in California, New York or Georgia, you will need to fill out a Form I-9 during the sign up process. You can learn more about completing your Form I-9 and what documentation you’ll need on the Get Cast page.
Once you finish signing up, you’ll be eligible to get cast on our productions.
How do casting directors and production companies find me for work?
Casting directors and production companies use the information you supply in your online profile when booking background actors. You can help them find you for roles by including as much accurate information as possible, especially your sizes. Your measurements are used when production provides wardrobe and when casting for stand-ins and doubles, so the more accurate and thorough you are when filling out your information, the easier it is to determine what roles you’re right for.
The photos you upload to your profile are another tool casting directors and production companies use when booking their projects. In addition to the headshot and full body photo you upload as part of the sign up process, we recommend adding current photos in a casual, business and formal look; 1-2 photos in unique costumes or wardrobe; and photos of any vehicles you own and are willing to work with.
There’s more to optimizing your online profile than adding information and photos. Keeping your profile up to date with your current sizes, appearance information and photos is key to getting cast with Central Casting. Did you recently cut your hair or shave your beard? Did you sell a car and get a new one? Any time your appearance or other details change, you should update your profile so casting directors and production companies know your current look.
4 steps to get booked by Central Casting
Signing up, maintaining your profile, responding to messages and getting paid is easy – and can all be done with Central Casting’s user-friendly casting technology.
Want to get booked and on set as a background actor? Follow these simple steps:
- Respond to casting messages. If you’re in consideration for a role, a casting director or production company may send you an availability inquiry email and text message. If you’re interested and able to work that day, respond as available. If not, reply as unavailable. And don’t worry, responding as unavailable won’t affect future messages you may receive. In fact, casting directors and production companies prefer you say no rather than not responding at all.
- Check the Open Roles page. You can proactively look for work on the Open Roles page. While most bookings come from casting directors and production companies searching our casting portal and sending messages, some unique looks or roles requiring special skills can be open for submissions. Read the requirements carefully, submit according to instructions then keep an eye on your messages for an availability inquiry.
- Accept booking offers. After responding to an availability inquiry, you may not hear back or may be sent a follow up message. If the casting director or production company determines you’re right for the role, they will send a booking offer message. You must accept this offer to be considered booked on that production.
- Prepare for set. You booked a role and are ready to get on set! You’ll receive all the information you need to get ready for work as a booking details message, which will usually be sent later in the evening the night before you work. Read this message fully and carefully to ensure you show up for work as expected.
By keeping your profile updated and responding promptly to casting messages, you can set yourself up for success with Central Casting. Check out our Talent Resources to learn more about what to do after you're booked and how to impress on set.