I absolutely love Central Casting! I always look forward to getting BG jobs with them!

The office staff gives out the wrong information. The online appointments are hard to get. The Office staff tells you one thing and then takes it back. Impossible to get in for an appointment. And the run around with paperwork is insane. Even if you have the proper ID and paperwork, they find something wrong. And the security downstairs has ego issues. You are a security guard, not the chief of police. read more

Central Casting New York - Video/Film Production Near Me - New York, New York

If you're an actor who wants to do background work. This is a good place to register. Just make sure to know all of your sizes before you go and bring in any documents for an I-9 form. Again this is only for BACKGROUND casting-- you will probably be a blur on a TV show or on camera like half a second or just a body to fill the scene. But it's kind of easy money and good for networking with other actors. They cast background actors for many hit shows like Law and Order SVU and Orange is The New Black among others. read more

As an industry insider of sorts, I know professionalism when I see it. The acting business is NOT about people acting like your best buddy, professionals are very busy & you ARE expected to have a fully functioning brain. If you can't handle this basic stuff, don't waste time registering here. Better yet, save us even more time & don't do acting work in any capacity. They have an involved & elaborate system for registration but it's not rocket science. If you're able to follow basic directions & aren't going on assignments or to the office looking for friends, you'll be fine. I have seen & heard of plenty of actors who didn't show up at the proper time, never notified anyone of lateness, complained openly about the work, etc. Some of the directions & things they say to folk could be classified as "treating actors like children" but having seen & dealt with unprofessional behavior myself, I understand the rationale behind it & have never had an issue with it. I have always found folks here are willing to answer questions if you ask nicely & treat them with respect. Some words about extra work: Central Casting ONLY does paid assignments. They will also pay you in a timely fashion & give you checks that won't bounce (which is more than you'll get with some places). I have also never been lied to by Central Casting about how long I had to be on the set, what I was doing or anything else. They WILL tell you if you have to be in lingerie or kiss someone or if it's an overnight shoot or even if you have to portray a pedophile (again, something you may not get with other places). You get the informed consent to decide if you want to take an assignment or not. Extra work isn't glamorous & is tedious. That is the nature of the beast. You aren't there to harass actors or crew & the PAs are supposed to be maintaining order. People aren't going to treat you like their best friend & they DO have jobs to do. As an insider, I've been quite impressed with the general professionalism I've seen on a good number of the sets by crew & the like. It also helps to remember that these people have to do a LOT more work than the extras & have to be on set far longer + for more days. This is also not the work you do if you want to star in shows/films but you will learn what it's like to be on a professional set & understand what professional actors have to go through along with directors, crew, etc. The registered actors are a mixed bag. I've seen some incredibly professional people but I've also seen gossips, whiners & deluded people who think they are better than others b/c they are in the union while others are non-union. Remember that ANYONE could be on set so if you can't be respectful to everyone you encounter on these jobs, you don't need to be an extra (and you bet if you did something crappy to me, I'd make sure to remember it & spread the word). Treat it like you would a 9-5 job. Most of them won't give you ANY free food for that matter so don't whine when the hardworking, stressed out crew members get to eat before you. There's been plenty for everyone on the sets for major TV shows. I also appreciate the fact that Central Casting claims to take no BS; I'm not sure if they follow through on blacklisting since I have not engaged in violations of what I've seen as very reasonable rules of conduct for extra work (in fact, they have called me about jobs before) & don't know anyone who has gotten blacklisted. I have also not been disrespected but maybe I have some kind of vibe folks pick up on or they sense I'm an insider. I think this is a good place for one to do extra work but you will be held to high standards of professionalism & expected to maintain them. Entitlement issues are not welcome anywhere in the business & especially not here. read more

Signed up a few years ago in NYC never heard from them .I was told to call a phone number that week after week had same a thing work on it Funny been doing extra work for twenty years and got many jobs on my own But they could not find me any work Go to my website www.theg-man.net To see how much work I got without them However I was told by them . They would have no trouble getting me work. read more

UPDATE - It has now been two months since I COVID tested (three times as they kept changing the shoot date) for a Central Casting Project. I turned down other work, expecting of course that I'd be paid for those tests. I'm paid-up SAG-AFTRA. I was assured by Central that I would be paid. I've filed a complaint with both Central and a rep at SAG-AFTRA (a Mr. Dreyer) and supplied massive amounts of proof that I'd attended those COVID tests. Still I have received not a penny. Beware of Central and what good is SAG-AFTRA? read more

