Casting Calls, Auditions, and Entertainment Careers

Casting Multiple Roles for New TV Series “The HOA”

Job Description
A new scripted TV series is now casting a diverse ensemble of characters for an upcoming production filming in Chicago in Spring 2026. The show dives into the chaotic world of a neighborhood HOA—where petty politics, romantic drama, and career sabotage collide. Production is seeking actors who can bring humor, depth, and strong character energy to this comedic-drama ensemble.

Job Responsibilities

• Perform as a principal character within an ensemble cast

• Deliver strong comedic timing and emotional range

• Collaborate closely with the director and fellow actors

• Bring unique personality and authenticity to character-driven scenes

Requirements
Roles include:

• Brian – Black, around 30. Slightly too pragmatic but learning to loosen up.

• Jayce – Black, around 30. Confident and independent, but still evolving.

• Mateo – Latino, 20s. Charismatic, bold energy but still approachable.

• Kenny – Black, around 30. Nerdy in a fun, friendly “tech-store” way.

• Candace – Black, 20s. Warm with attitude—“nicest rude person” vibes.

• Mable – 60s. Stubborn, longtime resident with deep roots in the building.

• Dean Hastings – 50s. Sharp wit; can end a conversation with one sentence.

• Spenser – 20s. Twink; expressive and confident personality.

All actors must be comfortable working in a comedic, character-driven environment.

Compensation

• Paid roles; rate disclosed upon selection

This is a per diem position

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

CBS News Chicago is in search of its next innovative visual storyteller.  Ideal candidate will have an expert understanding of NPPA & cinematic style principles, a keen eye and ear for detail, with a demonstrated body of work experience.  To cover news events and stories as a per diem Photographer Technician for CBS Chicago newscasts CBS News Streaming, and local programming.  Will support multi-platform social media strategies and cbschicago.com.  Field duties include but not limited to professional operation of broadcast cameras, drones, digital microwave and satellite ENG vehicles, non-linear editing systems, and IP based broadcast applications.

PRIMARY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Candidates should demonstrate knowledge and experience with all aspects of ENG news coverage, including Sony HD cameras, Edius non-linear editing, ENG lighting, microwave and satellite transmissions, drones & GoPro style cameras.
• Edit news stories under urgent deadline, while maintaining editorial integrity.
• Safely operating company vehicles, including microwave equipped vans and trucks, on potentially long drives in all weather conditions.
• Bring creativity and imagination to the job of broadcast storytelling.
• Ensure that all daily show production deadlines are met.
• Take extreme care to ensure that news equipment is protected from theft and damage.
• Consistently contribute to editorial process in team environment with story ideas and attention to production strategy.
• Other duties, as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• The unpredictable nature of news assignments often requires extending scheduled shifts on short notice.
• Physical ability to carry and manipulate at least 75lbs of gear, set up and breakdown broadcast production equipment, usually alone, and on tight deadlines.
• Capable of safely driving company vehicles in all conditions and on potentially hours-long drives to and from assignments.
• Flexibility regarding assigned work schedule, including the potential of regular shifts that involve weekends and/or late nights and/or overnights.
• Reliably communicate details associated with editorial content of stories and logistical information associated with production deadlines.  The ability to gather important information at various news locations.
• Must join the IBEW 1220 union if not a current member.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATION:

• Five years’ experience as a photographer and editor, preferably in a top 25 market.
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or a similar field preferred or related experience.
• Familiarity with the Chicago area, desirable.
• Strong non-linear editing background, including Edius.
• Valid Illinois driver’s license.
• Jib & Technical Operations Center experience is a plus.
• Drone ENG experience with FAA Part 107 certification is a plus.
• Strong computer and troubleshooting skills.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Hourly Pay Range: $64.77 – $68.47 per hour

The hiring range for this position applies to New York, California, Colorado, Washington State, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.

