Central Casting

I chose to research Central Casting located in Burbank California. This organization also has a branch in New Your, NY.  This is organization I have consider joining. All you need to join is to fill out an application, the usual documents for employment in the U.S. and a $25 fee. I did some research and found out that the $25 fee is for a photograph that will go on their file, sort of a publicity still they will use to match your looks and features to different parts that may become available for actors. This organization does not require acting experience but it is a plus. 

This organization has been around since 1925 and according to their website they are today the largest provider or entertainment industry services and solutions in the U.S.  Their services go from complete background casting to payroll services. Their payroll services are provided by the Entertainment Partners, a sort of affiliate. Aside from providing Central Casting with payroll services they also have other products that include accounting systems, budgeting, virtual production office and more.

I found out that in order to become a member and get started if you will, you must download all the forms and fill them out in advance. Their doors are open to candidates only twice a week for 2 hours only. Needless to say you have to be there much earlier in order to be admitted that day.

To put in simple words central casting will match the candidates with the clients, whether is the casting directors, producers and such. Under the product tab in the website you will find casting, payroll and resources.

 On reading about their casting terms it appears to be the place for new actors to start their careers The websites emphasizes the need for thousands of background actors most likely for non-speaking part in some instances.  This means that the organization helps the actor get his or her foot in the door to start building a reputation on the industry. Thinking logically this would be the best way to start for someone who wants to become a character actor. In the industry being what it is today being a character actor can be a huge deal. This would mean landing parts on TV series, movies and plays. Being a character actor can sometimes immortalize him or her. 

A perfect example of a hard working character actor that went down in history is Margaret Hamilton who plays the witch in the Wizard of us. She had already made about 6 pictures for MGM when she landed the role.  The website below provides a lot of information about the organization’s goals, history, and more. http://www.centralcasting.org/LA/actors/index.html