GENERAL INFORMATION

PLEASE USE THIS INFORMATION SHEET AS A GUIDELINE TO HELP YOU ANSWER QUESTIONS ABOUT BEING A BACKGROUND ACTOR. PLEASE TAKE FIVE MINUTES AND READ IT!!  

(A.) THOMAS GUIDE MAP BOOK is a mandatory tool. When you are given a location, you will be given the address and possibly the location according to this map book. They are sold in any bookstore.

(B.) If there is a change in Name, Address or Phone Number please inform us immediately by calling as soon as possible. (323) 962-5991

(C.) Also notify us if your physical appearance has changed since your original picture was taken. This includes, but is not limited to hair color, facial hair, changes in clothing size, etc.

(D.) When you are booked for a job, you will be given the following information:
1. Whom you will report to.
2. Your call time (the time you are to be on the set.)
3. Location and Thomas Guide coordinates.
4. Special instructions regarding hair, makeup, wardrobe, etc. . .
 
  EMERGENCY ONLY PHONE NUMBER 323-252-1281

Use this number: If you must cancel · If you are lost on the way to the set · If you are going to be late  

FAILURE TO "NOTIFY US" WILL LEAVE US NO CHOICE BUT TO PUT YOU ON TEMPORARY PROBATION (EMERGENCY NUMBER AVAILABLE 24 HOURS, 7 DAYS A WEEK.) WHEN YOU ARE BOOKED:  

(A.) Allow yourself at least 30 minutes extra travel time to allow for unforeseen complications.

(B.) When you get to the set, find the check-in table and pick up your voucher. The Voucher is verification of work; the PINK copy is yours. The other copies will be collected at the end of the day.

(C.) Always show up "CAMERA READY" - This means that you are dressed, made-up and ready to work. Always be aware that a clothing change may be necessary. SO BE PREPARED.

(D.) Anticipate being on the set for 12 hours or more. This doesn't mean you will be there that long, but just in case.... This is a job for the full day regardless of how long it takes!

(E.) Bring a pen to the set and ALWAYS return props or wardrobe before you leave, or you MAY NEVER get the chance to work again.
 

PLEASE

(A.) DO NOT Leave the set without asking for permission from the Assistant Director (AD), Production Assistant (PA) or Coordinator.

(B.) DO NOT look directly at the camera unless specifically told to do so.

(C.) DO NOT talk when you are being given information.

(D.) DO NOT talk during the filming of a scene - A rule of thumb is to "Pantomime" (talk or gesture without making a sound).

(E.) DO NOT walk onto a set when you see a flashing red light - which means they are in the process of filming.

(F) DO NOT ask actors for autographs or photos - these people are under a great deal of pressure to perform, memorize scenes, etc. Please do not distract them needlessly.

(G.) NEVER, EVER bring friends, family or pets to the set. You will be asked to leave and not come back.

(H.) DO NOT assume anything -ASK QUESTIONS, don't guess

(I.) DO NOT bring Drugs or Alcohol. You will be dismissed immediately, your voucher will be destroyed and you will be PERMANENTLY purged from our files and the production and casting companies!

(J.) DO NOT accept two different calls for the same day. This will result in a 30-day suspension as you put the Casting Director in a difficult position.

YOUR PAYCHECK:

(A.) Always ask for the pink copy of your voucher at the end of the day. This copy is for your files.

(B.) Make sure your LEGAL NAME, (NO NICKNAMES) ADDRESS, SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER, and all pertinent information are completely filled out before turning in your voucher. All paychecks are mailed to the address appearing on your voucher; therefore, it is imperative, that your voucher is completely filled out correctly.

(C.) If you do not fill in your SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER correctly, you cannot legally receive a check.

(D.) If you do not get paid 2 weeks after you work, call the casting company you worked for. (The company name is found on your voucher.) The casting company and the person on the voucher (you) can fix payment errors. Vouchers are the only way to prove that you worked.    

SAFETY - PLEASE USE COMMON SAFETY SENSE

(A.) DO NOT wander around. Stay in the areas designated for Talent.

(B.) DO NOT get in the way of the Production crew; please stay out of the way when equipment is being moved or transported.

(C.) DO NOT touch or handle production equipment.

(D.) Under NO circumstances should you move or help move production equipment (Production crew is under union contract).

(E.) DO NOT become involved in horseplay or other games while on the set.

(F.) DO NOT run on the set or sound stage; beware of dark or dimly lit areas with cable and electrical wires either suspended or on the ground.

(G.) If you become sick or injured, you must report it to the Assistant Director, Set Medic or Set Nurse immediately.    

THINGS TO REMEMBER:

(A.) If you do not notify us at least 2 hours in advance that you are canceling after being booked, you will be suspended for at least 30 days. Repeat offenders will be purged permanently. The more time we have to replace you the better.

REMEMBER THIS IS A JOB

(B.) GET A Cell Phone. If we can't find you with one phone call and you don't have a pager; we WILL give the job to someone else.

WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO A LONG LASTING RELATIONSHIP WITH YOU. THIS IS A GIVE AND TAKE RELATIONSHIP, WE WILL TRY TO PROVIDE THE BEST WORK FOR YOU AND WE EXPECT THE SAME IN RETURN.   Everything you do Reflects on you and all of the people working with you.