On Set Support

IMPORTANT

If you need to cancel, are going to be late, or have questions about your booking, you must contact your Central Casting Office.

Learn more about preparing for your work day.

Before You Arrive Support→
⁠Talent Resources: Preparing for Your Day on Set→

FAQs

On Set

What does a fitting involve?

If you are booked for a fitting, it means that the costume and/or hair and makeup departments need to see you before the shoot day to fit you for a costume and prepare your look for the role you’ll play on shoot day. How much you are paid for a fitting will depend on the type of shoot, and this will be outlined in the availability enquiry sent to you.

For certain projects, like commercials, the fitting payment might be included in the fee for the shoot days. Generally, you are paid to be at your fitting for up to four hours. Fittings often take less than four hours, but please be prepared to be there for the full time.

What happens when I arrive on set?

Your booking details will include information on where to park and where to check in. If your production is using SmartVoucher, you will receive an email at your call time with a link to complete work date specific forms. If your production is using paper vouchers, you will need to fill out your full legal name, contact information, and at least the last four digits of your Social Security number.

You’ll likely be moved to a holding area before the shoot starts and in between takes and scenes. Make sure you stay where you are meant to be and don’t wander off, as you may be required at short notice and production may not be willing to search for you.

Who do I report to on set?

Roles change from set to set, but a background actor’s main contact is usually the 2nd Assistant Director (2nd AD) and Production Assistants (PAs).

What do I need to do at my call time?

If your production is using SmartVoucher, you will receive an email or can log in to your online profile to complete required tasks at your call time.

If your production is using paper vouchers, you will be given a voucher at check in and will need to fill out your full legal name, contact information and at least the last 4 digits of your Social Security number.

What is shooting a scene like?

Big budget films do multiple takes of many different shots to fully capture a scene. This can be laborious, and you will probably be required to repeat your actions several times. Please do this as professionally as possible, remember your marks and stay positive.

What should I do between takes?

Stay engaged between takes. Just because you are not filming at a point in time doesn’t mean other takes aren’t happening. Stay quiet and listen to any instructions that are given to you. You may be required to return to the holding area or stay by the set ready to shoot again.

You may be waiting around for some time, so bring something to keep yourself entertained while in holding. If you choose to bring electronics with you to holding, make sure to bring your own battery packs or portable chargers (although please note that you may be required to check your phone in with production. If so, you will be notified in your details before arriving on set). Please be respectful of those around you, including using headphones to not disturb production or your fellow background actors.

Can I talk to the principal actors?

You should never approach principal actors. The set is their workplace and a professional environment and should be respected as such. They have a lot going on in the scenes and often spend any time between takes preparing for the next scene. If you are approached by one of the actors, always be friendly and engaging, but keep it professional.

Who can accompany a minor on set?

A parent or guardian must accompany a minor on set.

What do I do if I’m booked on the same production as my minor child?

Another guardian who is not working on the show must accompany the minor.

Where will I be when my minor is filming?

You will be on set with them, behind the scenes. Please stay within your designated area and do not interfere with production. Be prepared to accompany your minor when they go to wardrobe, set, and to school (if applicable).

Can I bring a guest to set?

Do not bring guests or other children who are not working to the set with you.

What happens if I’m hurt on set?

If you are injured on set, you must report it to the Assistant Director and/or medic immediately.

I'm not happy with the way I’ve been treated on set, what should I do?

f you are unhappy or uncomfortable about anything that has happened to you on set, please notify Talent Relations. The Talent Relations team partners with other Central Casting departments to ensure all background actors are supported and ensure the treatment of background actors is consistent with Central Casting’s Standards of Conduct and Behavior. We are committed to fostering open, honest communication while providing a work environment where you feel safe, heard, and respected.