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Casting FAQs
Registering with Angela Boehm Casting
Is registration free?
Yes. Registering with Angela Boehm Casting is completely free.
How do I register with Angela Boehm Casting?
Please subscribe to our mailing list here. We’ll send you casting opportunities via email and instructions for how to apply to each one.
Do I need to be in a union to register with Angela Boehm Casting?
No, union status does not matter with Angela Boehm Casting. All actors, regardless of union status, register the same way with Angela Boehm Casting by filling out the online subscription form.
Casting 101
What is SAG-AFTRA and how do I join the union?
Previously, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) and American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) were separate labor unions focused on representing media professionals in film, television, radio, etc. In 2012, the two unions merged, creating SAG-AFTRA. For more information about SAG-AFTRA and how to become a union member, visit their website.
What is meant by real people casting?
For many projects, individuals who have real-world experience in a career field such as a police officer, hair stylist, etc. are needed. These actors with specific career experience related to a role are considered “real people” during the casting process.
What are background actors and why are they important?
A background role is any non-speaking role in a commercial, television show, or film. Backgournd actors might not speak, but they are an integral part in creating a believable setting no matter the time period, location, or tone of the film. To make a good product, there must be dedicated actors in the background creating the world in which the story can thrive. Sometimes background actors are part of a large crowd and sometimes the role is featured, meaning the actor appears as an individual.
What is expected of a background actor?
Professionalism is of the upmost importance. Showing up on time, wearing the appropriate clothes for the role as directed, and following instructions lead to a great experience for all individuals involved. Once a role is accepted, a background actor is expected to be on location from call until filming is wrapped for the day.
Can I do background work as a union member?
Yes, you are able to work as an extra, but in Ohio and Pennsylvania, you will not receive union wages for any background work you accept.
How do I get a role?
Register with Angela Boehm Casting and the casting staff will call you when you fit what they are casting. You can also submit for specific roles you may see posted through our social media or in our email communications we send to all registered actors.
Getting Paid
How much do I get paid?
SAG-AFTRA has established base rates for its actors. Non-union rates vary. In Ohio and Pennsylvania, union actors are not paid union wages for any background work they accept.
What should I do if more than a month has passed and I still have not received my paycheck?
You will need to contact the payroll company listed on your voucher.
How do I get paid for being an actor?
When you arrive on set, you will fill out a voucher for payment which you should always keep a copy of. Without this voucher, you will have no way to prove you worked on a set and could therefore forfeit any money due if you lose the voucher. As long as the paperwork has been filled out correctly, film and television projects will usually mail checks within 2-3 weeks while commercials may take about a month. In very rare circumstances, you will be paid cash on set when filming wraps for the day.
What kind of identification do I need to fill out my voucher?
Like any job, you must present valid ID to prove you are legally allowed to work in the United States. Valid forms of ID include an unexpired driver’s license and Social Security card OR an unexpired U.S. Passport.
Who do I contact with questions regarding payment?
Due to the fact that several different payroll companies are often used for one project, you will need to contact the company listed on your voucher should you have any questions or problems regarding payment. Before you make the call, please make sure you know your Social Security number, the work date, and the name of the production for which you were cast.
Do I list Angela Boehm Casting as my employer on government forms?
No, if you are filling out paperwork (such as if you are filing for unemployment) you will need to name the payroll listed on your voucher as your employer.
Working on Set
What do you mean when you ask for my availability on a specific day?
You must be available during the time slot for which a role is set. Whether filming begins morning, noon, or night, we ask that you have no possible conflicts since a typical day of filming can last 12-15 hours, sometimes longer.
What is a call time?
The call time you are given is your “in” time or when you are scheduled to begin filming. You absolutely must be on set or in holding by this time.
How long would a day of work last and when would it begin?
Filming can take place at any time of day or night. We endeavor to let you know as soon as possible when you are expected on set, but a typical day of filming can last anywhere between 12 and 15 hours.
Is bringing my own wardrobe important?
The majority of productions will not provide clothing for extras to wear while on set therefore making it important that you bring your own clothing. Please listen carefully to any wardrobe instructions and inform us if you do not have appropriate clothing for a scene. We as that you avoid bright colors, busy patterns, or noticeable logos unless otherwise specified. Keep in mind, the better you look the part, the more prominently you will be placed in the scene.
What should I bring with me on my day of work?
You will need to fill out a payment voucher which will require that you bring a pen and a form of valid ID. You should arrive on set with the wardrobe you were instructed to wear and any props you were asked to bring. Additionally, we recommend that you bring a book or magazine to occupy you if you are asked to sit in holding.
How important is it for me to know my clothing size?
Your height, weight and other body measurements help determine what roles and costumes you are best suited for. Your chances of being cast increase if you provide us with accurate size information. We advise that you do not go by the size tag in your clothing due to discrepancies in sizing by brand.
How do I determine my body measurements?
MEN
Neck: Measure around the neck just above the shoulders.
Chest: Measure just under the arms and across shoulder blades. Be sure to keep the tape level and your arms relaxed at your side.
Waist: Measure around the natural waistline at the top of your hip bone.
Neck-to-Waist: Measure from the bony protrusion at the back of neck, down the spine to the waist.
Sleeve: With your arm slightly bent to your side, measure from the center of your back at the base of the neck, over the point of the elbow, down the outside of the arm to the wrist.
Inseam: Measure from the height of the crotch seam to the desired pant length at the ankle. It is sometimes easier to take this measurement down the back of the leg, holding the top of the tape measure at the level of the crotch seam and measuring down to the back of the foot.
WOMEN
Bust: Measure around the fullest point of the bust, across the shoulder blades, keeping the tape level.
Waist: Measure around at the natural waistline
Hips: Stand with your heels together, and measure round the fullest part of your hips, keeping the tape parallel to the floor.
HAT SIZE
Use a tape measure (or a length of string that you will have to hold up to a tape measure) to determine the length. Place the string or tape around your head about 1/8” above your ear, across the mid-forehead, completely circling your head exactly where a hat would sit. Hold the tape firmly, but not too tightly.
How do I know the set location?
The exact address will be provided the day before your call time. In the event the location is not accessible, the production company may provide a vehicle that will pick-up and drop-off at a designated location.
How and when will you contact me if there are changes to the production schedule?
Production companies often change call times for actors. Due to this, it is possible we will contact you by phone late at night or early in the morning to make sure you arrive on set at the correct time. We apologize for any possible inconvenience these calls might cause, but we ask that you keep your phone handy when filming nears and make sure to check your voicemail.