Great agency! Just go to the website and see which day they have registration. The young ladies at the office helping with paperwork were so kind and patient. It was all simple. You don't need a headshot because they take your picture there. It's free to register. As soon as I signed up, I got a text the next day to see if I was available to work on an HBO show as an extra! This a professional, legit, well known agency. Give it a try! read more

Production changed filming date a few times so I had to go through a few covid tests on different days. It's January and I'm still missing covid pay from last year October. read more

great place to get work in acting. very professional cd and organized. dee skis

By reading some of the other reviews, I feel like everyone has a different experience with CC. My experience has been fine. Registration was easy, you go into the office and fill out paperwork; and they take your pic for the Casting Networks website. Finding the Casting Networks website was a bonus for me, because I registered separately from CC and no I am getting booked for other jobs, outside of the CC shows. I feel that CC is what you make of it, when you are registered, set up your profile immediately; and you will start getting jobs sent to you. Be persistent, keep applying. I don't always get work, but I do get work. There are many other opportunities on there as well, and you could be lucky enough to work a shoot where you can get a union wavier, and be closer to getting that SAG membership. read more

I no longer go through Central Casting, so I have no skin in the game, but I used to get lots of background work through them. If you are looking for extra work, this is one of a bare handful of places that is both legit and open for anyone to join. Let me repeat, it is legit. This is not a scam, this is not a place that just wants to feed you into their photographer/acting school/faux agent services. Central Casting is also open to everyone. Anyone can register and the chances are good that you will be cast for at least one background gig because they are incredibly busy. However, for anyone starting out, Central Casting will not treat you like the prince or princess that you undoubtedly are. Central Casting tries to be civil, which is way more effort than the PAs on set will exert. Think of Central Casting not only as the gatekeeper of background gigs, but also as the introduction to a whole industry that will only put up with you if you can: 1. Follow directions exactly without question; 2. Be quick on your feet, and nimble with your mind; 3. Be respectful of everybody, and I do mean everybody; 4. Realize that, as an extra, you are the least busy and least stressed person on set,; 5. Also realize that, as a non-union extra, you are more trouble and cost less than the potted plants on set. Conduct yourself accordingly. It's not fair and it's not easy, but there are a million people very much like you--maybe even more attractive or with a better wardrobe or more whatever--who also want to do background work, and you have to make it as easy as possible for them to hire you. As other people have pointed out, if you can't figure out the directions to register with Central Casting, then you will probably not do well with the rest of the background experience. read more

Central Casting has a website that is very informative and helps a ton when you are preparing to register with them. I will not post the specifics because well- its specific! Do your research by visiting the website before you show up at their office. Men, women, union and non-union all have different days and times for registration. Make sure you bring your passport, driver's license, and social security card. When you go there to register for the first time, you will be crammed like sardines in a tiny little corner of an office. You fill out paperwork, listen to their mini orientation about what its like to work as an extra, and then they take your photo. Done. It's not rocket science. BTW, don't go crazy about "upscale attire". They don't care about what you're wearing, its just for the photo. Wear a nice top and call it a day. Central Casting does A LOT of casting for films and television. They are a very busy company so you can't take it to heart it they don't hold your hand through the registration process. They probably see hundreds of people every month trying to register and honestly, I'd be sick of it at some point too. read more

This company is wonderful. If you want to work as an extra on TV shows and movies in the NYC area, you fill out the paperwork available on their website and go to an open registration session. The session is about 2 hours, informative and friendly. They recommend you also sign up for a website with casting calls, although some advertisements are on their twitter feed. I signed up for the website and have been working 1-2x/week since I signed up a month ago. I (or anybody) could work a lot more often if I had more availability on weekdays, but I'm a nurse and submit to acting jobs only when I'm off from the hospital. I highly recommend this as a side gig if you're interested in acting and how TV gets made. My only regret is not finding out how to do it sooner! read more