CBS News and Stations, brings together the power of CBS News, 28 owned television stations in 17 major U.S. markets, the CBS News Streaming Network, CBS News Streaming local platforms, local websites and cbsnews.com, under one umbrella. CBS News and Stations is home to the nation’s #1 news program 60 MINUTES, the CBS News Streaming Network, the first 24/7 digital streaming news network, the award-winning broadcasts CBS MORNINGS, CBS SATURDAY MORNING, the CBS EVENING NEWS WITH NORAH O’DONNELL, CBS SUNDAY MORNING, CBS WEEKEND EVENING NEWS, 48 HOURS and FACE THE NATION WITH MARGARET BRENNAN. CBS News and Stations provides news and information for the CBS Television Network,  CBSNews.com, CBS News Radio and podcasts, Paramount +, all digital platforms, and the CBS News Streaming Network, the premier 24/7 anchored streaming news service that is available free to everyone with access to the internet. The CBS News Streaming Network is the destination for breaking news, live events, original reporting and storytelling, and programs from CBS News and Stations’ top anchors and correspondents working locally, nationally and around the globe. CBS News’ streaming services, across national and local, amassed more than 1.01 billion streams in 2021. Launched in November 2014 as CBSN, the CBS News Streaming Network is available on 30 digital platforms and apps, as well as CBSNews.com and Paramount+. The service is available live in 91 countries. CBS News and Stations is dedicated to providing the highest quality journalism under standards it pioneered and continues to set in today’s digital age. CBS News earns more prestigious journalism awards than any other broadcast news division.

Organizations that wish to receive job vacancy notices from this posting’s television station should contact [email protected].

Paramount is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet.

At Paramount, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do, on-screen and off. From the programming and movies we create to employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. Paramount is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran status.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access https://www.paramount.com/careers as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by calling 212.846.5500 or by sending an email to [email protected]. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned.

Mascot and Handler – Special Event Appearance

Job Description
Casting a reliable and energetic mascot performer and handler for a special appearance at a children’s hospital event in Chicago. This opportunity is ideal for talent who enjoy interacting with families, bringing joy to young audiences, and representing a brand in a fun and professional way. The appearance involves light movement, guest engagement, and maintaining a friendly presence throughout the event.

Job Responsibilities

• Engage with guests and families in a positive, welcoming manner

• Represent the brand with professionalism and enthusiasm

• Mascot: Perform in costume and maintain high energy

• Handler: Assist mascot performer, help with crowd interaction, and ensure safety

• Arrive on time and prepared for the event duration

Requirements

• Outgoing and dependable personality

• Comfortable interacting with children and families

• Ability to perform light movement (mascot role)

• Professionalism and reliability

Compensation

• Handler: $100 flat

• Mascot: $120 flat

• 1099 payment, paid weekly

Featured Family Photo Shoot – Caucasian Son

Job Description
Casting talent for a featured still photo shoot in the Chicago area. Production is looking for individuals to portray the family of a male actor, specifically seeking a Caucasian son in his mid-20s to 30s. This is a paid opportunity for talent who can bring natural warmth, relatability, and family-friendly energy to a professional photoshoot. Talent must work as a local hire.

Job Responsibilities

• Participate in a featured still photo session

• Take direction from the photographer and creative team

• Bring natural expressions and believable family energy to the shoot

• Attend a scheduled fitting prior to the shoot date

• Arrive camera-ready and prepared with wardrobe details if requested

Requirements

• Caucasian male

• Ages mid-20s to mid-30s

• Blonde, red, or brown hair

• Must be local to Chicago, suburbs, or surrounding IL border states

• Must be available for the fitting and shoot date

Compensation

• $165 for 8 hours

• Time and a half after 8 hours

• Wardrobe fitting: $40

Kids & Parents – Chicago Commercial

Job Description
A major commercial project is seeking real families for an upcoming shoot in Chicago. The production is looking for energetic kids and parents who can bring natural warmth, personality, and authenticity on camera. This project focuses on relatable family moments, capturing fun, playful, and everyday interactions. Talent should feel comfortable being filmed and able to follow simple direction.

Job Responsibilities

• Participate in family-focused commercial scenes

• Follow direction for natural interactions, expressions, and movement

• Maintain a friendly, camera-ready presence on set

• Work collaboratively with production during the shoot

Requirements

• Kids ages 6–9

• Parents ages 30s–40s

• All ethnicities welcome

• Must be able to work locally in Chicago

• Comfortable being filmed and following direction

Compensation

• Rate: $3,000

Pedestrians – Background Roles

Job Description
A television production is casting background pedestrians for an outdoor lake scene. Talent will help create a natural, everyday atmosphere by walking along paths, interacting subtly with the environment, and contributing to the realism of a busy outdoor setting. Pedestrians should be comfortable repeating simple movements and maintaining consistency across multiple takes.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray natural pedestrians in an outdoor lake environment

