How to Reply to Casting Messages
Signed up and ready to get on set with Central Casting? Most communications you receive from casting directors and production companies will come as text messages and emails from our casting platform. Here's an easy guide to casting messages so you know how to get booked as a background actor.
How will I get casting messages?
Messages you receive from Central Casting will be sent as a text message from the same 5-digit number, appear in the inbox of your online profile and be sent to the email address you have on file. If your text does not include a link to respond, please log in to your profile and go to your inbox to view the message. We do not accept responses via text, you must respond via the buttons inside the message.
We recommend adding DoNot-Reply@centralcasting.com to your email's safe sender list so you don't miss a message from Central Casting. Your email provider will have tutorials on how to do this.
How to respond to an availability inquiry
Usually, the first message you receive from a casting director or production company is an availability inquiry. These messages will include the name of the project, the date, role, and other information related to the booking. To reply, click the respond button then select "available" or "unavailable."
An availability inquiry is not an offer of work, the casting director or production company is just asking if you are available and interested in working on that date. You may receive multiple availability inquiries for the same work date; you can reply as available to all of them if you are interested in the roles.
We ask that you reply to all messages as quickly as possible. We understand that you may be on set or unable to respond right away, but ask that you still respond when you can, even if the answer is no. This lets casting directors and production companies know if they need to reach out to additional background actors.
Availability inquiries can also include additional questions you need to answer. These additional fields will appear after you've clicked respond. Be sure to answer and include any information they have asked for as part of your reply.
What is a first avail or booking message?
Depending on your location and the situation, the next step of the booking process is usually a first avail or a booking message. Read the message carefully before responding. The casting director or production company will provide clear details on what you're being asked.
If you are on first avail or booked on a show and your availability changes, you must inform the casting director as soon as possible by calling your Central Casting office. You cannot cancel or change your availability by replying to text messages.
Replying to details messages
After you've accepted an offer of work and are booked, the next message you receive will be your booking details. This message will include all the information you need for your booking, like initial call time, call location, and any hair or makeup notes. In some cases, it may also include a link to a Booking Details Page or other resource. It's incredibly important to read your details fully and carefully to ensure you show up to set as expected. Please respond to your details message as soon as possible so the casting director knows you received it.