I've gotten work from them, but do not rely on them. They're disorganized, overly reliant on faulty communication systems, and they'll pay you incorrect amounts and cut off communication with you. When you inevitably have an issue (I've had issues with paychecks and abruptly cancelled bookings) you won't be able to get a hold of anyone, and then you'll end up on Yelp as your last recourse as well. If, by some miracle, you do get a hold of someone, they'll have a third grade reading level and a complete inability to add and subtract. So by all means, register, get some bookings; but don't get your hopes up on professionalism. read more

I have always been of the mindset to start a review with the positive. Registration at Central Casting is pretty straightforward and painless. I have landed a great deal of background work from Central Casting. On the whole I found the staff to be pleasant and knowledgeable. However, I had a very unpleasant experience this past April when I landed work on a television show. Mind you I confirmed not once but twice that I would be available to work on this particular date. The night before the commitment I went to see a play and naturally had to turn off my phone. During intermission I received this text, from a Central Casting employee, which could only be described as nasty. Apparently I had the audacity to turn off my phone and should not have done so. I immediately contacted Central Casting, and proceeded to be chastised by said employee. It seems that some of the staff at Central are under the misapprehension that they own our time the night before a commitment. read more

THIS IS LESS A REVIEW OF CENTRAL CASTING AND MORE A RESPONSE TO MISLEADING REVIEWS POSTED BY OTHERS: Central Casting is a background casting agency. As other reviewers have said, if you can't understand the basic directions to register, this probably isn't the kind of job you would be successful at. A basic ability to listen and follow directions without objecting to the way the directions are being given, and a high tolerance for chaos are basic requirements for background work, in general. If Central CAsting calls you and books you, you will be paid in a timely fashion. They are legitimate. That having been said, there are a number of other agencies booking background work and you can be connected to all of them by signing up at castingnetworks.com. There are small fees for registering ($25 - one time) and being able to upload multiple photos ($4-$6) and submit to roles(around $5). It's really the way to go. As far as people on set being professional, those comments aren't really appropriate to a review of Central Casting, but would be relevant to the specific production companies that hire the PA's that run the holding area on set. There are many articles/blogs/face book pages about background work by background actors where you can get a flavor for what the work is like. It can be fun, you can always meet new friends, there's usually some pretty darn good food, and sometimes you get to see A-listers. There are also, always, a few fat heads on set acting like they're something - but people know to steer clear of them. Good Luck! read more

So let me tell you about Central Casting, I absolutely love them, they all were very helpful and professional when I went in for registration, I actually walked up on a set and someone told me they registered with them and I should try it out, I didn't believe it was real Because of previous experiences I had with other agencies that make you come in and want a lot of money, but I went and literally the next day I got called to do a show, I recommend everyone to sign up, it's fun it's entertaining and it's worth it, Central casting changed my life read more

Wow what is up with the angry staff working here?? Get another job if you're not equipped with handling crazy extras. That's show business. My experience was horrible. When I signed up , the staff treated the group like cattle and when asked questions by the group they responded with abrupt snarky answers that left the rest of us wary to ask anything else. THEN after a year I had to go update my photos and the same staff members were there RUDE and MEAN. I heard this one short girl in the back flipping out about something and throwing things around while the front desk person asked ...correction..told me to come back in a week because the girl was not able to do her job due to a bitch fit. I came all the way into Midtown, showed up on time, well groomed and excited only to be brushed off like bird shit from the shoulder. AWFUL read more

My children and I, have work with Cenex/Central casting years ago in Burbank Ca. The staff was very nice and professional. My children and I obtained a lot of work at the time. Shows like 187, Dangerous minds, ER, Sisters, Sister Sister, and Bay watch. I have no complaints. The New York division, I will visit soon. read more

I signed up with Central Casting as a summer job and got a lot of background work from them. They are very reliable with pay and you'll probably get your paycheck in the mail the Monday after the week you work. They are very good with updating their workers about call times and location info and the whole system is very organized. They don't tolerate cancellation well especially if its last minute (for obvious reasons). If you don't have a legit reason for cancellation they will blacklist you. As for on set thats not Central Casting's job. I can say though that yea its true. I've seen extras who are chill and, like me, do it because its a good little part time job and then you have the snooty people who brag about being better than everyone else. I try to make the job as enjoyable is possible. Its by no means glamorous but it doesn't mean you can't have fun. I've met some really cool people on some of the shoots and we talk and enjoy each others company before being called onto set. Of course you do have to be professional and be a good listener. Thats what it all comes down to. Oh and thats one more thing I would like to bring up. The more professional and reliable you are to Central Casting, the more work you will get. So listen, be polite, and remember that while you are aloud to have fun this is also a job.....but yea enjoy yourself too. XD read more