• Walk, stand, or interact casually within the scene as directed

• Follow instructions for blocking, timing, and continuity

• Maintain an everyday, casual appearance suitable for an outdoor public area

• Work professionally with the production and background team

Requirements

• Male and female, all ethnicities

• Ages 20s–60s

• Must be local to Chicago, surrounding suburbs, or bordering states

• Comfortable performing simple walking or standing actions repeatedly

• Able to maintain continuity in wardrobe and movement

• Reliable, punctual, and able to follow direction well

Compensation

• Standard background rate provided by production

Bicyclists – Background Roles

Job Description
A television production is seeking background bicyclists to help create an active, outdoor lake scene. Talent will appear riding bikes along the path, contributing to a lively and realistic environment. Bicyclists should feel comfortable riding repeatedly for multiple takes and maintaining smooth, natural movement on camera.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a natural bicyclist in an outdoor lake setting

• Ride a bicycle safely and consistently across multiple takes

• Follow direction for pacing, positioning, and scene continuity

• Maintain an athletic, casual appearance suitable for an outdoor activity scene

• Work cooperatively with the production and background team

Requirements

• Male and female, all ethnicities

• Ages 20s–60s

• Must be local to Chicago, surrounding suburbs, or bordering states

• Comfortable riding a bicycle outdoors for repeated shots

• Able to maintain continuity in performance and wardrobe

• Reliable, punctual, and able to take direction well

Compensation

• Standard background rate provided by production

Joggers – Background Roles

Job Description
A popular television series is casting background joggers for an outdoor lake scene. Talent will help create a lively and realistic atmosphere by portraying everyday runners enjoying an outdoor path. Joggers should be comfortable performing repeated light running or jogging actions and able to maintain continuity across multiple takes.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a natural jogger in an outdoor lake environment

• Perform light jogging or running consistently across takes

• Follow direction for pacing, positioning, and scene flow

• Maintain a clean, athletic look suitable for an outdoor fitness scene

• Work professionally with the background team and production crew

Requirements

• Male and female, all ethnicities

• Ages 20s–60s

• Must be local to Chicago, surrounding suburbs, or bordering states

• Comfortable jogging outdoors and repeating actions as needed

• Able to maintain continuity in wardrobe and performance

• Reliable, punctual, and able to follow direction

Compensation

• Standard background rate provided by production

Family Photo Shoot – Featured Roles (Wife, Daughter, Son)

Job Description
A lifestyle still photo shoot is seeking Caucasian talent to portray a family for an upcoming campaign. The project will feature authentic, warm family moments alongside the lead male actor. Talent should feel comfortable on camera, take direction well, and maintain consistency throughout both the fitting and the shoot.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a family unit in a lifestyle-themed photo shoot

• Follow posing and expression guidance from the photographer

• Attend a required wardrobe fitting before the shoot date

• Maintain consistent appearance and professional behavior throughout production

Requirements

• Wife: Caucasian female, 50s–early 60s

• Daughter: Caucasian female, mid-to-late 20s

• Son: Caucasian male, early 30s

• Blonde, reddish, or brown hair preferred

• Must be local to Chicago, surrounding suburbs, or bordering states

• Comfortable with family-oriented lifestyle imagery

• Must be available for both the fitting and shoot

Compensation

• Featured rate: $165 for 8 hours, plus time-and-a-half after 8 hours

• Wardrobe fitting rate: $40 for 2 hours

Family Photo Shoot – Featured Role (Son)

Job Description
A lifestyle still photo shoot is seeking a male actor to portray the son in a family-themed campaign. This project focuses on warm, relatable family moments and natural expressions. Talent should feel comfortable on camera, take direction well, and be able to convey authenticity in still photography.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray the son in a family-style photo shoot

• Follow posing and expression guidance from the photographer

• Participate in a required wardrobe fitting prior to the shoot

• Maintain consistent appearance and professionalism throughout production

Requirements

• Caucasian male, mid-20s to late-30s

• Must be local to Chicago, surrounding suburbs, or bordering states

• Comfortable with family-oriented lifestyle imagery

• Able to attend a wardrobe fitting before the shoot

• Reliable, punctual, and able to follow direction

Compensation

• Featured rate: $165 for 8 hours, plus time-and-a-half after 8 hours

• Fitting rate: $40 for 2 hours