5 Things to Consider When Adding Additional Photos
One of the ways Casting Directors determine if you are the right fit for a role is by checking the photos in your online profile. Keeping your photos up to date and adding pictures of yourself in different looks can set you up for success as a Central Casting Background Actor. Before uploading new photos, here are 5 things to consider.
1. Am I uploading quality photos?
Since our Casting Directors use the photos in your profile when casting their shows and since these photos may be shown to production, any photo you upload should adhere to Central Casting's photo guidelines. This includes uploading photos that only feature you, are well-lit, in focus, framed correctly, and taken against a white or solid background.
Photos that obscure your face, feature other people, are dark or blurry, or are edited or altered cannot be used when considering you for background work.
2. Has my look changed?
The main photos in your profile are the headshot and full body shot you either took in our office or uploaded to your profile as part of the Talent Onboarding process. While these main photos cannot be deleted or updated, if your look changes, you should upload new photos to the Artist's Choice slot of your profile. Casting Directors use these self-uploaded photos, along with any additional photos you upload, to determine the types of roles you can portray. Don't forget to delete old photos that no longer represent your current look.
When you update your photos, also review your profile information to make sure it matches your current look. Casting Directors use these details when searching our casting platform, so the more accurate information you fill out, the more likely you are to show up in searches for roles you fit.
3. Do I have multiple looks?
Your online profile is a great tool to show Central Casting the different types of looks you can portray. A good rule of thumb when uploading additional photos is to add distinct and unique looks. For example, adding a photo of you in a casual, business, and formal look gives Casting Directors an idea of the range of roles you can portray. If you choose to add these looks to your profile, you only need to upload one of each, not multiple photos in similar wardrobe. If Casting Directors need to see you in different clothing from that look, they will likely ask you to send a current selfie with your submission.
4. Do I have specialty wardrobe?
Part of your responsibility as a Background Actor is bringing your own wardrobe to set. Sometimes these outfits will be the modern clothes you wear every day and sometimes you'll be asked to bring in specialty styles or costumes.
Do you own a Santa suit? Moonlight as Elvis? Have outfits from different time periods? Uploading photos of yourself in specialty wardrobe not only shows Casting Directors that you can portray a role, but that you own and have access to the required clothing. Remember, you should never add photos to your online profile of wardrobe provided by production. First, you should never take photos on set. Second, if you're booked based off your wardrobe, you will be expected to show up to set in that look, so make sure to only upload photos of wardrobe you own.
5. Do I have a car I want to work with?
Central Casting often books Background Actors to work with their cars on movies and TV shows. No matter what make, model, or condition your car is in, there's a chance you can get booked with it. Add your cars to the "vehicles you own" section of your profile, then upload photos in the "photographs" section. Just make sure photos are of your actual car and not dealership or advertisement images. We recommend taking photos of your vehicle at an angle where the front and side of your vehicle are clearly visible.
To learn more about optimizing your online profile, read through our articles The Ultimate Photo Guide for Your Online Profile and 7 Opportunities to Update Your Online Profile.
