Why Updating Your Sizes is Essential for Background Actors

Whether you recently completed Talent Onboarding or have been a Background Actor for years, you’re probably looking for ways to stand out to Casting Directors and get booked. One of the best things you can do to be a successful Background Actor with Central Casting is keep your accurate measurements up-to-date in your online profile.

Why are my sizes and measurements important?

Casting Directors 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. Due to updated safety protocols, costume departments are not able to keep 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 your current accurate measurements in your online profile, you may not fit the provided clothing when you show up to set, which doesn’t help you, production, or the Casting Director who booked you. In other cases, production may provide sizes of those uniforms to the Casting Director who will use the measurements in casting 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 easy to follow 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 tab. 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 the following measurements fields, which should all be filled out accurately to ensure you’re considered for the right types of roles:

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 may ask for these in job posts, as questions in availability inquiries, or during the booking process.

Additional profile updates

Your online profile is one of the best tools you can use to get booked as a Background Actor, Stand-In, or double with Central Casting. The more accurate information you fill out, the easier it is for Casting Directors to determine the types of roles you can portray. In addition to your measurements, fields like playing age, skills, props, wardrobe, and vehicles can help Casting Directors find you when booking specific looks.

Also, don’t forget to update your profile photos as your look changes and upload additional photos showing unique looks you can portray. To learn more about what we look for in profile photos read through our guide, The Ultimate Photo Guide for Your Online Profile.