Casting Calls, Auditions, and Entertainment Careers

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

CFD Academy Instructors – Background Roles

Job Description
A production is seeking fit, clean-shaven males with short hair and females of all ethnicities to portray CFD Academy instructors. Talent should have an authoritative, professional presence suitable for a fire academy environment. This opportunity is open to those local to Chicago, surrounding suburbs, and bordering states.

Job Responsibilities
• Appear on camera as a CFD Academy instructor
• Follow direction from the production team
• Maintain a strong, authoritative on-camera presence
• Arrive prepared and camera-ready for the full shoot day

Requirements
• Local to Chicago, suburbs, or surrounding border states
• Ages 40s–60s
• Males: clean-shaven with short hair
• Females: all ethnicities
• Must disclose the last date you worked on the production (if applicable)
• Must submit a recent color photo with full measurements and contact details

Compensation
• Paid background role (rate provided upon selection)

CFD Academy Students – Background Roles

Job Description
A production is casting clean-shaven males with short hair and females of all ethnicities to portray CFD Academy students. Talent should look like they are in training at a fire academy and be able to follow simple on-set direction. This is a great opportunity for local talent in Chicago and surrounding border states to appear in a popular production.

Job Responsibilities
• Appear on camera as a CFD Academy student
• Follow direction from the on-set team
• Maintain professionalism and continuity throughout filming
• Arrive camera-ready and prepared for the full shoot day

Requirements
• Local to Chicago, suburbs, or surrounding border states
• Males: clean-shaven with short hair
• Females: all ethnicities
• Ages: 20s–30s
• Must submit a recent color photo with full info and sizes
• Must be available for the listed shoot date

Compensation
• Paid background role (rate provided upon selection)

Featured Family Photo Shoot Roles

Job Description
A production is seeking talent to portray a featured family for a still photo shoot. Casting includes a wife, daughter, and son who will match the look of the male lead actor. Talent must be available for both the fitting and the shoot day. Candidates should have natural-looking blonde, reddish, or brown hair and strong on-camera presence. This is a fully paid opportunity for those local to Illinois or surrounding border states.

Job Responsibilities
• Participate in a still photo shoot as part of a featured family
• Follow direction from the photography and production team
• Attend the required wardrobe fitting
• Maintain a professional and cooperative attitude on set
• Present a natural, camera-ready appearance

Requirements
• Caucasian female, age 50 (wife)
• Caucasian female, mid to late 20s (daughter)
• Caucasian male, early 30s (son)
• Blonde, reddish, or brown hair
• Must be local to IL, Chicago suburbs, or nearby border states
• Must be available for the fitting and shoot
• Must submit recent color photos showing current look

Compensation
• $165 per 8 hours

#WeAreParamount on a mission to unleash the power of content… you in?
We’ve got the brands, we’ve got the stars, we’ve got the power to achieve our mission to entertain the planet – now all we’re missing is… YOU! Becoming a part of Paramount means joining a team of passionate people who not only recognize the power of content but also enjoy a touch of fun and uniqueness. Together, we co-create moments that matter – both for our audiences and our employees – and aim to leave a positive mark on culture.

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 proven body of work experience. To cover news events and stories as a photojournalist 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 inspiration 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.
• Collaborate 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:

• Proven five years’ of 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.

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, 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].

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Hiring Salary Range: $109,589.00 – 122,476.00.

The hiring salary 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.  The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable,  as otherwise dictated by the appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreement.

• Attractive compensation and comprehensive benefits packages. Check out our full list of benefits here: https://www.paramount.com/careers/benefits
• Generous paid time off.
• An exciting and fulfilling opportunity to be part of one of Paramount’s most dynamic teams.
• Opportunities for both on-site and virtual engagement events.
• Unique opportunities to make meaningful connections and build a vibrant community, both inside and outside the workplace.
• Explore life at Paramount: https://www.paramount.com/careers/life-at-paramount

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.

#WeAreParamount on a mission to unleash the power of content… you in?
We’ve got the brands, we’ve got the stars, we’ve got the power to achieve our mission to entertain the planet – now all we’re missing is… YOU! Becoming a part of Paramount means joining a team of passionate people who not only recognize the power of content but also enjoy a touch of fun and uniqueness. Together, we co-create moments that matter – both for our audiences and our employees – and aim to leave a positive mark on culture.

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 proven body of work experience. To cover news events and stories as a photojournalist 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 inspiration 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.
• Collaborate 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:

• Proven five years’ of 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.

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, 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].

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Hiring Salary Range: $109,589.00 – 122,476.00.

The hiring salary 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.  The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable,  as otherwise dictated by the appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreement.

• Attractive compensation and comprehensive benefits packages. Check out our full list of benefits here: https://www.paramount.com/careers/benefits
• Generous paid time off.
• An exciting and fulfilling opportunity to be part of one of Paramount’s most dynamic teams.
• Opportunities for both on-site and virtual engagement events.
• Unique opportunities to make meaningful connections and build a vibrant community, both inside and outside the workplace.
• Explore life at Paramount: https://www.paramount.com/careers/life-at-paramount

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.

Upscale Trendy Extras

Job Description
A commercial production is seeking upscale, trendy men and women to appear in a lively restaurant scene. Talent will help bring an energetic, stylish atmosphere to set while portraying fashionable guests. These non-speaking roles are perfect for individuals with strong presence, polished looks, and the ability to blend naturally into a high-end environment.

Job Responsibilities

• Appear as upscale guests in a trendy restaurant scene

• Bring polished style, confidence, and natural reactions on camera

• Follow direction from the production team during filming and fitting

• Maintain continuity and professionalism throughout the shoot

Requirements

• Men and women, ages 40–60, trendy and upscale in appearance

• Servers and bartenders also needed: ages 20–40

• All ethnicities welcome

• Fit, stylish, and comfortable in a fashionable setting

• Must be local to the Chicago area

• Must provide clothing sizes

Compensation

• Paid non-speaking background role