What is a background performer?
Grant Wilfley Casting primarily casts background actors (also referred to as extras). A background role is any non-speaking role in a film or television show. Sometimes background roles are featured, and sometimes they are part of a large crowd scene.
Why are background performers important?
Even though the background does not speak, they are still very important. They help define the tone, time period, and location of the scene. Different types of background performers can transform any city street. Dozens of men and women in 1930s costumes suddenly take us back in time, and one lone extra in zombie make-up makes a horror film.
What is expected of a background actor?
Background actors must be professional. They must show up on time to the correct location with the right wardrobe. While on set, background actors must follow instructions and pay attention. They should not leave holding or set without notifying one of the assistant directors or a production assistant. Once a background actor has accepted a role, he or she is expected to be there at call and able to stay until filming has wrapped for the day.
How do I register with Grant Wilfley Casting?
You can register online for free, by visiting: https://www.gwcnyc.com/register
Is registration free?
Yes.
How do I get background work?
Our casting associates will contact you via our casting platform when you fit what they are casting. You can also submit for specific roles as posted at the following resources: Grant Wilfley Casting’s website, hotline (212 685 3168), Twitter, or Facebook.
How do I get paid for being a background performer?
You fill out a voucher for payment when you get to set. ALWAYS keep a copy of your voucher. A check will be mailed to you in 2-3 weeks for film and television and about a month for commercials, as long as proper documentation has been provided.
How much do I get paid?
SAG-AFTRA set base rates for their members. NON-UNION rates vary, and are based on local/state minimum wage.
Are taxes taken out of my paycheck?
Yes. You will fill out a W4 when you work.
What should I do if more than a month has passed, and I still have not received my pay check?
Contact the payroll company listed on your voucher. ALWAYS keep a copy of your voucher.
If I am filing for unemployment, whom do I list as my employer for background work?
Your employer is the payroll company listed on your voucher. ALWAYS keep a copy of your voucher.
What kind of identification do I need to bring so that I can get paid?
Background work is like any other job in that you must present ID to prove you are legally permitted to work in the United States. You can present an unexpired driver’s license and Social Security card OR an unexpired U.S. Passport. For a complete list and more information, click here.
What do casting associates mean when they ask about my availability for a specific day?
Filming can begin early morning or late afternoon. When you are asked if you are available for a specific date, you must be available the entire date without conflicts.
What is a call time?
Your call time is your start time or in time. You must be on set or holding and ready to work by this time.
Why can’t I get the call time in advance?
Film and television productions are governed by various union regulations regarding working hours and turnaround time. This means we can never be sure of the start time for the next day of filming until the previous day of filming is finished. If filming wraps later than expected, they must start later the next day.
What is holding?
The holding area is the designated area where the background actors are instructed to report to or “check in” at the start of their workday. You usually stay in this area when you are not needed on set.
What do I need to bring with me on the day of work as a background performer?
A pen and valid ID to fill out your payment voucher, any wardrobe or props you were instructed to wear or bring, and a book or magazine to keep you occupied if you have to wait in holding.
Is bringing my own wardrobe important?
Most productions will not provide clothing for you to wear on set. They expect you to wear or bring your own. You should listen to wardrobe instructions carefully and be honest if you don’t own the type of clothing that the scene requires. Typically, you should not wear red or white, and avoid bright colors, busy patterns, and logos. All clothing should be clean and wrinkle-free (unless otherwise instructed). If you are not wearing your wardrobe to set, it should be transported in a garment bag, so it stays fresh and pressed looking. If you are supposed to be playing a high-powered attorney, you don’t want to show up with a rumpled suit and stained tie. Remember, the better you look the part, the better your placement in the scene.
How do I get to set?
You will receive the exact address the day before you work. If the location is not accessible by public transportation, the production company will provide a bus or van that will pick-up at a designated location (usually in Manhattan) and take you back and forth to set.
How long would a day of work last? When will it begin?
Filming could start very early in the morning or very late at night. You will be informed beforehand if it is a Day or Night shoot, or a split call (which can start later in the day and go into the night). A typical day of filming can last 12 to 15 hours, sometimes longer.
What is SAG-AFTRA?
SAG-AFTRA is the labor union that represents actors appearing in film, television, and/or radio programs.
How do I become a member of SAG-AFTRA?
There are two basic ways an actor can join SAG-AFTRA: an actor is given a principal (speaking) part or an actor has three days of work under a SAG-AFTRA Taft-Hartley (aka waiver). Contact SAG-AFTRA for more information.
Does Grant Wilfley Casting cast children?
Yes.
How do I obtain a NY Child Performer Work Permit?
To work in film or television in New York, minors (ages 17 and under) must have a valid NY Child Performer Work Permit.
What to bring to the shoot date: children must have their valid New York Child Performer wo permit and trust account info, as well as ID (for example: a birth certificate OR Social Security Number card AND report card or medical record OR an unexpired US Passport).
For a costume fitting, the child must bring valid ID, but the permit does not need to be presented until the first day of work. Don't give production original work permit. Please bring a copy.
First-time applicants may apply on-line by visiting: https://dol.ny.gov/child-performers
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on APPLY under "15-day permit" for first-time applicants or “12-month” for permit renewals. You will be asked to create a username and password for a NY Labor Department online account before applying online for the permit.
Fill out all the required information and print out the 15-day temporary permit immediately. The “12-month” permit can take up to four-five business days to process. You can only obtain the 15-day permit once. After it expires, you must obtain a 12-month permit for your child to continue working in Film and TV.
If your child has already had a NY Child Performer Work Permit, and it is now expired, you must apply for a new by mailing in the application and all required documentation.
New York State law requires all children who work in film and television to have a locked trust account [UTMA (Uniform Transfers to Minors Act) or UGMA (Uniform Gifts to Minors Act) account]. You must have this type of account for your child. You must supply account information to the production’s payroll company as well as the New York State Department of Labor within 15 days of your child working. (You do not need to provide paper work regarding a trust account the first time you apply online. It must be presented before the expiration of the 15-day permit.) The account should be able to receive direct deposits and should only be accessible to the child upon his or her 18th birthday.
Does my child need a work permit to work in film or TV in NJ?
Yes. NJ permits are different from NY permits & CANNOT be done online. If you child is scheduled to work more than two days on a film or TV project, YOU must get the permit BEFORE your child’s first day of work.
1. Complete & sign an A310 form in the three places marked with an X:
PARENT signs Part A (top section)
PARENT initials Part B (middle section)
CHILD signs Part D (bottom section).
2. Have ALL OF THE FOLLOWING with you:
Completed/signed NJ Permit Form (#A310)
Copy of child’s Passport OR Birth Certificate
Report card OR school letter stating child’s good academic standing
Physician’s letter stating child’s good health
A letter/note stating which parent/guardian will accompany child during work
3. If you live in New Jersey: Bring all of the above with the A310 form to your school’s principal’s office. They will sign and stamp your permit.
4. If you do NOT live in New Jersey: Bring all of the above with A310 form to the office designated by the production.
5. Bring the stamped permit & ALL paperwork to set so copies can be made. It is valid in NJ for (3) MONTHS only.