How to Get on TV as a Background Actor

Do you have dreams of being the next TV star? Or just want a chance to see how your favorite shows get made? If you want to get on TV, Central Casting is a great place to start.

What is a background actor?

A background actor is a paid performer who works in a non-speaking role in movies, TV shows and other productions. Background actors can appear as part of the atmosphere of the scene or can be featured interacting with the principal actors. They help add realism and can help the director convey the tone of the scene.

Central Casting is the leading provider of background actors to the Hollywood studios. For 100 years, Central Casting has booked background actors in blockbuster hits, award-winning productions, your favorite TV shows and everything in between. With Central Casting, there are plenty of opportunities for you to get booked as a background actor on TV shows.

Steps to Get on TV with Central Casting

You can get on TV as a background actor by signing up with Central Casting, building a profile and responding to booking messages.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Fill out your online application to create your Central Casting profile.

Before Central Casting and production companies can book you as a background actor, you need to create an online casting profile. Just complete your online application by filling out your contact information and appearance details. This information is used by casting directors and production companies when booking their projects. The more accurate and thorough you are, the easier it is for them to find you when searching our casting platform.

In California, New York, New Jersey, Georgia or Louisiana, the sign up process includes forms that must be completed before you can become eligible to work. See the Get Cast page for more information about the complete sign up process in your location.

2. Take a headshot and full body shot following the photo guidelines.

Your profile photos are one of the main tools casting directors and production companies use when determining the types of roles you can portray. As part of the sign up process, you will need to upload a current headshot and full body shot that will be used as the main photos in your casting profile.

Photos you upload should be only of you, well-lit, in focus, unedited, and taken against a white or solid background. Photos that include other people, are dark or blurry, or taken on busy backgrounds (like outside or at a club) cannot be used when considering you for background work.

As a background actor, you are cast based off your look and your ability to portray a role. The photos you upload need to accurately reflect what you look like right now. When adding photos, keep in mind that you will be expected to show up to set based on the look shown in your profile photos.

3. Submit accurate sizes and appearance details so casting directors can find you.

Your sizes are another important tool used in background casting. Sizes are especially important when casting stand-ins and doubles who must often match the look of the principal actor and when production provides wardrobe for background actors.

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. This helps ensure that you’re cast based on your accurate look and that you fit the clothing the costume department has prepared for you.

Not sure how to take your measurements? You can find easy-to-follow video tutorials on our Measurements page.

4. Add vehicles, wardrobe and special skills to your casting profile.

Are you willing to work with your car on set? Do you have a Santa suit in pristine condition? Can you play piano? Productions often need background actors with special skills, vehicles, props and wardrobe. By adding this information to your profile, you can help casting directors and production companies find you when these types of roles come up.

Vehicles are used as part of the stationary atmosphere of the scene or are driven as part of the background action. Central Casting and our production companies film shows from a variety of time periods and often need cars, trucks, SUVs and motorcycles in varying conditions. So no matter your vehicle's year, make, model or condition, there's a chance you can get cast with it.

If you’re adding a special skill, like playing a sport or instrument, keep in mind that you will be expected to perform that skill convincingly on camera. Always provide accurate information in your profile and be honest when casting directors ask about your skill level.

5. Respond to booking messages from casting directors to get on TV.

If a casting director or production company thinks you fit the requirements for a role they are casting, they can send you an availability inquiry. Availability inquiries, also known as avail checks, will include the name of the project, the date, role and other information related to the booking.

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. If you’re available and interested in the role, click the “available” button to let the casting team know.

You can also proactively look for work on our Open Roles page. Read the instructions carefully to ensure you fit the description, then submit according to the instructions. After reviewing the submissions, the casting director may send you an availability inquiry.

Additional role opportunities on TV sets

Central Casting also casts stand-ins and doubles to work in movies and TV shows. Just like with background actors, stand-ins and doubles perform vital roles on set:

• Stand-ins take the place of principal actors for blocking, lighting, and camera set-ups. Depending on the type of production and role, a stand-in may need to match the actor’s height, build, hair color, and complexion. Stand-ins do not appear on screen, but are an essential role to ensure all departments are prepared to film the scene.
• Doubles replace a principal actor on screen, though their faces are rarely (if ever) seen. Doubles are used when a character is in a scene but not the focus, when an actor can’t convincingly portray a skill, and a variety of other reasons.

Getting on TV with Central Casting is easier than you might think. By creating a complete, accurate casting profile, you put yourself in front of the casting directors and production companies booking your favorite shows every day. Ready to get started? Sign up with Central Casting today.