Should I Shave My Face Before Going Down To Register For Central Casting

3 Things to Know About Changing Your Look

JULY 12, 2021

There's more to finding work through Central Casting than replying to availability messages and submitting for roles. Knowing your look and keeping your information current in our online self-service platform are vital to being a successful Background Actor. Here's what you need to know if you're thinking of changing your look.

1. What is my look?

In casting terms, your look refers to your appearance and your ability to portray a role without the help of wardrobe. Your look can depend on a lot of factors, like hairstyle, facial hair, piercings, and whether or not you have tattoos. Even seemingly small changes, like getting a haircut, can affect the roles you can portray. This is especially true when booking Stand-Ins and doubles that may need to match a principal actor exactly.

So how do you determine your look? Ask friends, family, or someone you trust to be honest about your ability to fit certain types of roles. Keep in mind, Casting Directors book their projects based off the aesthetic of the production, so even if you think you're straight out of Central Casting as a detective, you may not have the specific look that production is going for.

2. What roles do I fit?

Once you know your look, you're ready to find work. Whether you submit through the Jobs page or receive an availability message, be sure to read the entire post or message before responding. Casting Directors include important information in their posts, like sizes, portrayable age, and other look requirements for the role. They may also ask you to verify your current look or other follow up questions in availability checks. Be sure to answer all questions honestly when responding.

Wardrobe can enhance your look and as a Background Actor, you're often tasked with bringing your own clothing to set. If submitting photos with wardrobe, remember to only send photos with clothing you own and have access to. If you're booked with that wardrobe, you will be expected to show up to set with it.

3. Have I updated my file and photo?

It's important to keep the information in your profile and additional photos up-to-date as Casting Directors rely on these to determine if you're right for the roles they're casting.

The main photo in your profile will always be the headshot and full body shot you took at Central Casting. While Re-Registration and Updates are still paused, we know it's likely these photos no longer accurately represent your appearance. That's why we encourage you to upload photos of your current look to your online profile. Uploading additional photos, like different looks you can portray and you in unique wardrobe can also help you find background work.

In addition to adding photos, it's crucial to keep your appearance details, like sizes, hair color, hair length, etc., up-to-date so you show up in searches for roles you fit. Filling out your profile fully and accurately is a great way to set yourself up for success with Central Casting.

To update your profile, you will first need to claim it or set one up if you recently registered at a Talent Onboarding session. If you registered prior to January 1, 2021, click the "log in" button in our website menu, then select the "claim profile" option. If you registered after January 1, 2021, select the "create new login" button.

You've changed your look and updated your profile, now what? Find out How to Prepare For Your First Day on Set and How to Be Camera Ready for Set.