Chicago Casting Calls & Acting Auditions

Overview 

• This is a full-time salaried position based out of our office in River West
• This is a Hybrid position with three days required in the office, Tuesday–Thursday. 
• Our ideal candidate has previous Creative Director experience 
• Our ideal candidate showcases a diverse body of work that spans across industries
• Please provide two references. Include at least one person you’ve managed.  

Who You Are

You’re not just a Creative Director; you’re a visionary leader with a passion for purpose-driven advertising. You thrive in a hybrid environment, seamlessly blending creativity with strategy to deliver exceptional results. You’re a master storyteller, capable of transforming ideas into compelling narratives that resonate with audiences across platforms. You’re catalytic in bringing an idea to life with style, grace, and the joy for the work to make it happen. You’re a strategic thinker, constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity to achieve tangible business outcomes. You’re a proactive communicator and problem-solver who bridges gaps and develops and supports the success of your team and the organization. You’re a humble servant-leader who collaborates with ease. You’re hands-on with production when needed. You’re a confident guide for clients who can secure buy-in and promote business development opportunities. 

Responsibilities 

• Leads the creative vision and production for Vera Creative and our clients
• Leads the design team through ideation to implementation and supports the work’s success each step of the way.
• Serves as a brand director for every creative deliverable on behalf of our clients and for Vera Creative
• Identifies opportunities for growth and innovation in the work, and for the organization
• Advises on the latest best practices and expert recommendations as they intersect with internal and external objectives for results-driven outcomes.
• Oversees deliverables, timelines, and budgets for creative development. Oversees quality control and consistency across copy and art direction. 
• Manages and develops the design team, including but not limited to graphic designers, web designers, UX/UI, photographers, and videographers. Provides direction and leadership to freelance resources where appropriate.
• Directs and oversees creative department organizational strategies by contributing information, analysis, and recommendations to strategic thinking and direction; establishing functional objectives in line with organization goals. Translates business and marketing objectives into clear design strategies.
• Manages and leads reviews, ongoing coaching, and leadership development for direct reports
• Develops and refines operational processes, SOPs, and ways of working for your department as well as proactively introducing and implementing organizational refinements with approval from the CEO. 
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to deliver creative ideas, strategies, and designs across all product categories and brand-led initiatives. Work closely with multidisciplinary project teams
• Leverages data to develop design strategies, campaigns, deliverables and solutions in collaboration with the Marketing & Communications Dept. and Outreach Team. 
• Facilitates content creation opportunities for the team while fostering upskill opportunities and operational refinements. 

Requirements:

• 8+ years of experience in advertising, with a proven track record of success in creative leadership roles.
• A portfolio showcasing your innovative campaigns, demonstrating your ability to craft compelling stories across diverse channels.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate your vision and inspire others to action.
• A strategic mindset with a deep understanding of branding, marketing, and consumer behavior through the lens of human-centered design.
• A passion for purpose-driven work, with a commitment to using creativity as a force for positive change.
• An adaptable skillset to support the success of our ongoing campaigns, with the ability to support innovation for the success of future creative campaigns. 
• A willingness to roll your sleeves up to support creative production for digital campaigns, impactful traditional media, experiential activations, and more. 
• Expert working knowledge of the Adobe suite, Figma, WebFlow/web design, and video editing software. 

Come as you are

Vera Creative is a progressive, open-minded meritocracy that puts people and equity first. Vera Creative is also an equal-opportunity employer provider and is committed to creating a diverse environment. Vera Creative considers all applicants without regard to race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, age, marital and family status, disabilities, sexual orientation or preference, veteran status, or any other classification protected by state, federal, or local law.

About Vera Creative: 

Vera Creative is a human-centered creative marketing agency that shapes the future of social equity through design, strategic communication, and community engagement. We take a purpose-driven approach in both our partnerships and in the way we create. We keep our finger on the pulse. Whether working with a government agency, a non-profit, or a commercial business—our value goes beyond what your typical agency can offer. We don’t just bring brands to the culture; we build a culture around brands. 

