Casting Calls, Auditions, and Entertainment Careers

Casting Call: Background Attendees for Educational Short Film

Job Description
A narrative short film focused on Japanese American redress and restitution is seeking nonunion background actors to portray attendees at a hearing. The project will dramatize a pivotal moment in U.S. history and will be used as part of an educational platform. Filming will take place in Chicago and seeks authentic representation of Japanese American individuals to reflect historical accuracy.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray background attendees in a historical hearing scene

• Maintain period-appropriate appearance and demeanor on camera

• Follow direction and stay engaged during lengthy filming periods

• Arrive prepared with your own transportation to the set

Requirements

• Open to all genders, ages 18–80

• Must be of Japanese descent

• Confirm availability for the scheduled shoot date(s)

• Must be registered with 4 Star Casting to be considered

Compensation

• $129 for 8-hour day

• Paid nonunion role for educational programming

Casting Black Male College Students for Paid Commercial

Job Description
A Chicago-based college commercial is seeking Black or African American male talent to appear in a paid on-camera campaign. This opportunity is open to students or talent who authentically reflect the college experience. The commercial will film the week of May 19 and requires minimal submission materials to be considered. If you’re energetic, camera-friendly, and between 18 and 24, this is your chance to get featured in a regional media spot.

Job Responsibilities

• Appear in a college-themed commercial promoting student life

• Follow on-set direction to capture natural, relatable moments

• Bring positive energy and authenticity to the role

Requirements

• Black/African American male

• Ages 18–24

• Must be available the week of May 19 in Chicago

• Must be comfortable on camera and follow production cues

• Submit one clear photo for consideration

Compensation

• Paid role (rate disclosed upon booking)

• Exposure in a regional commercial project

• Quick submission process—just one photo needed to apply

Casting Call for Narrative Short Film on Social Justice

Job Description
A non-union educational short film titled Reckoning with Redress is seeking background talent to portray hearing attendees in a narrative production centered around social justice and historical redress. Filming will take place in Chicago and is part of a meaningful project aimed at educational programming. This is a daytime shoot, offering a chance to contribute to impactful storytelling that promotes understanding and historical awareness.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray an attendee at a formal hearing setting

• Follow direction from the production team during a narrative shoot

• Maintain professionalism and attentiveness in background scenes

Requirements

• Open to all genders and ethnicities

• Ages 18 to 80

• Strong emphasis on talent of Japanese descent

• Must be available for a day shoot in Chicago

Compensation

• $129.60 for an 8-hour shoot day

• Gain experience in a socially relevant educational project

• Contribute to a powerful narrative highlighting cultural awareness

College-Aged Talent for University Promotional Shoot

Job Description
A university project is casting college-aged talent for a dynamic and engaging shoot aimed at showcasing student life. This opportunity is ideal for young adults who can bring authenticity, charm, and energy to camera. Talent with performance backgrounds—whether in theater, music, or improvisation—are strongly encouraged to apply, though it’s not required. Both extras and featured roles are available, with top pay for standout performers.

Job Responsibilities

• Participate in filmed scenes representing university life and student engagement

• Bring enthusiasm and believability to on-camera performances

• Collaborate with the production team to capture various student-focused moments

• Follow on-set direction for both individual and group scenes

Requirements

• Ages 18–23, all ethnicities welcome

• Ideal candidates have some performance experience (theater, improv, band, etc.)

• Must submit recent photos and basic personal info

• Professionalism and punctuality required

Compensation

• Paid roles ranging from $250 for background extras

• Up to $3,000 for select hero talent

Actors for Sci-Fi Body Horror Feature Film ‘Progeny’

Job Description
Casting is now open for Progeny, an upcoming sci-fi/body horror feature directed and co-written by Justin Daering. Set in a chilling alternate world where aliens reign as the societal elite, this visionary film follows a man’s desperate fight against an alien parasite growing inside him—threatening his body, mind, and marriage. Building on the success of the award-winning short film of the same name (with over 1.5 million views online), the feature enters production in the Chicago metro area starting August 2025.

Nationwide and local casting is underway for both lead and supporting roles. This is a paid opportunity open to union and non-union performers, first-time actors, and those with unconventional or otherworldly looks. No experience is required.

