So, you say you're new to the business? Great, hopefully this website will give you some valuable information on what you can do to become involved and have fun in this crazy business. And with any luck make some money and meet some friends along the way.
What's an extra you ask? Well, you see those people in the background of every single scene, of every single show? You know the ones in the background having cocktails in the bar on Cougar Town or at the fencing match on Modern Family? They are extras, and that could be you! Extras come in all shapes and sizes and there is no particular look or size warranted. An extra has an important role and is absolutely essential in all television, features, (movies), commercials etc. How weird would it be to have the actors walking down the street with no one else in sight? There is and always will be a need for you in the industry. A lot of stars started out on the same path that your on. Extra work is a wonderful way to get your feet wet and learn the basics of what is expected of you and what you should expect when you are on a set.
If you are planning on making acting your career of choice, extra work is a great way to get started. Or, if you're just looking for something to do that's different and still make a paycheck. You don't have to become an actor by doing this. If you just want a job that is definitely interesting extra work is also an option. While extra work is exciting you must also realize that it is a job and you must be serious and responsible when we cast you, you are expected to be there on time, with the proper wardrobe (which we will have told you about) and a smile on that cute face of yours. In other words professionalism and a great a great attitude are a must! There are many reputable casting agencies out there that have work for you. Being new to this industry please get references before signing with anyone and any money is exchanged. If you have questions you can feel free to email us and we will help you out. Most Casting Agencies charge anywhere from, $5 to $25 to join, not $100 or $75 or even $50 please keep this in mind. It isn't necessary for you to go out and join all of them just one or two are all you'll need to get started and then you can add more as you go. Two of the biggest and most reputable agencies out there are Sande Alessi casting aka The Casting Couch and Central Casting. It is highly suggested by us that you join these two for starters. If your interested in more and broadening your horizon we will be happy to give you a list of the others that we use and have built a strong working relationship with. We are here for you whether you are a client or just a newbee with questions. Why you ask would we help you… a perfect stranger? Well, back in the day (Moonlighting and Hunter) when I (Jennifer) was an extra; if I would have had someone out there willing to help and explain things to me I probably wouldn't have been swindled by some here today gone tomorrow agencies. Keep in mind this business has an indisputable draw and allure and there is always someone out there looking to make a fast buck off of the naïve and hopeful like you. Don't be afraid of the industry, embrace it and enjoy it we just want you to be INFORMED!
Kalifornia Kasting is a calling service with a heavy emphasis on service. You don't have to be a client to receive our knowledge. We welcome the opportunity to work with you and for you. We hope you enjoy our site and that it is informative and humorous! Now get out there and have fun!
Knowledge for the Newbie!
ALL ABOUT KALIFORNIA KASTING... AND THEN SOME!
STILL UNDER COSTRUCTION BUT HERE'S WHAT WEVE GOT SO FAR!
EXPLANATION FOR NEWBIES…..
HELLO EVERYONE! Thank you for your interest in finding a way to make some extra money and have a good time as well as going to many different sets and locations instead of the same old job everyday. Let me explain to you what it is that we do and who we are and then I will let you know how it is that you can become involved with our company.
Kalifornia Kasting has been in business with the same owner since July 17, 1992. WOW, that makes me feel old. Some of you were just babies back then. Anyway, we are considered a calling service. What we do is very easy to explain. We work on film, features (i.e. movies) television, music videos, industrials and commercials. Basically if you can see it, we do it. We supply productions and casting agencies with background talent. What that is for some of you that have no idea, is “extra work.” All those people you see in the bar in the background on shows like, “How I met your mother,” and “2 ½ Men.” That could be you, if you are interested in doing something fun like that. This job is perfect for students and people wanting to have a part time job that will work around their schedules. If you only have 1 day a week your available, we can work with you. If you can only start after classes in the afternoon we can work with you. If you’re only available on the weekends, no problem. In this industry there are many different times and days of work that are available.
At the end of this little ole explanation to you I will have a section with questions and answers to hopefully answer any questions you may have. Of course I’m sure we will forget something and in that instance we welcome you to email or call with any concerns you may have as well.
