Vegas Background

How do I register?

	Go to the Registration page and follow the instructions.

Do I need to register in person or can I do it by mail?

	You need to register in person at our office so that we can conduct an interview, digitally photograph you and create your own web page that you can log in to on our website.

Do I need to live in the Las Vegas area to register?

	No, but you need to be able to work in the Las Vegas area. And you still need to register in person at our office so that we can conduct an interview, digitally photograph you and create your own web page that you can log in to on our website.

What is a background actor, artist, player or extra?

	They are every person you see on TV or in a movie that is not speaking. On camera, you may be asked to stand and pretend to have a conversation with a friend, walk by the principal actors, dance to non-existent music in a club scene, normal stuff. The work is fun, easy and anyone can do it. Just make sure you note where you are or were in a scene and don’t talk while the scene is being filmed. It’s a great opportunity to see how the entertainment industry works from the inside. Not to mention working with your favorite celebrities.

What is a audience work?

	It is when you are paid to sit in an audience and watch a TV show.

What is a seat filler?

	They are people that attend awards shows and they fill the audience when celebrities go to the bathroom, leave or have not arrived yet. They fill the gaps in the audience so that it looks good on camera for the show. There is no pay, but you get to sit in areas of the award show that you couldn't buy.

Does Vegas Background cast speaking roles?

	No. We hire non-speaking background actor roles, commonly called “extras.” Our sister company Vegas Casting does cast speaking roles. Check the Vegas Casting website for up to date castings.

What kind of experience do I need to become a background actor, a seatfiller or do audience work?

	None. You just have to have a desire to perform an honest days work, follow instructions and be able to enjoy working in the entertainment industry.

How do I get work once I register at Vegas Background?

	Go to the Registration page for EVERYTHING you need to know!

Do you register Minors?

	Yes.

Do I need to be a member of the Screen Actors Guild or AFTRA to do background acting?

	No. We actually hire more non-union background actors than we do SAG or AFTRA background actors.

How do I get a SAG card?

	Currently you need to have worked on three SAG jobs as a background actor (each time earning a SAG voucher).

How do I get three SAG vouchers?

	Excellent question; there truly isn’t a simple answer. The best way is to work as a non-union background actor as often as possible and do a great job, showing up on time and bringing the proper wardrobe. Occasionally there will be an immediate need for a certain look or ability on the set and if you are in the right place at the right time you will be offered a SAG voucher. Sporadically a casting director will offer you a SAG voucher if they are unable to locate a SAG member who fits the requirements of the production company.

Once I get my three vouchers how do I join SAG?

	Call the SAG membership office at 800-724-0767 and make an appointment to join. They will tell you everything that you will need to do from there. You need to keep a copy of your vouchers and bring them with you.

How often should I expect to work?

	The answer to this question differs with each person depending on your look, wardrobe and skill levels. It will also depend on how many productions are currently filming in town. The general rule of thumb is that our busiest seasons are from July through mid December and from January through April.

Why does it seem that some people who are in my category are working more than I am?

	It could be a thousand different reasons -- which we can’t even attempt to answer. Just make sure that when you do work, you do a great job, show up on time and bring the proper wardrobe.

What do I do if I forget or lose my work information for the next day and I can’t get through to the casting director that hired me?

	First of all it is critical that you write down or print your work information from the Confirm Now page on our website and keep it in a safe place. Do not try to memorize your details. The Confirm Now page on our website will always have the information that you need.

What are the work line phone numbers?

	Keep these phone numbers in mind, but please DO NOT call our cell phones unless you are late for a call time or if it is an emergency. If you have any questions, please read over the FAQ page and Policies page first and then email your questions to casting@vegasbackground.com. If you must call, please only call our office Tuesday - Thursday from 12 noon - 4pm. Office 702-866-5924 Hotline 702-866-5925 Don't forget to check out the News everyday!!! The safest way to ALWAYS know what is going on is to check out the NEWS on ANY of our websites at least once a day. The news is the same on each of our three websites. Make it a habit!! Here are the News pages: Buzzell Films News Vegas Casting News Vegas Background News

What happens when I am paged or left a message and get no answer when I try to call back?

	It could be that you waited too long to call back or that the casting director is away from his desk. The best thing that you can do is to try back later or wait and see if you are paged or called again.

What do I do if I have an emergency and either can’t get to my job on time or I have to cancel my job for the next day?

	You will call the office immediately at 702-866-5924.

Why does Vegas Background occasionally call me late at night and change my call time for the next day?

	Frequently the production company will change the time that you will be needed to arrive at work. Unfortunately that means that on occasion we will need to call you late at night to tell you the new information. We apologize for the inconvenience but it is a required part of the job. Please make sure that you keep your phone on and that you check your answering machine in the morning.

What is financial core?

