Virtual Visiting Round Up: Winter 2024
During Central Casting’s Virtual Visiting sessions, a panel of Casting Directors answer questions, give insight into the casting process, and offer tips to be successful on set. Reservations for Virtual Visiting are limited, so we wanted to share some of the most asked questions during our winter sessions to help you succeed as a Background Actor.
I received an availability inquiry for my first fitting, what should I wear when I attend the fitting?
Like with other bookings, you will receive a booking details message with all the information you need for your fitting, including wardrobe instructions. In most cases, you will be instructed to arrive to the fitting fully dressed in the clothing outlined in your details. If you’re instructed to bring clothing with you, please ensure it arrives to the fitting clean, unwrinkled, and hung in a garment bag.
If there are not detailed instructions for what to wear, which may happen in cases where production is providing most of the wardrobe, be sure to wear clean and sufficient undergarments, undershirt, and socks. Casting Directors also recommend clothing that is easy to take on and off, which can help your fitting go smoothly.
Is it possible to put call times in availability inquiries so I have an idea of the work time before I respond?
Casting Directors often don’t get booking information until later in the evening before the work date, which is why preliminary call times are not included in availability inquiries (unless the call is for a late night or overnight shoot, then that information will be included in the message). Production schedules are fluid and often change, even after you’re booked, which is why it’s so important to follow the instructions in your details on how to receive your call time changes.
This is why we ask that you only respond as available if you have no time restrictions for that day. “Without time restrictions” means that there are no possible conflicts that would prevent you from working that day or date range.
I have more than one car I want to work with on set, is there a way to add multiple vehicles to my profile?
Yes, you can add multiple cars you own and are willing to work with on set to your online profile. Our Casting Directors use the information in your profile when booking their shows, so the more accurate information you add, the easier it is for them to find you when looking for specific vehicles.
To add or update your car information, go to the “vehicles you own” section of your online profile. Once you choose an option from a dropdown, another dropdown will appear for you to make additional selections from that category. Be sure to include as much information as you can, including vehicle type, make, model, color, and year. We will continue to add vehicle options to our system; if you don’t see information that matches your car, include what you can and check back for updates.
Don’t forget to also add photos of your vehicle. Any photos you upload should be of your actual car and not dealership or advertisement photos. Pictures should be taken at an angle where the front and side of your car are clearly visible.
When looking for cars, Casting Directors may also post to our Jobs page. They will include information like the make, model, color, and condition of the vehicles they’re looking for, please read this information carefully before responding to ensure your car meets the description for the role.
If you’re booked with your car, you will need to show proof that the vehicle you are working with is insured. We recommend keeping a copy of your proof of insurance on hand so you’re ready when a Casting Director asks for it.
Want more tips from Casting Directors? Read our summer and fall Virtual Visiting recaps to learn more about how to be a professional Background Actor.
