GETTING STARTED
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We post most background casting notices (union and non-union) on our Facebook page. Read the notice carefully and ONLY submit if you fit the requirements. To submit, just follow the instructions provided on the notice. Submissions usually require photos, phone number and sometimes measurements.
It’s a good idea to always have CURRENT photos ready: a close up (headshot) and full-length body shot. They don’t have to be professional photos. A simple snapshot or selfie taken with a cell phone works just as well. Avoid wearing sunglasses, hats and using filters and effects. What we’re looking for in a submission is a picture that represents yourself. For more details check out our Selfies Guidelines page.
Sometimes we will also require your measurements. We need your CURRENT stats. Keep those ready too so you won’t have to struggle with a last minute request.
MEN: Height, Weight.
Shirt Size (neck/sleeve), Pant Size (waist/inseam), Suit Size, Hat (if you know it), Shoe Size.
WOMEN: Height, Weight, Chest, Waist and Hips.
Shirt Size, Pant Size, Dress Size, Shoe Size.
BEFORE YOU SUBMIT
- Make sure you are fully available on filming date/s. If you are committing for a day (or night) of filming you should be 100% available to arrive as early as needed and stay as late as needed without conflict. A work day can be anywhere from 2 hours to 12-14, or sometimes even longer.
- Make sure you have reliable transportation to get to and from set on the day/s you work.
AFTER YOU SUBMIT
You submitted with full availability for a project but something came up and you cannot commit to the full day? Let us know immediately! Depending on the project, you might not hear from us until a day or two prior to filming. In the meanwhile, if you book something else or become unavailable, just let us know. We don't need a reason, just let us know you will not be available for the job you submitted for. This way we remove you from the submissions and we we avoid having to cancel you AFTER we book (hire) you.
If you get booked (hired) you will be notified via email or text. We usually require for you to confirm the booking so keep an eye on your inbox (and spam folder) after you submit for a project. Do NOT confirm the booking if you are not fully available or if there is possibility that you may have a schedule conflict.
Depending on the project, you might not hear from us until a day or two prior to filming. In the meanwhile, if you book something else or become unavailable, just let us know. We don't need a reason, just let us know you will not be available for the job you submitted for. Do not wait until we call or email you with your call time to cancel, and just not showing up for work is a big deal and a big inconvenience for everyone.
Please note: We might contact you to "check your availability" for a specific date/s. We are not offering you the job or booking (hiring) you. We just want to make sure you are available to work that day. If you are selected we will send a "booking" confirmation email.
After you are booked, you will be provided with the details of the shoot. All details like call time, location, parking, wardrobe, and other info you need are usually emailed the day before filming, and usually later in the day. It could come from us or directly from production. Always reply to confirm receipt of details. DO NOT SHARE the booking details with anyone and do not post on social media.
CANCELLATION / NO SHOW - After you have been booked (hired) please avoid cancelling at all costs and DO NOT just decide not to show up! We understand things happen but you should only cancel a booking in case of an emergency and, in this event, you should contact us immediately in order to give us enough notice to replace you. Please do not wait until we call or email you with your call time to cancel, and not showing up for work is a big deal and a big inconvenience for everyone. Here's a great article on what happens when you cancel.
CALL TIME
"Call Time" is your start time - the time cast and crew of a production needs to be on set, ready to work. DON'T BE LATE! Always arrive early at your designated call time. Give yourself extra time and factor in traffic - especially during rush-hour.
LOCATION
You are responsible for your own transportation. Make sure you have reliable transportation to get to and from set on the day/s you work. Location address and (sometimes) maps are sent with your call time information. Read the information carefully before heading out. It's always a good idea to Google the directions the day before to figure out how long it's going to take you.
PARKING
Parking information will be included in your information email. Follow directions and only park in the designated area as instructed. Parking tickets will not paid or reimbursed by production.
WARDROBE
As a background actor, you are typically responsible for providing your own wardrobe. In some cases, the wardrobe department will provide clothing or costumes. We will let you know what types of clothes you should bring and give you general guidelines. Your clothes should be clean and wrinkle-free with no visible logos, big pattern or slogans. Always bring a few options with you - including shoes. Most of the times you will be asked to arrive on set camera ready with your wardrobe on and your hair and makeup done.
HOURS
Days on set can be long. A typical shoot day lasts between 8-12 hours. If you are committing for a day (or night) of filming you should be 100% available to arrive as early as needed and stay as late as needed. Make sure your schedule is clear for the day (or night). DO NOT ASK TO LEAVE EARLY and never leave unless you are released.
RATE
The rate depends on the project. Union members are paid in accordance with SAG-AFTRA contracts. We usually list the rate on the casting notice. It can be anywhere between $140 - $400 based on the type of performer that is needed and the amount of hours required. For example if we list $150/8, it means that you will be paid $150 for an 8-hour day (lunch break not included). If you work less than 8 hours, you will be usually still paid for the full 8 hours. After 8 hours you will be paid overtime (time and a half from 8- 10 hrs, and double time after 10 hrs). Same if we list $300/10 - it means you will be paid $300 for a 10 hours day (lunch break not included) plus overtime if/when applicable.
PAYROLL/PAYMENT
Payroll is handled through the production company. We, as the casting company do not handle payroll. The payroll company is your employer. When you are on set, you will fill out a voucher (or a digital voucher), a W4 and I9 with a payroll company. Make sure your ID is unexpired and to add your current mailing address and contact information. If the information isn’t complete, it might delay your payment. Always keep a copy of your voucher in the event you don’t receive your payment or if you have questions about your paycheck, you can contact the payroll department directly. We do not have copies or access to your voucher information and we do not keep records of your hours.
NOTES
- Just like any other job you must present a valid, unexpired ID to prove you are legally permitted to work in the United States. For a complete list and more information, click here.
- If your agent (not casting) submitted you for the job, always list their info on the voucher and, unless otherwise instructed, always list their mailing address for payment.
- Vivienne Chang Casting is not your agent. If you do not have an agent or you self-submitted, it's perfectly ok to leave that field empty.
BE PREPARED
Bring all items requested in your information email including wardrobe. Bring your unexpired ID, necessary medications, sunscreen (in case you are filming outdoor). On colder days or evenings, bring an extra jacket for when you are not on set - ladies, also consider bringing some comfortable shoes in case your wardrobe includes high heels. Bring snacks. There is almost always food on set but you never know how often you will be able to eat so it’s always a good idea to have a snack handy just in case, especially if you have any dietary restrictions.
AND MOST IMPORTANT.... HAVE A GOOD TIME ON SET!!!!!!