Casting Call: Background Talent
Job Description:
We are seeking background talent to join the production of the ACTRA Feature Film, “The Unrestricted War.” This is a primarily Asian-themed project, encompassing various Asian ethnicities such as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, etc. The production offers opportunities for both ACTRA and non-union spots, with several roles requiring continuity.
Job Responsibilities:
- Act as background talent in various scenes, enhancing the visual authenticity of the film.
- Follow directions provided by the director and production team to accurately portray the intended atmosphere and setting of each scene.
- Maintain professionalism and focus during long periods of waiting and filming.
Requirements:
- Age range: 6 – 80 years old.
- Ethnically Asian (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, etc).
- No previous acting experience required, though it is a plus.
- Ability to take direction and work well within a team.
- Reliable and punctual.
Compensation:
- Compensation will be provided based on ACTRA standards for union members.
- Non-union talent will receive a competitive daily rate.
- Meals and refreshments will be provided on set.
- Transportation stipends may be provided for select roles and locations.
Related jobs:
Job Description
A romantic comedy short film is casting multiple speaking roles for a student production currently in development. The story follows a sketch comedy showrunner with a secret teleportation ability that’s triggered by her smile—something she struggles to control when she meets a charming new actor. The project blends humor, romance, and light fantasy, offering actors the chance to perform in character-driven, dialogue-rich scenes.
Job Responsibilities
-
Perform scripted dialogue in a romantic comedy short film
-
Bring comedic timing, emotional depth, and natural chemistry to scenes
-
Collaborate with the director and fellow cast members during production
-
Participate professionally in rehearsals and filming
Requirements
-
Must fit one of the following roles:
-
Anna – Female, mid 20s to early 30s
-
Ethan – Male, early 20s to late 20s
-
Tom – Male, early 40s to late 50s
-
Lucas – Male, mid 30s to late 40s
-
Jim – Male, mid 20s to late 30s
-
-
Comfortable performing in a romantic comedy tone
-
Strong on-camera presence and dialogue delivery
-
Able to work locally in Toronto, Ontario
Compensation
-
Paid role (honorarium)
-
Screen credit
-
Experience working on a narrative short film
Job Description
A romantic comedy short film is casting multiple speaking roles for a student film currently in production. The story follows a sketch comedy showrunner with a secret teleportation ability that triggers her own smile—something she struggles to hide around a charming new actor who quickly wins her over. The film blends humor, romance, and light fantasy elements, offering actors the chance to play grounded, character-driven roles in a creative short film.
Job Responsibilities
-
Perform scripted dialogue in a romantic comedy short film
-
Bring personality, timing, and emotional nuance to character-driven scenes
-
Collaborate with the director and cast during rehearsals and filming
-
Participate professionally in a student film production environment
Requirements
-
Must fit one of the following roles:
-
Anna
-
Female, mid 20s to early 30s
-
-
Ethan
-
Male, early to mid 20s
-
-
Tom
-
Male, early 40s to late 50s
-
-
Lucas
-
Male, mid 30s to late 40s
-
-
Jim
-
Male, mid 20s to late 30s
-
-
-
Comfortable performing in a romantic comedy tone
-
Available for scheduled shoot dates
-
Based in or able to work locally in Toronto, Ontario
Compensation
-
Paid role (honorarium)
-
On-screen credit
-
Experience working on a narrative short film
Job Description
A non-union brand awareness campaign is casting background actors for non-speaking roles in professional commercial-style scenes. This project focuses on realistic, everyday environments and is seeking talent to portray banking and coffee shop settings. Filming will take place over two days, and performers may be booked for one or both shoot days.
Job Responsibilities
-
Appear as background talent in non-speaking commercial scenes
-
Portray roles such as bankers, loan officers, bank customers, coffee shop patrons, or a barista
-
Follow direction from the production team to support natural, realistic scenes
-
Provide your own appropriate wardrobe as requested
Requirements
-
Ages 20s–40s
-
All genders and ethnicities welcome
-
Comfortable working in non-speaking background roles
-
Must be local to Wilmington, North Carolina
-
Available for one or both shoot days
Compensation
-
Paid background roles
-
Non-union commercial rates
-
3-year usage term for web and social platforms
Hispanic and Latino Talent for Paid Project
Job Description
A paid on-camera project is casting Hispanic and Latino men and women for an upcoming production. This opportunity is open to new faces and does not require prior acting experience. The production is seeking natural, everyday individuals who are comfortable on camera and interested in participating in a professional shoot.
Job Responsibilities
-
Appear on camera in a scripted or lifestyle-style project
-
Follow direction from the production team
-
Present natural expressions and authentic presence
-
Remain professional and punctual on set
Requirements
-
Hispanic or Latino men and women
-
Ages 22–29
-
No acting experience required
-
Comfortable being filmed on camera
-
Must be available for the scheduled shoot
Compensation
-
$350 flat rate
-
Paid on-camera role
-
Professional production experience
SAG Background Actors for National Car Commercial
Job Description
A national car commercial is casting SAG background actors for an upcoming shoot. This project is seeking a wide range of performers to appear in professional, non-speaking commercial scenes. Talent will help create realistic, everyday moments that support the visual storytelling of a major automotive campaign.
Job Responsibilities
-
Appear as background talent in a national car commercial
-
Follow direction from the director and assistant directors
-
Maintain continuity and professionalism on set
-
Be available for scheduled filming days
Requirements
-
SAG-AFTRA members only
-
Men and women ages 18–60
-
Open to all ethnicities
-
Comfortable working as non-speaking background talent
Compensation
-
SAG background rate
-
Paid union commercial role
-
Professional on-set experience
Male Stand-In for Television Series
Job Description
A scripted television series is casting a male stand-in to support lighting and camera blocking for upcoming scenes. This non-speaking role requires a close physical match to a principal actor and is ideal for performers with prior on-set experience or those looking to work behind the scenes in a professional TV production. Local talent from the Chicago area is required.
