Casting Calls, Auditions, and Entertainment Careers

Pedestrians with Bicycles – Background Talent

Job Description
A production is seeking background actors to portray pedestrians with bicycles for outdoor scenes. This role is ideal for talent who enjoy active, movement-based work and want to contribute to creating a realistic, lively city environment. Selected performers will help bring authenticity to street scenes through natural interactions and subtle on-camera activity.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a pedestrian with a bicycle in exterior scenes

• Walk, stand, or move naturally with your bike as directed

• Maintain continuity and consistent positioning through multiple takes

• Follow all instructions from the production and background team

Requirements

• Male and female talent, ages 20s–50s

• All ethnicities encouraged to apply

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

• Must not have recently worked on the production

• Must bring your own bicycle to set

Compensation

• Paid background role

• Rate and additional details provided upon selection

Bar Patrons – Background Talent

Job Description
A production is seeking background actors to portray bar patrons in lively indoor scenes. This opportunity is ideal for performers who enjoy character-based background work and can bring natural energy, subtle reactions, and a relaxed on-camera presence to help create an authentic bar environment.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a bar patron in interior scenes

• Provide natural reactions and subtle movement to enhance atmosphere

• Follow direction from the production team and maintain continuity

• Stay engaged and professional throughout multiple takes

Requirements

• Male and female talent, ages 20s–50s

• All ethnicities encouraged to apply

• Must be a local hire within Chicago, suburbs, or nearby border states

• Must not have recently worked on the production or be booked for upcoming dates

Compensation

• Paid background role

• Rate and additional details provided upon selection

Joggers – Background Talent

Job Description
A production is seeking energetic background actors to portray joggers in outdoor scenes. This opportunity is perfect for individuals who enjoy active roles and want to gain on-set experience while contributing to realistic, movement-driven moments within the project. Talent will help create natural street and park environments through light jogging and background activity.

Job Responsibilities

• Portray a jogger in outdoor scenes

• Perform light jogging as directed by the production team

• Maintain continuity and consistent energy through multiple takes

• Follow all on-set instructions to support smooth filming

Requirements

• Male and female talent, ages 20s–50s

• All ethnicities encouraged to apply

• Must be local to Chicago, suburbs, or nearby border states

• Must not have recently worked on the production

• Comfortable jogging on camera for repeated takes

Compensation

• Paid background role

• Rate details provided 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.

Extras for TV Series – Pedestrians and Firefighters

Job Description:
A television series is seeking background talent local to Chicago, surrounding suburbs, and nearby border states to portray pedestrians, pedestrians with cars, and dressed firefighters for an upcoming shoot. Talent should be expressive, reliable, and comfortable working in an outdoor, fast-paced filming environment. Selected individuals will help create realistic street and emergency-response scenes.

Job Responsibilities:

• Portray pedestrians or pedestrians with cars in various street scenes

• Selected males may appear as dressed firefighters

• Follow direction from the production team

• Maintain continuity and professionalism on set

• Be fully available for the scheduled filming date

Requirements:

• Men and women, ages 20–60s

• All ethnicities welcome

• Clean-shaven males with short hair (ages 20–40) needed specifically for firefighter roles

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

• Must not be working today or scheduled for work on the filming date

Compensation:

• Compensation details provided upon selection

Teen Boys for Indie Feature Film

Job Description:
A new indie feature film is seeking two teen-looking male performers for an upcoming scene. Talent must be 18 years old but able to convincingly portray a 14-year-old on camera. This project offers the chance to work with a familiar crew and actors while contributing to an exciting new film production.

Job Responsibilities:

• Portray a teenage character in a featured scene

• Follow direction from the production team

• Maintain continuity in appearance throughout filming

• Arrive on set prepared and camera-ready

Requirements:

• Male, age 18 (must look 14)

• Any ethnicity

• Must not have worked on this film previously

• Must provide accurate age and current appearance details

• Reliable and able to work up to 8 hours

Compensation:

• $132.80 for up to 8 hours

Casting Male Servers for TV Production

Job Description
A television production is seeking real male servers with authentic food service experience to appear in a non-speaking background role. Talent will portray restaurant staff in a scene requiring natural movement, professionalism, and familiarity with serving duties. This role is ideal for men who have previously worked as servers and feel comfortable handling plates, drinks, and trays on camera.

Job Responsibilities

• Appear as a server in a non-speaking background scene

• Perform basic serving actions such as holding plates or carrying trays

• Follow direction for placement, movement, and continuity

• Attend a wardrobe fitting if selected

• Maintain professionalism and readiness on set

Requirements

• Male, ages 40–70

• All ethnicities welcome

• Must live in or near Chicago, surrounding suburbs, or bordering states

• Real serving experience required (current or past)

• Available for filming on the specified date

• Must be comfortable being photographed for director review

• Must provide current hair length and facial hair accuracy

Compensation

• Paid background role (rate provided upon selection)

Casting Bar Scene Extras

Job Description
A television production is seeking background talent for a lively bar scene. Extras will help create an authentic and energetic environment by appearing as patrons in a popular bar setting. This is a great opportunity for those comfortable on camera and able to bring natural reactions to a busy atmosphere.

Job Responsibilities

• Appear as background patrons in a bar scene

• Follow direction for placement, movement, and continuity

• Maintain natural reactions and on-camera presence

• Stay available for the full duration of the shoot

Requirements

• Men and women, ages 20s–60s

• African American, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Indian talent encouraged to apply

• Must work as a local hire in Illinois (Chicago, suburbs, or nearby states)

• Available to film from afternoon through 10 p.m.

Compensation

• Paid background role

Casting Stand-In for Television Production

Job Description
A television series is seeking a stand-in to match the height, build, and general appearance of a principal actor. This position involves assisting the production team by standing in for lighting, camera blocking, and technical setup. This is a non-speaking role but requires reliability, professionalism, and comfort working closely with the crew.

Job Responsibilities

• Stand in for a principal actor during lighting and camera setup

• Follow instructions from the camera, lighting, and directing teams

• Maintain consistency in position and movement for technical accuracy

• Work efficiently on set and remain attentive throughout the shoot

Requirements

• Caucasian male

• Balding or bald

• Height: 6’0” to 6’2”

• Weight: 215 to 245 lbs

• Ages 40s to 60s

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

• Previous stand-in or on-set experience is a plus

Compensation

• $186 for 8 hours

• Time-and-a-half after 8 hours

Pizza Tossers for Commercial Project

Job Description
A commercial shoot is seeking experienced pizza tossers who can confidently handle and toss dough on camera. This project is perfect for individuals with real-world pizza shop or dough-tossing experience who can bring skill, authenticity, and energy to a fast-paced filming environment. Additional background customers will also be part of the shoot, but this listing focuses solely on pizza tossers.

Job Responsibilities

• Actively toss and handle pizza dough in various on-camera scenes

• Maintain consistency and safe handling of dough during multiple takes

• Follow direction from the production crew

• Be prepared with a short video or examples of your dough-tossing ability

Requirements

• Adults, experienced pizza dough tossers

• Ability to work locally with reliable transportation

• Comfortable demonstrating real skill on camera

• Available for all required shoot dates

Compensation

• $300 for up to 10 hours