What to Do After Being Booked
Were you just cast by Central Casting and wondering what to do next? Being booked and getting on set is exciting! Here's what you need to know to prepare and have a successful workday.
Read your details fully and carefully
The first step in getting ready for set is to read your booking details completely. Your details will come as a details message from our casting platform and may include additional resources, like a Details Blog. Be sure to read all this information carefully, including initial call times, call location, and wardrobe notes to ensure you show up to set as expected.
Keep in mind, our Casting Directors get your booking information as it comes in from multiple departments within production; it's likely you will not receive your details until later in the evening the night before your work date.
Production schedules are constantly evolving and it's possible that your call time will change after receiving your details. Your details will include instructions on how to get your call time changes. Remember, it's your responsibility to check for call time changes to ensure you're not late to set.
Arrive to check-in on time and camera ready
Most of the time, you will be instructed to arrive camera ready with your wardrobe on, hair done, and makeup applied. Other times, you'll be asked to bring your wardrobe with you instead of wearing it to set. In these cases, be sure your clothing makes it to work clean, unwrinkled (unless your details instruct otherwise based on your role) and hung in a garment bag.
For some roles, like period pieces and featured background, production may provide wardrobe. Always wear clean and sufficient undergarments and any other clothing instructed in your details. For example, if you are playing a police officer, wardrobe may provide the uniform, but ask you to wear a specific color and style of undershirt and socks.
If your role requires makeup, bring whatever materials you need for touch ups and to maintain your look throughout the day. If your details call for a natural look, that generally means a base foundation, mascara, and light blush.
Identification and other documentation
You will need to bring a photo I.D. every time you go to set and if you're a member of SAG-AFTRA, you also need to bring your membership card. If you recently joined SAG-AFTRA, don't forget to update Central Casting by filling out our SAG-AFTRA Updates form.
If your minor is booked as a Background Actor, there may be additional documentation you need depending on your location. If working in Los Angeles, you will need to bring a copy of your minor's work permit for production to sign and enough homework to keep them busy during school on set. In New York, you will need to bring a tangible copy of your child's performer permit and trust account for production to keep. Central Casting obtains work permits for minors in Georgia and Louisiana; there is no additional documentation you need for set unless otherwise stated in your minor's details.
Checking in and vouchers
When you work as a Background Actor, you're paid based on the information in your voucher, which is your timecard for the day. There are two types of vouchers: SmartVoucher, Central Casting's digital voucher platform, and paper vouchers.
When the production you're booked on uses SmartVoucher, you'll receive an email at your call time with required tasks you must complete. These tasks must be completed each time you're booked as they are work date specific. You can also access these tasks by logging in to your online profile.
If your production is using paper vouchers, you will receive your voucher at check-in and will need to fill out your full legal name, the last 4 digits of your Social Security number, and your complete address. Central Casting pays many people with the same or similar names; by filling out your voucher with the necessary information, you help our paymasters ensure you're paid accurately and on time.
Want to learn more about working on set as a Background Actor? Check out our articles How to Make the Most of Your Time on Set and 4 Tips for a Successful Day on Set.
