Getting Your Minor Prepped for Set
Signing your minor up with Central Casting and getting them booked is exciting! Even if you've been a Background Actor before, there's a lot to know about getting your child prepped and ready to work. Here are some tips to ensure you and your minor have a successful day on set.
Understand your minor's details
When your child books a job with Central Casting, you will receive booking information from the Casting Director as a details message, which may include a link to a Details Blog or other resource. These details will include all the information you need to get your child ready for set, including their call time, call location, wardrobe instructions, category type, etc.
Casting Directors receive booking information as it comes in from multiple departments within production; it's likely you will not receive your minor's details until later in the evening before their workday. Please confirm the details message as soon as you receive it so Central Casting knows you have your minor's work information. We know you can't always read their details right away; we just need to know that you received them.
If working in Los Angeles or New York, always bring a tangible photocopy of your minor's work permit to set. You will need to show this every time your child works. For minors in Georgia and Louisiana, Central Casting will secure a work permit for your child; follow instructions from Casting Directors on what they may need from you to complete this process.
Your child will need to arrive camera ready, unless otherwise stated in their details. Camera ready means their hair done, wardrobe on, and makeup applied (if applicable). If you are instructed to bring their clothing with you, be sure it makes it to set clean, unwrinkled, and hung in a garment bag.
Arrive to set on time
One of the best things you can do to ensure a successful day on set is to show up on time with your minor ready to work. Production schedules are constantly evolving, which means your minor's call time can and likely will change. Your details will include instructions on how to get call time changes; Be sure to check for any changes before arriving to set. It's a good idea to factor in traffic, public transportation delays, parking, and other delays that could make you late.
Know what's expected on set
When your child is booked, they must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is not also booked on the production. Remember that, as always, only the child booked and their guardian are allowed on set; other children or guests will not be allowed.
During filming, the parent or guardian will be somewhere behind the scenes, but always within eyesight of the child. When your minor is not filming, you will be taken to Holding. You can bring books or other materials to keep your child entertained in Holding; please bring headphones as to not disturb production.
If your child is required to attend school on set, they will work with a studio teacher separate from the parent/guardian and be provided documentation to show their school. Depending on your call time and whether school is in session, your minor may attend their own school first, then will report to set only for work.
Being on set is fun! Your child will get a front row seat to see how movies, TV shows, and other productions are made. While it may seem like more play than work to them, please remind your child that being a Background Actor is a job and help them to remain professional and focused while on set.
Looking for more resources about minor background work? Read our articles What Parents Should Know About Kids Casting and What to Do When Your Minor Books a Job.
