How To Help Your Child Actor Get Booked as Background
Interested in getting your child actor background work with Central Casting? Whether you need to sign them up for the first time or want to learn how to optimize their profile, this guide will help you learn how to get your minor on set.
Onboard your minor with Central Casting
To sign your minor up with Central Casting, the first step is to create their online profile by filling out the online application, uploading photos, and e-signing forms. Uploading a current headshot and full body shot is a big part of the onboarding process. Our Casting Directors use these photos when casting their shows, so it's important that the pictures you upload fit within Central Casting's photo guidelines. After submitting your minor's photos, a member of our Talent Onboarding staff will review them before you can proceed to the next step.
When your minor's photos are approved, you will receive instructions on how to fill out their Form I-9 and complete their onboarding. To learn more and to begin the onboarding process, visit our Kids Sign Up page.
Ensure their profile information is accurate
Our Casting Directors use the information in your minor's online profile, like appearance, skills, props, and wardrobe, to determine the types of roles they can portray. The more accurate information you include in their profile, the easier it is for Casting Directors to find them when searching specific looks in our casting platform.
Accurate sizes are essential for your minor's success as a Central Casting Background Actor. Casting Directors frequently use sizes when looking for minor doubles and when production provides wardrobe. We know children can grow quickly, so keeping these details updated as they change will help ensure your minor is considered for roles they fit.
To change their sizes and other details, log in to their profile, open the "appearance" section, and update any incorrect information.
Depending on your state, your minor may need a valid work permit on file in order to be booked by Central Casting. Our work permit guide has all the information you need based on your state to ensure your minor is eligible to work.
Upload current photos
We also recommend uploading new photos of your minor any time their look changes. This helps make sure our Casting Directors always have an accurate representation of your child's current appearance. Photos don't need to be professional, but should be well-lit and clear, not include other people or touch ups, and be taken against a white or solid light background. If your minor has unique and distinct looks or wardrobe, like a Halloween costume or uniforms, you can upload these along with current looks in the "photographs" section of their online profile.
During the upload process, you may notice multiple slots (categories) you can use to classify their photo. They do not need a photo for every slot, these are just a way to categorize photos in their profile, which makes it easier when Casting Directors search for current looks or specific photos.
How to find work
If your child fits the description for a role, our Casting Directors may reach out with an availability inquiry, which will be sent to the email address on file, as a text message, and will appear in the inbox of your minor's profile. These messages are not guarantees of work, we are simply asking if your minor (and the guardian who will accompany them to set) is available and interested in working on a certain project on a specific date or date range.
Don't forget to check the Jobs page to find your child background work. Please read each post carefully to make sure your minor fits the description, then submit according to the Casting Director's instructions.
There's a lot to know about being booked and finding background work opportunities for your child actor. Be sure to check out the Kids category of our Articles for all the information you need to help them be successful.