	Financial Core (fi-core for short) is a right granted by the Supreme Court and the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) rulings that allow workers (not just actors) to NOT join the union, and still work union jobs. Basically, you become a “fee paying non-member” in the eyes of your union and you are allowed to work both union and non-union jobs. You cannot be forced to join a union, but you must pay your fair share of fees for contract services. Please call the Nevada SAG representative Hrair Messerlian at 323-549-6440 with ALL questions.

What do I do if my Talent Profile on your site is missing information or has incorrect information?

	Please email us the missing or correct information to casting@vegasbackground.com.

Why do you want me to bring so many choices of wardrobe?

	The more that the production (producers, directors) get to see you in, the better chance you have of getting booked.

What is a talent profile?

	When you come into register with Vegas Background, we create a talent profile for you on our website and give you a Talent ID and Password that you make up. Your web page includes up to 5 digital photographs that we take and/or professional color photos that we ask you to email us. The talent profile includes stats as well as special abilities and skills. So you are online for all of the directors and producers to see before they come to Las Vegas. We DO NOT charge for this.

What happens if I am booked and I NO CALL & NO SHOW?

	You will NEVER be booked through Vegas Background again. The ONLY exceptions are that you were hospitalized or had a death in the family. If that is the case you MUST provide proof.

What happens if I leave a set or event before my scheduled time without calling a casting director, even though I told the client that I was leaving?

	You will NEVER be booked through Vegas Background again. The ONLY exceptions are that you were hospitalized or had a death in the family. If that is the case you MUST provide proof.

What should I do if I am put in a situation that makes me feel uncomfortable at an event or on set?

	You should call your casting director immediately at 702-866-5924. If it is a union job you should call your union as well.

What should I do if I am feeling sick while on set or at an event?

	You should call your casting director immediately.

How many hours a day do Extras work?

	Work days vary depending on the project, but we require you to be available for the ENTIRE day when accepting a job with Vegas Background. You should always be prepared to work between 10-14 hours when booked for work. These hours could often be less and will sometimes be even more. Be sure to schedule your day appropriately to allow yourself to be on set until filming is complete for the day.

How much do Extras get paid?

	If you are a Non-Union Extra (not a member of the Screen Actors Guild), the current rate of pay is $54.00 for 8 hours ($6.75/hour). You are guaranteed a minimum of 8 hours even if you work less in a day, so you will always make at least that amount. Everyone earns overtime after 8 hours and most typical work days last between 10-14 hours per day. If you are a member of SAG, normal union rates apply.

How will I be paid for work?

	When you check in for work you will be given a "voucher" which is basically your time card. This voucher gets approved by an AD (Assistant Director) and turned in at the end of each work day. It then goes to the payroll company for processing and they will issue you a check by mail usually within 7-10 business days. Be sure to always keep your copy of your voucher until your check arrives, so that you have proof of hours, etc. should any problems arise with your paycheck. On very rare occasions, a production will pay cash at the end of the day but this is not the norm so please do not expect it.

Is food provided on set?

	Snacks and beverages (“craft services”) are provided for you throughout your work day. You will be directed to the craft services area that is for the extras. DO NOT go to the craft services area that is just for the crew. These snacks and beverages vary between sets, so if you have special dietary needs you should bring any necessary items. A complete meal is also provided if you work longer than six hours.

Will wardrobe be provided for me or do I wear my own clothes?

	You will most likely always be expected to wear your own clothes unless your character is required to wear a uniform or costume. You will be given very specific clothing information by your Casting Director when hired. If you feel that you do not have the appropriate clothing for the scene you are being asked to work, please do not accept the job. It is always advisable to bring several different options of the specified clothing for the Costume Designer to choose from.

How often do I have to be available for work?

	That is entirely up to you. Most Extra jobs only last one day, but there can be others that are multiple days or even weeks. Be sure to only accept a job based on your personal availability for the length of time required. If you are not available for work, you will still be called again for other work opportunities. Be honest about your time limitations.

What should I do if I need to cancel once I am booked?

	PLEASE try to avoid this at all costs!! Cancellation should only be done if you have an emergency that can not be avoided. In this event, call a Casting Director IMMEDIATELY at 702-866-5924. Do not just “no-show” to set as if leaves us short on our count of Extras for the day’s scenes. And if you "No Show", you will never be booked again.

When hired, is Vegas Background my official employer?

	NO. Think of us as the middle man between you and the Production company. We do the booking, but your employer of record will be whatever payroll company (usually CAPS, Sessions, Entertainment Partners) is being used by the specific production you are working on. You can find unemployment and W2 information on your copy of your pay voucher. Sometimes the production may hire Vegas Background to handle payroll services for them. If that is the case, they are still your employer and we will in most cases have you fill out a W-9 form in order to collect your check.