I read all the comments and it seems like a good place to start your career I'm going tomorrow to register myself I just wanna know is there anything that I have to pay when I get accepted for a role or when I sign up I would really like to know. read more

So here is my take on Central Casting 1.) if you aren't sure if acting is your thing, and want to see how a real production works; then it's a good experience. 2.) if you don't like being treated like a second class citizen, don't talk to anyone here and run for the hills; they like to power trip too much. 3.) they're not real casting directors that have the ability to blacklist you I'm the industry, because think about it would they really have that power working as a talent liaison(what they need to call themselves) for production companies at central casting. 4.)they swear their not an employer, but they do weird employer practices such as suspensions. 5.) they get sued a lot or threats from states attorney offices(it's public record google it) 6.) they do make notes about you on casting networks(true story bro) this is seen by everyone on the casting side (so you piss one off they all hate you) 7.) watch a A lister stand up for some nonunion peeps, and they still fired them (hint hint crazy lady he was talking to those hot girls you hired first. 8.) they try to act important and you don't matter to them until they need you . 9.) THE MOST IMPORTANT central casting is where dreams go to die for aspiring actors who work there long enough. 10.) there are other casting companies in NYC if background work is all you want to do, so don't worry. Also, I am not talking about any production companies in the area, but just the casting liaisons that work at central casting and their behavior. On set, I've always had a great time, but dealing with them is like dealing with that crazy ex girlfriend who'll never go away or stop bitching. read more

Central casting is a great and fair casting company. Their directions are very clear. They deal with a great numbers of people and there is enough work for everyone. They expect everyone to be professional and that is not too much to ask. I relish every time my cell rings and it is Central Casting read more

well, extra work isn't glamorous, and neithe ris this place.. but it is as professional as it gets. I thought the orientation was quite organized. They get you in and out within an 90 minutes and you're completely registered. No one wanted any money. Don't bother bringing your headshots- they take a picture. And try to go to their website and print the packer so you have it done ahead of time. Bring a pen and THE PROPER I.D.!! The place is hard to find. 875 6th ave is an abandoned building as of 10.16.12. Keep walking straight down 31st and you'll bump into the building on your right. Its more so on the corner of 31st and 6th... but a few doors in. Hope that helps. read more

I would give Central Casting zero stars if possible, but it's not so that's why they have received one star from me. Yes they are a legit company, that isn't a scam, and yes you usually will get called in to do gigs through them, but they are one of the most unorganized/angry group of people I have ever had to work with in my entire life (and I'm an actor!). I once had a conversation with a representative that went something like: Me: Hi I just received a missed call from this number- Her: I call a lot of people a name would be nice. Me: Uhm my name is ___ I was called about ___. Her: I filled all my spots so okay? Goodbye. And she hung up. Now I understand that they have to deal with numerous people pestering them all day long about work, but there's no need to act nasty. I swore I thought I was talking to a teenage girl that was mad at her parents. Rude customer service 24/7 they can guarantee that. They are also extremely unprofessional. My friend and I once got called for an HBO show and told us that we were needed for a Monday, which later got moved to Tuesday. Sunday night came around and we had no information regarding the shoot. We called and gave us no information as to why they never followed up with us. It was only until our next offer we realized we needed a check in number to officially book it. I wish they had told us that before we took off of work. Overall I think Central Casting is a good start, but let it be that. Just your start. Although if you're someone like me who doesn't like being pushed around maybe you shouldn't. They WILL treat you like you're dirt, because they figure they can. You are a number, and they have no obligations to you or any other actor. So beware and be warned, that Central Casting isn't worth the two hour orientation. One last thing, their camera will make you look wider in your picture. And you'll regret ever becoming an actor when you see it. "Eek methinks not" is right. read more