The reason we are considered a calling service is this... There are many casting agencies out there that represent particular shows. Meaning they were hired “specifically” to cast the background for the production companies. We represent the background talent because trying to get through to these companies and find work is difficult to do on your own let alone the fact that when you fit a particular category that they are booking for you have to remember that there are thousands, yes thousands of people just like you that are also trying to work on the same shows and in the same industry. We basically came into existence solely out of necessity and to give the background talent a voice and to have someone working for them and trying to secure them a job, when they have no time to do it on their own and they lack the connections needed to make it happen. We have many students we represent as well as full time background actors. Some of the people we represent are pursuing acting as a fulltime job and career. Some are doing this because when they have the time to get to a job, they want to have something fun to do, they love having bragging rights, “Did you see me on Melrose Place last night?” This job allows you to do your homework on the set because much of the day is spent in “holding” which is where background waits until they get to your scene that you were chosen for. What other job can u do that on? We keep referring to it as a job because remember, it is a job. Any set that we put you out on; you are a direct reflection on our company. We represent you and you represent us. This is a very fun job and different from any other job you will ever have. Most of the shoots that you go on will provide you a meal while you’re working. Some will give you credit for a “walk away” meal which means that you have time to go and have a meal either on the studio lot in the commissary or elsewhere time permitting. You will occasionally work on location which means just like it sounds, you will be filming at the beach, in a mall at a night club or even in a parking lot, or anywhere they have scouted to be filming that particular scene. When you are on location they will provide you with your meals. What other job does that? You will all be starting out non union except for those of you that have been around this industry and are already union either in Screen Actors Guild (SAG) or American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) unions. We will get into that with you later. We are writing this blog as a way of reaching out to students and people in general who would like to get into background work but don’t know where to start. We have been asked over and over again what you need to do to get started in this industry that requires VERY LITTLE MONEY and also pays you back. Well, were going to answer those questions for you, so when you are done reading this you will have everything that you need to start working on sets and enjoying your new job or hobby, whichever way you look at it
HELLO EVERYONE! Thank you for your interest in finding a way to make some extra money and have a good time as well as going to many different sets and locations instead of the same old job everyday. Let me explain to you what it is that we do and who we are and then I will let you know how it is that you can become involved with our company.
Kalifornia Kasting has been in business with the same owner since July 17, 1992. WOW, that makes me feel old. Some of you were just babies back then. Anyway, we are considered a calling service. What we do is very easy to explain. We work on film, features (i.e. movies) television, music videos, industrials and commercials. Basically if you can see it, we do it. We supply productions and casting agencies with background talent. What that is for some of you that have no idea, is “extra work.” All those people you see in the bar in the background on shows like, “How I met your mother,” and “2 ½ Men.” That could be you, if you are interested in doing something fun like that. This job is perfect for students and people wanting to have a part time job that will work around their schedules. If you only have 1 day a week your available, we can work with you. If you can only start after classes in the afternoon we can work with you. If you’re only available on the weekends, no problem. In this industry there are many different times and days of work that are available.
At the end of this little ole explanation to you I will have a section with questions and answers to hopefully answer any questions you may have. Of course I’m sure we will forget something and in that instance we welcome you to email or call with any concerns you may have as well.
The reason we are considered a calling service is this... There are many casting agencies out there that represent particular shows. Meaning they were hired “specifically” to cast the background for the production companies. We represent the background talent because trying to get through to these companies and find work is difficult to do on your own let alone the fact that when you fit a particular category that they are booking for you have to remember that there are thousands, yes thousands of people just like you that are also trying to work on the same shows and in the same industry. We basically came into existence solely out of necessity and to give the background talent a voice and to have someone working for them and trying to secure them a job, when they have no time to do it on their own and they lack the connections needed to make it happen. We have many students we represent as well as full time background actors. Some of the people we represent are pursuing acting as a fulltime job and career. Some are doing this because when they have the time to get to a job, they want to have something fun to do, they love having bragging rights, “Did you see me on Melrose Place last night?” This job allows you to do your homework on the set because much of the day is spent in “holding” which is where background waits until they get to your scene that you were chosen for. What other job can u do that on? We keep referring to it as a job because remember, it is a job. Any set that we put you out on; you are a direct reflection on our company. We represent you and you represent us. This is a very fun job and different from any other job you will ever have. Most of the shoots that you go on will provide you a meal while you’re working. Some will give you credit for a “walk away” meal which means that you have time to go and have a meal either on the studio lot in the commissary or elsewhere time permitting. You will occasionally work on location which means just like it sounds, you will be filming at the beach, in a mall at a night club or even in a parking lot, or anywhere they have scouted to be filming that particular scene. When you are on location they will provide you with your meals. What other job does that? You will all be starting out non union except for those of you that have been around this industry and are already union either in Screen Actors Guild (SAG) or American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) unions. We will get into that with you later. We are writing this blog as a way of reaching out to students and people in general who would like to get into background work but don’t know where to start. We have been asked over and over again what you need to do to get started in this industry that requires VERY LITTLE MONEY and also pays you back. Well, were going to answer those questions for you, so when you are done reading this you will have everything that you need to start working on sets and enjoying your new job or hobby, whichever way you look at it
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