Job Responsibilities
-
Serve as a stand-in for a principal actor during technical rehearsals
-
Match height, build, and general appearance for lighting and camera setup
-
Follow direction from the assistant directors and camera team
-
Remain available and professional throughout filming days
Requirements
-
Caucasian male
-
Ages 20s–40s
-
Brown or dark blonde hair
-
Height between 5’8” and 5’10”
-
Slim to medium build
-
Must be local to Chicago, surrounding suburbs, or nearby border states
-
Stand-in or background experience is a plus
Compensation
-
$186 for 8 hours
-
Time and a half after 8 hours
-
Paid stand-in role on a television series
Father and Son Duo for Television Continuity Roles
Job Description
A television production is casting a real-life father and son duo for a multi-day continuity role. This project requires consistent availability across all shoot days and focuses on authentic on-screen chemistry between parent and child. Both performers will appear together to maintain visual and story continuity across scenes.
Job Responsibilities
-
Appear together as a father and son in scripted television scenes
-
Maintain continuity across multiple shoot days
-
Follow direction from the production team
-
Remain available for full-day filming schedules
-
Work professionally on set throughout the production period
Requirements
-
Real-life father and son duo only
-
Son must be ages 9–10
-
White performers
-
Open to ACTRA or non-union talent
-
Must have full, open availability with no time constraints on shoot days
-
Minor will be provided with on-set tutoring
Compensation
-
Paid television roles
-
Multi-day booking (three consecutive shoot days)
-
Professional on-set experience for both father and child
Boy Actor for Supporting Role in Short Film
Job Description
A historical short film is casting a young boy for a supporting role in a period drama set in the early 1900s. This role portrays a bright, eager child whose innocence contrasts with the darker themes surrounding him. The character appears across multiple scenes and plays an important emotional role in the story.
Job Responsibilities
-
Portray a supporting child character in a scripted short film
-
Perform naturally in emotionally grounded scenes
-
Follow direction from the director and production team
-
Participate in multiple scenes filmed in one shoot day
Requirements
-
Boys ages 8–12
-
Must be able to portray innocence, curiosity, and warmth
-
Comfortable performing on camera in a period setting
-
Able to work a full filming day
-
Guardian availability required
Compensation
-
$250 per day
-
Paid supporting role in a short film
-
Professional on-set acting experience
Security Background Extras
Job Description
A scripted television production is casting male background extras to portray security staff in a strip club scene. This role requires a confident, authoritative presence to help create realistic nightclub security moments on screen.
Job Responsibilities
-
Appear as security personnel in background scenes
-
Maintain alert, professional body language
-
Follow direction for positioning and movement
-
Remain attentive during extended filming hours
Requirements
-
Male performers only
-
Ages 21–40
-
All ethnicities welcome
-
Comfortable working in adult-themed settings
-
Must have full-day availability
Compensation
-
$100 for 8 hours
-
Time and a half pay after 8 hours
Bartender Background Extras
Job Description
A television series filming in Atlanta is seeking male background extras to portray bartenders in a strip club scene. This role involves realistic bar service actions and confident on-camera presence in a nightlife environment.
Job Responsibilities
-
Portray a bartender in a scripted strip club scene
-
Perform natural bar service movements
-
Follow blocking and direction from assistant directors
-
Maintain a professional demeanor on set
Requirements
-
Male performers only
-
Ages 21–40
-
All ethnicities welcome
-
Comfortable working in adult-themed environments
-
Must have full-day availability
Compensation
-
$100 for 8 hours
-
Time and a half pay after 8 hours
Strip Club Patron Background Extras
Job Description
A scripted television series is casting male background extras to portray strip club patrons in an adult-themed nightlife scene. This role is non-speaking and focuses on natural reactions, energy, and atmosphere in a controlled production environment. Filming will take place in Atlanta, Georgia.
Job Responsibilities
-
Appear as a strip club patron in background scenes
-
React naturally and maintain energetic, realistic behavior
-
Follow on-set direction from the production team
-
Remain professional during adult-themed filming
Requirements
-
Male performers only
-
Ages 21–55
-
All ethnicities welcome
-
Must be comfortable around semi-nudity and adult club settings
-
Must have full-day availability
Compensation
-
$100 for 8 hours
-
Time and a half pay after 8 hours
Stand-Ins and Background Extras for Insurance Commercial
Job Description
A non-union insurance company commercial is casting stand-ins and background extras for a professional shoot. This production is seeking talent with athletic builds to support principal scenes, as well as additional background performers to help create realistic commercial settings. Filming will take place in Dallas, Texas, and local talent is encouraged to apply.
Job Responsibilities
-
Serve as a stand-in for lighting and camera setup or appear as a background extra
-
Follow direction from the director and production team
-
Maintain continuity, positioning, and professionalism on set
-
Be available for fittings and scheduled filming times
Requirements
-
Non-union performers only
-
Must be local to Dallas, Texas
-
Must fit one of the following available roles:
-
Male Stand-In
-
Ages 18–40
-
Caucasian
-
Height between 6’3”–6’6”
-
Athletic build
-
Short brown hair
-
XL shirt size preferred
-
-
Female Stand-In
-
Ages 18–40
-
Caucasian
-
Height between 5’3”–5’5”
-
Athletic build
-
Long blonde hair
-
XS or S shirt size preferred
-
-
Background Extras
-
Men and women ages 18+
-
All ethnicities welcome
-
-
Compensation
-
Stand-ins: $285 for 8 hours
-
Background extras: $200 for 8 hours
-
Paid non-union commercial roles