Visit our website to learn more about us: https://www.veracreative.com

Vera Creative

Casting Call: Stand-In for “Chicago Fire”

Job Details: We are currently seeking an African American and Latino male child to serve as a stand-in on the hit TV series “Chicago Fire.” This role is essential for preparing our scenes by standing in place of the main actor for lighting and camera blocking on set. This opportunity is scheduled for two specific dates, with a requirement for schooling on the first day and actual stand-in duties on the following day.

• Location: Chicago, IL
• Dates:
  • Thursday, March 14th (Schooling)
  • Friday, March 15th (Stand-In as we film)
• Role: Child Stand-In (African American and Latino Male)

Job Responsibilities:

• Stand in for the main actor during the lighting and camera blocking process.
• Work closely with the director, cameramen, and lighting crew to ensure proper positioning and movements as required.
• Follow directions precisely to meet the visual requirements of the scene.
• Attend schooling session as scheduled on Thursday, March 14th.
• Be available and on set for the duration of the assigned filming day on Friday, March 15th.

Requirements:

• Ethnicity: African American and Latino Male
• Height: Between 4’5″ and 4’11”
• Age: Must be a child actor, suitable for school attendance.
• Must have a Joan Philo Work Permit. Candidates without a permit must request a letter of intent to acquire one.
• Ability to follow directions and work well with others in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be punctual, reliable, and flexible with schedule changes.
• Previous stand-in experience is a plus but not required.

Compensation:

• Rate: $150 for six hours of work.
• Overtime: Time and a half for hours worked beyond the initial six hours.
• Note: All compensation is subject to compliance with standard child labor laws and regulations.

Casting Call: Emerge From the Masses Model Search (EFMM)

Emerge From the Masses (EFMM) is thrilled to announce its last call for our upcoming Chicago casting event! We are on the lookout for fresh faces and unique talents to join our diverse roster of models and talents. If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the spotlight and showcasing your modeling abilities, this is your moment! This is a fantastic opportunity for individuals seeking exposure and the chance to work with professionals in the fashion and entertainment industry.

Job Responsibilities:

• Participate actively and professionally in the casting process.
• Be prepared to showcase your walk, poses, and any special talents or abilities upon request.
• Follow directions from casting directors, photographers, and other staff members during the casting call.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism, punctuality, and dedication throughout the casting process.
• Be open to feedback and ready to engage in a constructive critique session, if required.

Requirements:

• Must be available to attend the in-person casting in Chicago on the specified dates.
• Ages 18 and up are welcome to apply. Minors must have consent from a parent or guardian.
• No prior modeling experience is required, but a portfolio or photoshoot images are highly recommended.
• Must have a valid ID for registration and check-in at the casting event.
• Must be comfortable being photographed and/or filmed during the casting process.
• Ability to travel to Atlanta for further castings or work is a plus but not mandatory.
• Social media presence is a plus; please comment your @ handle along with the hashtags #EFMM and #EFMMSCOUTS on our casting call post to indicate your interest.

Compensation:

• Selected models will receive compensation details, including rates, travel expenses (if applicable), and contract specifics, upon selection.
• This casting call is primarily for exposure, networking, and the chance to work on future paid projects.
• Participants will gain valuable experience and professional feedback during the casting process.

Casting Alert: Male Bartenders and Barbacks Wanted for Upcoming Project

We are currently seeking males aged 20s to 40s of all ethnic backgrounds to play bartenders and barbacks for a film project shooting tomorrow, Wednesday, March 6th. This is a fantastic opportunity for those looking to gain experience in the film industry, work alongside a dynamic production team, and potentially increase their visibility in the entertainment world.

Job Details:

• Date: Wednesday, March 6th
• Location: Details on the exact location will be provided to selected candidates.
• Project Type: Film/Television Production
• Roles: Bartenders and Barbacks

Job Responsibilities:

• Perform as a bartender or barback in the background or in minor speaking roles as required by the director.
• Follow directions closely from the director and production staff.
• Be prepared for multiple takes and able to maintain character consistency.
• Collaborate with other cast members and crew to ensure a smooth production process.
• Maintain a professional demeanor on set at all times.

Requirements:

• Male, aged 20s to 40s.
• Open to all ethnicities.
• Previous experience in bartending or barbacking is preferred but not mandatory.
• Ability to follow instructions and work well under direction.
• Must be reliable and have good time management skills to adhere to the shooting schedule.
• Must be available all day on Wednesday, March 6th.
• Ability to provide your own transportation to the set location.

