Central Casting

Once you are registered:

Following are a few guidelines and FAQs to help you understand how things work with us. Please read through this carefully.

If you are currently registered with Central Casting, please come at 9:30 am SHARP Monday through Friday to provide any updates. If you wish to update your photo or if you have any questions, you can come in to our office any Monday through Friday from 9:30 am -10:00 am. Please be sure to bring your proper I-9 Identification (current/unexpired U.S. passport, current driver’s license, and Social Security CARD). Only original documents will be accepted.

The important number to know is 646-205-8244
Press 1 to begin your menu.

Now that I am registered, how long is my registration valid?
Your registration is valid for two years. You MUST renew your registration every two years to remain active with Central Casting. If you come in to re-register within the two years, there is no photo fee charge. You can re-register with Central Casting every Monday through Friday at 9:30 am sharp.

What is the digital photo used for?
Central Casting uses a computer database to organize and access all of our talent. When you register, we input all of your information into our database such as name, sizes, union affiliation, special skills and costumes, etc. In addition we take a digital photo of you so we can see what you look like! It’s a hectic business, so having quick access to your photo is extremely helpful in getting you booked on the job. You also have the option to add additional photos.

How do I get work?
We have a hotline available for you to check in with. This line is updated on an as needed basis. Work will be posted at any time of the day…or night! As our casting needs come in, we will post what we are looking for. The majority of this will be in the afternoon, but also check it at other times of the day.

The Casting Notice Hotline can be accessed by calling:

917-484-9840 for SAG & AFTRA members
917-484-9850 for NON-UNION members

Follow instructions from there.

Something is on the hotline that fits my description! What do I do?
You have listened to the line and you heard something that fits you. Great! There should be directions on how to contact the Casting Director to get considered for that job. Either there will be a phone prompt to connect you, or the Casting Director may give you a phone number to call back on. Please remember, it is the Casting Director’s job to decide whether or not you are right for the job. Often times there are many factors involved in casting, so what you may think is perfect for you may not be quite what the Casting Director is looking for. If you didn’t hear anything that fits you, be patient and check the lines a little later. Things change quickly so postings will be updated throughout the day.

PLEASE HAVE A PEN AND PAPER READY TO TAKE INFORMATION IF YOU SHOULD GET BOOKED.

Also, we will look up your profile from your first five digits of your social security number. Please have that ready when you call.

I called in, and I booked the job!
Congratulations! Please be sure to get some basic information before you hang up with the Casting Director.
This would be:

The name of the show you are booked on.
The category or role you are playing.
The name of the Casting Director that booked you.

If you need to get back to us with further questions or concerns, it is very difficult to assist you without this information.

You will be directed as to how you will get all of you detailed information for your booking. Please pay close attention to this information, it is very important!
You will need to know, and are responsible for, many things. When given your details, remember to get your call time and the instructions on how to get any call time changes. IT WILL BE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO GET ALL OF YOUR CALL TIME CHANGES FOR EACH BOOKING. Usually we will set up a hotline for you to call to check in for call time changes. Please get this information every time you are booked.

The details of your bookings are very important! We take what we do very seriously, and expect you to do the same. Not only is it of the utmost importance to arrive on time, but it is equally important to arrive prepared for the role you have been cast in. We expect punctuality and professionalism every time you work for us. This means bringing proper wardrobe, props, and anything specific to the call. This also means bringing a good attitude to the set! Everyone is working very hard to create the amazing shows, commercials and films that are working in New York. If we find that you are not behaving in a professional manner and not representing us and yourselves properly, we reserve the right to take you out of our files.

I am booked for a job and have an emergency and need to speak to a Casting Director. What do I do?
If you have an emergency, such as you are lost or need to cancel for example, please let us know ASAP. You can reach us by calling 646-205-8244. We do not take cancellations lightly. We understand true emergencies happen, and may require documentation or proof of your emergency. Please be prepared to provide this. If you cancel, we ask that you give us enough of a notice to replace you. If you finding that you may be late for your job, call us immediately. IF YOU ARE LATE, WE CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT YOU WILL NOT BE TURNED AWAY ONCE YOU ARRIVE TO THE SET. We will do our best to alert the project you are booked on that you are going to be late, but they reserve the right to turn you away without pay if you do not arrive on time. Again, this is a job and should be treated as such. If you are booked on a job and do not show, and do not call us to explain, you will be removed from our database immediately!

Job Accountability: We have a few guidelines that we enforce regarding your accountability and professionalism.

Cancellation of work calls: You may have no more than five proper cancellations in a 12 month period to use for “sick” days or “emergencies”. Any additional cancellations will result in possible suspension or removal from database.
If you do not show up to the set when you are booked (‘No-show”) and do not properly cancel, you may be removed from our database.
If you participate in disruptive behavior on set i.e. late to work, uncooperative attitude, harassment, leaving without approval, etc. you could be removed from our database.
If you are removed from our database, please do not attempt to register with us again.

Central Casting No-Gift Policy
To maintain the highest level of integrity, Central Casting maintains a firm policy regarding gifts. Based upon this policy, background actors registered with Central Casting are prohibited from providing gifts of any type to Central Casting employees, including casting directors and registration employees. This includes food, clothing, gift certificates, services and money. If you have any questions about this policy, contact the manager at Central Casting.

Important tips:

Be on time! Leave your home with plenty of time to arrive safely.
When you arrive, check in with your contact immediately and get your voucher. It is very important that your voucher is filled out properly.
Show up prepared and “camera ready” for your role.
Anticipate a long day. The average day may take 12 hours to complete. Sometimes it will be less, and many times it could be more. You must stay at your booking until you are released. Never leave the set without prior approval.
Listen carefully to the instructions that are being given to you on the set. Bring a pen, or something to write with to work. You will need it for notes as well as filling out your voucher.
If you are a union member, always carry your union card with you.
Return all items that belong to production before you leave.
Do not bring any type of recording device to the set with you unless instructed to do so. Recording anything in any way while you are working with us is strictly prohibited. If you are caught doing this, you will be immediately removed from our database.
Do not bring guests to the set with you.
DRUGS AND/OR ALCOHOL USE OR CONSUMPTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED ON OUR SETS.
Do not book yourself on two different projects in the same day.
Use common safety sense while on the set. If you become injured on the set, you must report it to the Assistant Director and/or Medic on the set immediately.
Fill out your voucher thoroughly. This includes all in and out times accurately as well as your social security number. We will need this in order to issue you a check. If you have questions about your paycheck, please contact the number provided on your voucher.
If there is a change to your phone number or address, we need to be informed immediately. All address changes must be done in writing with a signature.
If there is a drastic change in your look, please come in and update your photo and specs immediately. You may update your photo during registration days.
If you have questions pertaining to any of the unions, please call them directly.
NEVER replace yourself. If you cannot make your work call, call us at 646-205-8244 so we can replace you appropriately.
Due to recent security measures we use legal names for all of our bookings.

We are looking forward to a long lasting relationship with you. Both of our success is a shared responsibility. We will do our best for you and expect the same in return. Thank you for registering with us!

Resources:

NYC Stage Info Sheet