Job Responsibilities

• Participate in production beginning in early August 2025

• Portray complex characters in a sci-fi body horror narrative

• Collaborate with a visionary director and crew on set

• Bring emotional intensity, vulnerability, or uncanny presence, depending on the role

Requirements
Nationwide Casting – Major Roles:

• Tanner Keith: White male, mid-20s

• Emily Keith: Non-white, bi-racial or mixed-race female, mid-20s

• Benoit Walton: White male, 50s–60s

• Jojo: Female, any ethnicity, 50s–60s

Chicago Local Only – Supporting Roles:

• Beverly: Female, any ethnicity, 50s–60s

• Franklin: Male, any ethnicity, 50s–60s

• Clint: Male, any ethnicity, 30s

• Darlene: Female, any ethnicity, 40s

• Darryl: Male, any ethnicity, 40s–50s

• Dr. Andrews: Male, any ethnicity, 40s–50s

Compensation

• Paid roles for both union and non-union talent

• All roles are compensated; submission is free

Casting Stylish Asian Male Model for Chicago-Based Photography Project

Job Description
An upcoming photography project is seeking one stylish Asian male model for a multi-day shoot in the Chicago area. The project will include both studio and on-location sessions and is strictly for internal use with no commercial distribution. The selected model should bring a modern, confident look and a strong presence on camera. Production is expected to take place within the next 2–3 weeks.

Job Responsibilities

• Participate in a one-hour studio shoot

• Perform in three full days of on-location photography

• Take direction from the creative team to deliver a variety of stylish, on-brand looks

• Maintain a professional attitude and punctuality across shoot days

Requirements

• Asian male model, mid-20s to mid-30s

• Must have a stylish appearance and athletic build

• Based in or near Chicago with full availability over a 2–3 week window

• Submit 3 current color photos and your height with application

Compensation

• $200 for a 1-hour studio session

• $400 per day for three 8-hour on-location shoots

• Non-commercial, internal use only

Background Talent for Insurance Commercial

Job Description
An insurance commercial is seeking additional background talent, open to adults of all genders, ethnicities, and backgrounds, especially those with experience as construction workers or landscapers. Filming will take place in Illinois, likely in the Melrose Park area or nearby suburbs. Reliable transportation is required, and talent must be available for a half-day shoot.

Job Responsibilities

• Participate as background talent in various commercial scenes

• Follow on-set directions to support the production’s vision

• Arrive prepared and on time for the scheduled shoot

• Maintain a professional and cooperative attitude throughout filming

Requirements

• Ages 25–55, any gender or ethnicity

• Must be able to self-transport to the location

• Previous experience as a landscaper or construction worker is a plus

• Only you in the submitted photos

Compensation

• $125 for a half-day of work

• On-set experience and exposure in a commercial production

Extras for Insurance Commercial – Construction Workers and Landscapers

Job Description
Extras are needed for an upcoming insurance commercial, welcoming construction workers, landscapers, and individuals with experience in hands-on trades. Open to all genders and ethnicities, this opportunity is ideal for those aged 25–55 who can bring authenticity to a professional commercial set. Be part of a dynamic shoot in the north or northwest suburbs, contributing real-world presence to the project.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray background talent in scenes as construction workers or landscapers

• Follow direction from the production team for smooth, professional shoots

• Arrive on set ready to work and collaborate with the cast and crew

• Submit clear, recent color photos with no sunglasses and good lighting

Requirements

• Ages 25–55, any gender or ethnicity

• Real-life construction or landscaping experience is a plus

• Must be able to self-transport to set locations

• Available for half-day shoots

Compensation

• $125 for a half-day shoot

• Experience working on a professional commercial production

Mascot Performer Casting Call

Job Description
A dynamic project is looking for experienced mascot performers to bring energy, humor, and expression to a four-day shoot and a live event. This role requires someone who can convey emotion and storytelling entirely through body language, as your face will be fully hidden in costume. If you know how to entertain a crowd without saying a word, this is a standout opportunity to showcase your physical performance skills in a high-energy environment.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform as a costumed mascot during multiple shoot days and a live public event

• Use expressive body movements to communicate character and emotion

• Engage with the production team and audiences while fully suited

Requirements

• Prior experience as a mascot or physical performer required

• Must be between 5’9″ and 6’1″ in height

• Comfortable performing without facial visibility

• Strong non-verbal acting skills and crowd engagement ability

Compensation

• $500 per day plus 20% agency fee

• Four shoot days plus one live event appearance

• Paid professional experience in a creative, fun environment

Lead Sergeant Role for Illinois Commercial

Job Description
A commercial production is seeking a strong, bilingual actor to portray the Lead Sergeant in an upcoming insurance campaign. This role is featured and highly visible, requiring confidence, authority, and the ability to deliver presence on camera. Bilingual fluency in Spanish and English is essential, as the campaign targets a broad audience.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a commanding and authentic sergeant in a scripted commercial scene

• Take direction from the production team and deliver strong visual performance

• Represent leadership and clarity in a professional setting

Requirements

• Must speak both Spanish and English fluently

• Strong on-camera presence and confident delivery

• Must be local to Illinois or able to self-report to set

Compensation

• $750 for the day

• Featured role in a professionally produced commercial

• Great exposure and performance credit for your portfolio