Virtual Visiting Round Up: Fall 2022

As a Central Casting Background Actor, Virtual Visiting gives you an opportunity to introduce yourself, ask questions to, and learn from a panel of our Casting Directors. Here’s some helpful casting advice from our fall sessions.

I submit for work regularly on the Jobs page, but haven’t gotten many availability inquiries. How can I get considered for more background work?

One of the best ways to find work with Central Casting is to keep your online profile updated with as much accurate information as possible so you show up in searches and so Casting Directors can determine if your current look fits the requirements for a role. Say a Casting Director is booking a scene set during a high school hockey tournament and needs Background Actors who can portray 18tly, can ice skate, and own hockey equipment. If you haven’t filled out the portrayable age, special skills, and props section of your online profile, you may be missing out on jobs like this you’re perfect for.

Casting Directors stress the importance of not only filling out your profile completely, but accurately as well. Correct measurements and appearance information (like hair length and color) are crucial to helping them determine if you fit role requirements. When adding details like vehicles, props, wardrobe, and special skills, please only add items that you own and have access to and include skills that you can convincingly portray on camera. If you are booked based off this information, you will be expected to show up to set with the item or be able to perform the skill.

I have a dog who I think would do well on set. Does Central Casting book pets?

Yes! If you are interested in being booked with your pet, keep an eye on your location’s Jobs page and submit when these roles become available. You can also add your pet to the Casting Information section of your online profile. In the props dropdown, scroll down to the animal section, then choose or enter your pet type.

We also recommend adding a photo to the “your pet” slot in the Photographs section of your profile. These photos should be well lit and your entire pet should be clearly visible.

Should I be taking selfies or more professional-looking photos for my online profile?

Both have a place when working with Central Casting. For your online profile, it’s better to have photos that are taken by someone else, like a friend or family member, to ensure you are framed correctly, well lit, and in focus. These types of photos make it easier for Casting Directors to determine the types of roles you can portray and look more professional when sending your pictures to production. That said, professional-looking profile photos doesn’t mean professional headshots. Professional headshots are often altered and edited and cannot be used when considering you for background work. You can learn how to take optimal profile photos in our Ultimate Photo Guide for Your Online Profile.

In job posts and availability inquiries, Casting Directors may ask you to send a selfie to see what you look like right now. This is common when booking roles with very specific requirements, like Stand-Ins, doubles, and some period roles. Be sure your selfies are clear and taken in good lighting so your face, hair color, hair length, and any other features included in the job post are clearly visible.

Do you have any advice for putting our wardrobe together after we’ve been booked?

When crafting your look, always start by reading your details completely. Depending on the production and your role, your details may include very specific hair, makeup, and wardrobe instructions or may have a more general overview.

Not sure where to start? If the show you’re working on has aired episodes, take a look at what the principal and Background Actors are wearing to get a sense of the general style and color palette. If the project you’re working on hasn’t aired, use your best judgement based on your role. You probably have a pretty clear idea of what a teacher would wear vs a club goer. A general rule of thumb is to stay away from clothing with logos, bright colors, and loud patterns. You can also consult our wardrobe articles for inspiration and essential wardrobe tips to help you get camera ready for set.

Get more casting advice straight from our Casting Directors in the winter, spring, and summer Virtual Visiting Round Ups.