Why Updating Your Sizes is Essential for Background Actors

Whether you recently signed up or have been a background actor for years, you're probably looking for ways to stand out to casting directors and production companies. You can set yourself up for success by populating your online profile with your accurate measurements.

Why are my sizes and measurements important?

Casting directors and production companies use your sizes in a variety of ways, including when production provides wardrobe, when a role requires a specific look and when booking stand-Ins and doubles. Without your current and accurate sizes, you may be missing out on work or may be considered for roles you don't actually fit the requirements for. While we all have our own personal styles and fits we prefer, the sizes in your online profile need to reflect what your measurements actually are and not your preference. Costume departments do not have a large stock of clothing for background to try on and must pull specific wardrobe ahead of time. If your sizes are not correct in your online profile, this will not only delay getting you ready for the scene, but delay the entire production.

For example, when some productions provide wardrobe, like a firefighter or police uniform, they may use the measurements in your online profile to acquire wardrobe after you've been booked. If you do not have accurate measurements in your online profile, you may not fit the provided clothing when you show up to set. In other cases, production may provide sizes of those uniforms to the casting director who will use the measurements in online profiles to find background actors who fit that wardrobe. If you do not have your accurate sizes populated, you may be missing out on job opportunities.

That's why we recommend updating your sizes as they change, even if the change is small. If you're not sure how to take your measurements or want a refresher, watch our video tutorials on the Measurements page.

How do I update my measurements?

You can easily update or add your sizes by logging in to your online profile and opening the "Appearance" section. If you have never entered your measurements, type in your information or choose from the drop down. If your measurements are currently populated, carefully review them and make necessary changes. You'll know your sizes are saved when you click/tap out of the field and it turns green.

Your online profile has male and female measurement options, you can fill out one or both categories based on the gender(s) you are willing to portray on camera. Casting directors and production companies will be able to see and search for both categories in your profile.

While there are not currently fields for these in your online profile, you should also know your suit, glove, jean and blouse sizes. Casting directors and production companies may ask for these in job posts, as questions in availability inquiries, or during the booking process.