Compensation Details:

• This is a paid opportunity. Rates will be discussed upon selection.
• Meals will be provided on set.
• This role does not qualify for union benefits.

Casting Call: Extra/Background Actor

Job Detail: We are currently seeking individuals of all ethnicities, ages 20’s to 70’s, for non-speaking roles in an upcoming production. Candidates are needed to work as background actors for either an outside scene (as Looky-Loos) on March 12th or in a Hospital Scene or Molly’s Bar on March 13th. These roles are critical for bringing the scenes to life and providing a realistic atmosphere for the primary action.

Job Responsibilities:

• Participate in either the outside scene, hospital scene, or bar scene as directed by the production team.
• Follow instructions from the director, assistant directors, and production staff to ensure the scene’s requirements are met.
• Be prepared to perform multiple takes from different angles as required.
• Maintain professionalism and a positive attitude on set, regardless of weather conditions or the number of takes required.
• Be punctual and prepared for a full day’s shoot, which may extend beyond 8 hours.

Requirements:

• Must be available to work on the specified dates without conflicts.
• Ages 20’s to 70’s, all ethnicities are encouraged to apply.
• Must have a valid government ID and a social security card, or a US passport.
• No speaking roles are required, but candidates must be able to follow direction and act naturally in the background.
• Previous experience as a background actor is appreciated but not required.
• Must be legally eligible to work in the United States.

Compensation Details:

• The rate of pay for an extra is $126.40 for 8 hours of work.
• Time and a half will be paid for any hours worked beyond the initial 8 hours.
• Payment will be processed and mailed approximately two weeks after the shoot date.

Casting Call: Stand-in for Chicago Fire

We are currently seeking a Caucasian female with red hair, aged between 40s and 60s, for a stand-in role on the popular television show, “Chicago Fire”. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in participating behind the scenes of a major network television production and gaining valuable experience in the industry.

Job Responsibilities:

• Standing in for the actor to assist the cinematography and lighting team with the setup of scenes.
• Participating in blocking rehearsals under the direction of the director and director of photography.
• Maintaining a professional attitude and flexibility to accommodate the fluid nature of film production schedules.
• Being punctual and available on set for the entirety of the assigned dates.

Requirements:

• Gender: Female
• Ethnicity: Caucasian
• Hair Color: Red
• Age: 40s to 60s
• Height: 5’5″ to 5’7″
• Build: Slim to medium
• Prior experience as a stand-in or extra is preferred but not required.
• Must be reliable, professional, and able to follow directions closely.
• Must have own transportation to and from the set location in Chicago.

Compensation Details:

• This is a paid position. Rates will be discussed upon selection and are competitive with industry standards.
• Any travel or accommodation costs will not be covered for this role.

Casting Call: Stand-In for “Chicago Fire”

Job Details:

We are currently seeking a Caucasian male aged between 50s to 70s, standing between 6’1″ and 6’3″ tall, with blond or gray hair, weighing between 220 to 255 pounds, to work as a stand-in on the popular television series “Chicago Fire”. The role involves standing in for one of our actors to assist the crew in lighting and camera blocking the set. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals looking to gain experience on a professional film set and work closely with the production team of a well-known television series.

Job Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the director, cinematographer, and lighting department to ensure proper lighting and camera setup.
• Follow directions from the production team to assume specific positions and actions as required, mirroring the actor you are standing in for.
• Maintain a high level of professionalism and patience during the filming process.
• Be punctual and prepared for a full day of shooting, understanding that days can be long and may require standing for extended periods.
• Be flexible and adaptable, ready to meet the needs of the production team as they arise.

Requirements:

• Gender: Male
• Ethnicity: Caucasian
• Age: 50s to 70s
• Height: Between 6’1″ and 6’3″
• Hair Color: Blond or Gray
• Weight: Between 220 to 255 pounds
• Availability: Must be available on Tuesday, March 12th for the full day.
• Previous stand-in or acting experience preferred but not required.
• Must be local to the Chicago area or willing to work as a local.

