Finding a reputable casting call in Seattle
June 16, 2015 11:16 AM Subscribe
I've recently been interested in being an extra or a bit part or contestant in some kind of production. This is completely a curiosity and not some profound career change. How do I go about this without wasting all of my time and ending up around creepy people?
I see casting calls on craigslist and small websites, are they legit? It's pretty easy to spot the incredibly bad ones, but is there some kind of easy way to figure out what is a legitimate casting event or agency and what is a weird scam?
I realize I should join an improv group or community theater for many years to do this correctly (and maybe I will), but I just happen to have some free time this summer and have decided I would like to attempt this.
I see casting calls on craigslist and small websites, are they legit? It's pretty easy to spot the incredibly bad ones, but is there some kind of easy way to figure out what is a legitimate casting event or agency and what is a weird scam?
I realize I should join an improv group or community theater for many years to do this correctly (and maybe I will), but I just happen to have some free time this summer and have decided I would like to attempt this.
In Seattle most high-budget productions (ie, that need extras) will be from out-of-town, and they’ll use casting agencies. Best option is to join one of them, like Foreground Background or Reel Extras. The Actors Handbook website has a comprehensive list of casting directors as well.
Also, keep on the lookout on sites like:
Seattle Actor
Backstage
Productionhub
Craiglist (though as always, be careful with this site)
Be aware – you should NEVER have to pay a fee to join an extras agency, though a few will ask for info and a good picture of yourself. Extras agencies that charge for headshots are usually making more money doing that than actually casting extras. Also, check local going job rates and hours – days on set should never be longer than 13 hours (that’s 12 hrs plus 1-hr lunch), and any production should be insured for anyone who walks onto the set (that includes you). Make sure that you get a receipt of hours worked (or paid on the day of production), and that you make sure to log taxes properly if you do work as an independent contractor.
Finally, if anything about a shoot feels unsafe, leave right away – professional sets have incredibly high safety standards, especially when scenes call for animals, weapons, or minors, so that you should never feel unsafe.
Break a leg! (That’s “good luck” in the film/TV industry.
posted by efece01 at 1:18 PM on June 16, 2015 [4 favorites]
Also, keep on the lookout on sites like:
Seattle Actor
Backstage
Productionhub
Craiglist (though as always, be careful with this site)
Be aware – you should NEVER have to pay a fee to join an extras agency, though a few will ask for info and a good picture of yourself. Extras agencies that charge for headshots are usually making more money doing that than actually casting extras. Also, check local going job rates and hours – days on set should never be longer than 13 hours (that’s 12 hrs plus 1-hr lunch), and any production should be insured for anyone who walks onto the set (that includes you). Make sure that you get a receipt of hours worked (or paid on the day of production), and that you make sure to log taxes properly if you do work as an independent contractor.
Finally, if anything about a shoot feels unsafe, leave right away – professional sets have incredibly high safety standards, especially when scenes call for animals, weapons, or minors, so that you should never feel unsafe.
Break a leg! (That’s “good luck” in the film/TV industry.
posted by efece01 at 1:18 PM on June 16, 2015 [4 favorites]
Hiya. I work in casting in Seattle and can second Foreground Background and Reel Extras for extras work. I know Big Fish Talent NW has an extras division, too. You may be asked to set up a basic profile on Casting Networks to get casting calls through these sources, but this is legit, much needed by production, and may be free if you're going through an agent.
Some of the casting calls on Craigslist are, in fact, legit, but always use caution. Check things out and trust your gut. Research whatever project is being listed to see if it's mentioned anywhere else.
If you're willing to drive to Spokane, Flannel Background is currently handling all extras needs for Season 2 of Z Nation on Syfy Channel, which will be in production in Eastern WA through September. I'm not sure if they have everyone they need right now or not, but it's worth looking into if you would like to be a zombie.
posted by Pearl928 at 3:40 PM on June 16, 2015 [3 favorites]
Some of the casting calls on Craigslist are, in fact, legit, but always use caution. Check things out and trust your gut. Research whatever project is being listed to see if it's mentioned anywhere else.
If you're willing to drive to Spokane, Flannel Background is currently handling all extras needs for Season 2 of Z Nation on Syfy Channel, which will be in production in Eastern WA through September. I'm not sure if they have everyone they need right now or not, but it's worth looking into if you would like to be a zombie.
posted by Pearl928 at 3:40 PM on June 16, 2015 [3 favorites]
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posted by lattiboy at 11:20 AM on June 16, 2015