TWO THUMBS DOWN!! Where do I start with such a bad place. This is a movie extra/backround company. Extras look for emplyoment here. If your sane do not go here. First the regristration process needs complete renovation. You have to call a number just to ask questions about regristation. There is no live person you can talk to its a recording. There is no directory for SAG (union) actors or non-union actors. You have to listen throughtout the whole 7 rigorious minutes. Aside from fast, low talking, the man on the recording is stuttering and unclear 100% of the time. A directory would certainly help this sad excuse of a company. The days to come in for registration are confusing at the least, and once you get to the address, its a pain finding the place. Its located on the side of the block. Once I got to the 24th flr after what seemed like years of traveling and inquiring, the man told me i was at the wrong place at the wrong time. Apparently non union members needed to come in tues n thurs 11am sharp. On the recording it said do NOT come before 11am so it was contridicting. The man insulted me and said lots of people dont have a problem. I will not go back nor will I recommend Central Casting New York to my worst enemy. read more

I agree with the reviews on here about being blacklisted and the same actors working over and over again. I've experienced it firsthand. I know several people that have been suspended for 3 months for showing up late, yet who have been rescheduled by Central last minute several times and never complained about it. The staff for the most part is rude as well. read more

If you can, avoid this company. Their Lead Casting Director Stephanie is extremely rude and unprofessional as well as Ro Dempsey their casting assistant. I've been working with Central Casting as a background actor for a few years and have always been treated well until these ladies started working there. I was booked for a job but found out from Ro that the part was cut before it was filmed - which is understandable - and when I asked her if there were any other roles for me I was hung up on. At first I thought the connection was lost but when I called back I was hung up on again. Ro called me back to basically read me the riot act and say my losing the part isn't her fault - which I explained that I understood and that these things happen. She refused to listen and handed the phone to Stephanie who also gave me an attitude and basically said the same thing Ro said. I tried to explain that I know how the business works and these things happen and it's nobody's fault but Stephanie hung up on me. All I was doing was trying to ask a simple question but was treated badly by women who are extremely rude and immature. I take pride in my professionalism. I've been an actor and musician for 30 years and can say that I've never been treated this way before. read more

I am a member, and need work, so I tolerate the problems central casting has...problems for the actors, if not for the company. But I must agree with Vinnie and feel compelled to complain about the young man who is imployed at their window. I had the same issue about the recording giving misinformation. I traveled all the way from Phila to NY, just to have an updated photo taken for their website..I had grown a beard, and trying to be a professional, and wanted the photo to look like me. Although I had traveled 2 hours just for this picture, and was misinformed by their recording, and the place wasn't busy and the photo could have been taken in 2 minutes, he not only refused (a wasted 50 dollar trip, not to mention time), but was SO RUDE. He had been smug and condescending to the poor newcomer before me at the window as well. Yes, some actors are embarassments to the profession, but most aren't stupid; theyare just looking for work against incredible odds. We don't deserve to be treated so badly. Central Casting really needs to put a person more equipped to deal with the public in that job, at that window. This guy didn't seem to like people very much, so why put him in a position where he is dealing with clients, and potential clients? read more

I don't know about the last reviewer, but I always found Central Casting very useful and informative. They're a great company for 'breaking in' and getting your feet wet in acting, even as an extra. Also, if you're serious about acting, a 7 minute message is nothing compared to hours on set! They really do advocate for you. read more

I am so tire to here that central casting is so bad y central casting is a company to put same food .and do there best.getting extra work.is call extra work not full time job.central casting .work so hard .and I work so hard to show my colors .is like a new job interviev everyday.I was no one .when I started I did not know no one.but when I stop .do to emergency .I was a actor making good money.working hard.staffed just like everyone no job to having the best job I love because .everyone need to work together with central casting not put them down they work hard for everyone.after 15 later I am thinking go in back and statting from the button again.just I was retire.and for fun.it was fun working with different companies I have only one thing to say you work hard you will get what you won stop complaining be positive .one more thing love central casting and thank you for putting food on the table for my kids when I need it.hope to see you one day again.in California.bur back happy new year 20014.take care .from extra to actor not bad. read more

Central Casting aids and abets the crime of sexual harassment. If a young girl (or guy) does not submit to demands for "sexual favors", the sexual predater simply calls CC and reports that the victim was late on set or some such B.S. CC does nothing to verify such claims; they simply punish the victim by depriving them of their livlihood. What's needed here is a large class action lawsuit! read more

The people working here are extremely rude. I called to cancel a casting, the guy responded by saying "of course you do" then he told me "you should work on your acting skills". I don't understand why he had to be so condescending. What's the point of allowing us to cancel if your response is going to be disrespectful ? read more