Compensation Details:

• Rate: $172 for 8 hours of work.
• Overtime: Time and a half pay for hours worked beyond the initial 8 hours.
• Payment: You will receive a check approximately two weeks following the filming date.

Casting Call: 2021-2024 Mercedes GLS for “THE BEAR”

Are you the proud owner of a 2021-2024 Mercedes GLS? Here’s a unique opportunity for your vehicle to shine on screen! We are currently seeking a luxury vehicle, specifically a 2021-2024 Mercedes GLS, to play a pivotal role in the upcoming project titled “THE BEAR.” This project promises to be an exciting venture, offering a fantastic platform for your vehicle to be part of a professional film production.

Job Details:

• Project Title: THE BEAR

• Role: 2021-2024 Mercedes GLS (Vehicle Role)

• Working Dates: April 21st – April 22nd

• Location: Chicago

• Rate: $500 per film day

Job Responsibilities:

• Providing the vehicle in clean and working condition on the specified shooting days.

• Being available on-site during the shooting days for any potential adjustments or moves required by the production team.

• Cooperating with the production crew to ensure the vehicle is used in a manner that aligns with the vision of the project.

Requirements:

• Must own a 2021-2024 Mercedes GLS in good condition, without significant visible damage.

• Vehicle must be insured and all documentation up to date.

• Availability on the specified working dates and flexibility for call times.

• Ability to transport the vehicle to and from the shooting location in Chicago.

• Openness to having the vehicle driven by a professional driver/stunt coordinator if required by the script (under full insurance coverage by the production).

Compensation Details:

• The chosen vehicle will be compensated at a rate of $500 per film day.

• Compensation will cover the use of the vehicle and any transport costs to the set location.

• Full insurance coverage will be provided for the vehicle for the duration of its involvement in the project, covering any potential damages.

Casting Call: Stand-In Role for Chicago Fire

About the Role: We are currently seeking an African American female with dark hair, aged in her 20s to 40s, standing between 5’3″ and 5’5″ in height, with a slim to medium build. This individual will work as a stand-in for one of our actors on the set of the television series “Chicago Fire.” This is a great opportunity for someone looking to gain experience on a professional set and work closely with the production team of a well-known TV series.

Job Responsibilities:

• Stand in for the actor during the lighting and camera blocking phase of scenes.
• Work closely with the director, cinematographer, and other crew members to ensure accurate positioning and movement as per the actor’s requirements.
• Be available on set for the entire duration of the scheduled shoot on Tuesday, March 12th.
• Follow instructions from the director and crew promptly and accurately.
• Maintain a professional demeanor and work ethic on set at all times.

Requirements:

• Must fit the physical profile: African American female, dark hair, aged 20s to 40s, height 5’3″ to 5’5″, with a slim to medium build.
• Previous experience as a stand-in or in film/TV production is preferred but not required.
• Must be available for the entire day on Tuesday, March 12th.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods and follow detailed instructions.
• Must have reliable transportation to the set location in Chicago, IL.
• Professionalism and punctuality are essential.

Compensation:

• This is a paid position. Compensation details will be provided upon selection.
• Meals will be provided on set.

Casting Call: Child Stand-In for Chicago Fire

Job Description: We are currently searching for an African American male child to work as a stand-in on the set of “Chicago Fire.” The ideal candidate should closely match the height and coloring of the actor they will be standing in for, to assist in lighting and camera blocking on set. This is a fantastic opportunity for young actors to gain on-set experience in a professional setting, working closely with the production team of a well-known television series.

Job Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the director, cinematographer, and other crew members to help set up scenes.
• Stand in for the actor during the lighting and camera blocking process.
• Follow directions from the production team to ensure scenes are set up accurately.
• Attend both schooling and filming days as required.

Requirements:

• African American male, aged appropriately to match the height requirement of 4’5″ to 4’10”.
• Must be available for work on Thursday, March 14th for schooling, and Friday, March 15th for stand-in duties during filming.
• Must have a Joan Philo Work Permit. If you do not currently hold this permit, please request a letter of intent to obtain one.
• Ability to follow directions and work well under the guidance of the production team.
• Previous experience on set is a plus, but not required.

Compensation:

• $150 for 6 hours of work.
• Time and a half paid for any work beyond 6 hours.
• This role does not include any additional benefits.