Casting Agencies Key Terms

Find the services and features you need from casting agencies

By Kristan Hart

You have the dream of acting in front of people all over the world. Casting agencies help you make that happen. Through time-tested marketing strategies and technological advances, casting agencies know exactly what to do to get your name out there. Finding the right casting agencies can be a challenge because there is a lot of competition among companies in that market. Use casting agencies key terms to help you find the company that best fits your style.

Background actor

You see background actors every time you watch a television program or a movie. Background actors are the people in the background. They may walk up and down the halls in a hospital or fill the stands at a football game. Casting agencies frequently cast people on movies or in television as background actors.
Try: Central Casting discusses background actors on the company website.

Commercials

Casting agencies also look for people who can star in commercials. While some companies prefer well-known celebrity talent, other companies want actors who are not so well known to star in the commercial. Commercials can often be a launching point for an actor's career, and casting agencies can make that happen.
Try: Read about commercials and casting agencies on the William Morris Agency website.

Labor laws for child and teen actors

Special laws protect anyone under the age of 17 on the set, and casting agencies can help you learn the law. All reputable casting agencies will make sure the acting gig complies with all laws before booking your talent to that company. Labor laws for child and teen actors protect children from abusive work hours and pay.
Try: Read details about labor laws for child and teen actors on the Star Search Casting website.

Extra

In commercials, movies, television programs and in theatre, extras help fill the scene. People cast as extras may not have any lines or even be seen clearly on the camera, but casting agencies are often responsible for filling these roles.
Try: Read about the job responsibilities of an extra at the website of Las Vegas casting agency, Goldman & Associates.

Talent agent

A talent agent works on your behalf to get your name out there. Talent agents can help you coordinate with casting agencies to land the best roles on the market.
Try: Read what it takes to be a talent agent at Job Profiles.

Association of Talent Agents

To make sure your casting agency is reputable, ask about associations. The Association of Talent Agents is a Los Angeles based non-profit trade association that includes casting agencies of all types and styles.
Try: Read about the Association of Talent Agents on its website.