Obtaining Background (Extra) Work in New York City

Getting background or extra work, requires that you be in touch with the casting agencies that book these jobs. What follows is an overview of New York City's background casting agencies and how to register with them. By being on as many background casting rosters as possible, you maximize your chances of getting paying work as an acting professional. The work isn't glamorous, but it can pay the bills, and if you're not yet a SAG member, may provide you with the opportunity to join.

Registering with background or extras agencies can occasionally cost money. As much as I say to never spend money to make money in this business, as 99% of the time that's the hallmark of a scam. It is nearly standard for background agencies to charge a fee (rarely more than $25) to take a digital image of you that is available to their clients. At some agencies this is optional, but I also recommend you do it, because the image is in color (while your headshots are likely not), and because it allows the casting director to confirm that you truly do look like your headshot (you'd be amazed at how many people don't).

A word on ettiquette, never call or drop by a casting directors office, unless explicitly told to do so. Any phone numbers I've provided below are the numbers they release specifically so people can find out about work from the and/or register with them. Only ever contact casting directors as directed. Addresses are provided for you to mail your headshots only.

So without further ado, here's your list:

Grant Wilfley Casting
Grant Wilfley casts many television shows (including some of the Law & Orders) and films and books both union and non-union actors. They do not have a formal registration process, nor do they have a fee for registration. They do regularly hold open calls for specific projects they are working on, which are always announced in Backstage. To check their current casting notices, and to get on their email distribution list, you can call their casting hotline number at 212-685-3168

Amerifilm Casting
Amerifilm casting also casts some of the Law & Orders, as well as HBO shows that shoot in New York City. Unlike some other casting agencies, Amerifilm casts both background and principle performers, and they accept submissions from both union and non-union actors. You can send your headshot and resume to Amerifilm at:
Ameriflm Casting
195 Chrystie Street
Suite 502G
NY, NY 10002
Remember, it is never appropriate to drop by the office unless you have been requested to do so by the casting directors.

Extra Extra Casting
Extra Extra Casting is a primarily Los Angeles-based casting office, that now has a New York office. To get information on registering with them, email info@extraextracastings.com

Kee Casting
Kee Casting only accepts headshots and resumed from SAG actors. Additionally, they occasionally hold open calls to register SAG actors. Headshots can be mailed to:
Kee Casting
P.O. Box 3170
Guttenberg, NJ-07093
Actors who are already registered with Kee Casting should only send postcards, unless they are submitting a new, updated headshot.

Central Casting
Yes, Central Casting is an actual company, not just a phrase we've all heard a hundred times. They have just opened a New York office and have begun booking projects. You can call their hotline number to hear current casting notices and to find out how to register with them (there is an optional fee for a digital photo).
Their New York City casting hotline number is 646-205-8244 and they accepted both union and non-union actors.

Sylvia Fay Casting
Sylvia Fay Casting required that you register with them at one of their periodic open calls. These registrations are for SAG members only and are announced in Backstage. Once you have registered with Sylvia Fay you can call their casting hotline number, which is updated daily, to apply for work.

NY Casting
NY Casting is not a casting agency, but a great way to quickly submit yourself online for background work. It is how I obtain most of my bookings, and it is very easy to use. Many of the casting agencies listed above us this for booking actors. It is free to register for represented talent and for union talent. There is a nominal fee for those who are not in at least one of those categories. To find out more about how to register with them go to http://www.nycasting.com. Their website also allows you to submit for non-background work on a number of projects.

Desiree Agudo
Non-union actors have a valuable resource in Desiree Agudo who casts a significant amount of paying projects looking for non-union actors. There is a 10% fee you are expected to send to her after you are paid, but if you're looking for a large volume of work, this is a fabulous resource. Email info@desireeagudo.us to find out how to register with her.