Background Actors Talk With Casting

On Oct. 26, the Background Education & Outreach Subcommittee programmed a virtual panel, What’s New in Casting: A Panel Webinar With Casting Directors. Participants included moderator and National Director of Background Actors and New York Entertainment Contracts Stephanie Perry, Sandra Alessi and Shayne Hartigan (Alessi/Hartigan Casting), Tracy Dixon (Casting Associates), Rich King (Rich King Casting) and Jessie Vanatta (Jessie Vanatta Casting).

The panel began with a brief discussion about how their work has changed during the pandemic, with all casting directors unanimously in agreement that their workloads had quadrupled. More specifically, having to incorporate electronic vouchers into their day-to-day business practices and communications has added an additional layer to how they perform their work. Paper vouchers are still available upon request.

The panel was asked, “If background actors are placed on ‘first avail’ by a calling service, is the actor free to seek other work?” All confirmed they are absolutely free to seek other work while on “first avail,” as it is not a booking, however, they would appreciate a call to say that you are no longer available.  

In discussion of any other type of searchable talent database, King and Dixion discussed how they share a talent database with independentcasting.net. Apart from this, King, Alessi and Hartigan added how they each have their own talent database they use to reach out to talent. Despite the many methods of talent databases to pull from, all casting directors stressed the importance of keeping profiles and pictures up to date and ensuring that pictures represent talent’s current look.  

On the topic of open registration, Alessi/Hartigan casting was the only agency on the panel to continually hold open calls/registration. All casting directors recommended reaching out to them via email occasionally to let them know you’re still around. Alessi added she would read an email, but is unable to issue a reply every single time.   

When asked about how much influence they have in casting when productions ask for pictures, the casting directors discussed how it comes down to the working relationship between the casting director and director/assistant director. If the casting director has worked with a particular director, they have more influence in recommending background actors; other times they will insist on “picture picking” for every background actor in every scene. 

While addressing background breakdowns, the casting directors discussed how these breakdowns are generally done in the early stages of preproduction by the director and assistant director. Occasionally, production will tell the casting directors to send them a certain number of individuals to which the casting director would then determine the breakdown; other times, productions will send a percentage of ethnicity, age and gender. 

On the topic of how actors can best represent themselves to casting, the panel unanimously agreed it’s best to be honest on your profile and ensure photos are current. They advised that following instructions on casting notices is very important, especially when emailing, and to use a specific subject line, not just a generic “hello.” They also recommended having a video showcasing your particular skill available to be sent if possible. 

Lastly, when asked why background actors do not receive preliminary call sheets, the casting directors shared that as much as they would love to share information as early as possible, many times it is not feasible as call times change often. It was reiterated that call sheets are mostly for department heads to assist in scheduling their crew.

Overall, this webinar panel was extremely informative and well put together through the hard work of the Background Actors Education & Outreach Subcommittee, National Director, Background & New York Entertainment Contracts Stephanie Perry, and the panel of casting directors.

Watch the panel here.

Photo: Top, from left, Shayne Hartigan, Sandra Alessi, Stephanie Perry; Bottom, from left, Rich King, Tracy Dixon, Jessie Vanatta.