Central Casting and background actors date back to nearly the beginning of the film industry itself.
Since thousands of people flocked to Los Angeles every month hoping for stardom, by 1922, there were an estimated 30,000 background actors in LA. However, then, as now, people looking to be background actors were exploited by scam artists. The situation led the Association of Motion Picture Producers to establish their own organization to provide background actors for their films.
Called the Central Casting Corporation, it opened for business in 1925. For producers, Central Casting provided a consistent stream of background talent for their films. For background actors, it was one central place to get work as an extra in Hollywood instead of driving from studio to studio. In the nearly 85 years since Central Casting (now privately-owned) was formed, it has become the leading supplier of background talent in the industry.
Naturally, your first step as a background actor should be to register at Central Casting.
Registering at Central Casting is easy and costs just $25 for a 2-year registration.
Non-Union Background Actors, age 18 and over, may register in person on Monday, Wednesday or Friday ONLY. Registration is at 10:30 am and you should arrive at least 30 minutes early.
- SAG or AFTRA members, age 18 and over, may register in person on Tuesday or Thursday ONLY. Registration is at 10:30 am and you should arrive at least 30 minutes early.
- Central Casting is located at 220 S. Flower Street, Burbank, CA 91502 (On Flower Street between Olive and Alameda.)
View Map: Central Casting- There is STREET PARKING ONLY!! If you park in any business parking lot, you will be towed at your own expense!
- Show up as early as possible because parking is always a pain in the butt.
Suggestion: park a block away and walk back. Getting there at 9:30am for the 10:30am registration is perfectly reasonable because there WILL BE a crowd.Here are tips to make registration easier:
Go to the Central Casting website and download the paperwork, print it and fill it out at home so you can have it already in hand when you get in line.
Download and complete the Registration, Harassment Policy, I-9, and W-4 forms BEFORE you leave for Central Casting.
- Please review the list of required documentation to accompany the I-9 form and be sure to bring the required documents with you.
- Please bring a pen.
- Bring something to read. (You WILL be there at least an hour, probably 90 minutes.)
- Know your measurements and clothing sizes (in numbers, not Small, Medium or Large).
- Be prepared to be photographed. Remember that they will be taking a reference picture of you, so dress the way you want to be perceived by casting directors. No solid black or white or red or "razzle dazzle." They want to see what you actually look like.
- Central Casting charges a $25.00 photographic/electronic image fee and they accept only cash. (Bring exact amount; they're not set up to do change.) This photographic/computer image is a necessary tool for their Casting Directors. The photo is what gets you work.
Here's an insider hint:
As soon as you get in the door, I suggest you hang out on the windows (street) side of the large room where registration takes place and as close to the two little tables at the far end of the room as you can. In other words, come in the door, stay to the right and go as far as you can and wait. Why? Because, when they ask you to form a line there, you will already be in position. (Also: when the Central Casting person asks you to be quiet or move here or stand there, DO IT. They keep track of those who follow directions because they will make the best background actors on set.)
The Central Casting website will answer virtually any other question you may have. Visit Frequently Asked Questions.
Or contact them directly:
Central Casting
220 S. Flower St.
Burbank, CA 91502
Phone: 818.562.2700
Registration Info: 818.562.2755
Fax: 818.562.2786
Relax; this is the easiest part of becoming a background actor.
Be sure to tell them that Lary Crews at Background Acting: LA sent you.
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