Your Background Work (BW) profile is the first thing casting teams see when reviewing potential performers for film and television projects. Whether you’re brand new or have years of experience under your belt, making sure your profile is polished, accurate, and personalized can make all the difference when it comes to getting booked. Here’s how to make yours stand out for all the right reasons.
Be Intentional with Your Photos
First things first: let’s talk about photos. The photos you upload should reflect what you actually look like right now. That means natural lighting, no heavy filters, no distracting props, like sunglasses or hats, and no outdated hair colors or styles.
Casting needs to know what you look like today, not last summer at a wedding. You’ll want to include at least one headshot and one full-body photo. They do not have to be professional,and no fancy cameras are needed, just a phone, a plain background and natural lighting.
Outside of that, feel free to upload as many additional photos as you like, but be intentional with your profile picture. You can choose which photo you’d like to display by selecting the edit button under the photos on your profile. This is the image that gets sent to productions when the casting team submits you for a project, so choose the one that looks the most professional and represents you best. Make that first impression count.
List Your Special Skills
Next up, let’s talk special skills. If you’re proficient in something, whether it’s dancing, horseback riding, playing an instrument, or skating—make sure it’s listed in your profile. On BW, you can select your special skills from a list, but we also recommend including more detail in your profile description. Mention how experienced you are, what kind of training you’ve had, or any relevant qualifications. You can also upload a photo of you performing said skill on your profile.These small additions can make a big difference when casting is looking for someone with a very specific skill set. Don’t be shy about sharing what makes you unique.
Keep Your Union Status Updated
Now for something critical that often gets overlooked: your union status. It’s absolutely essential that your profile reflects your current union standing, whether you’re non-union, a permittee, or full union. Productions must adhere to strict rules about how many union performers they hire each day, and if your status is incorrect, it can either hold up a booking—or lead to a last-minute cancellation. Any time your union status changes, update it in your profile right away. It only takes a minute, and it keeps everything running smoothly on our end and on set.
Keep Your Measurements Up to Date
On top of remembering to fill out all of your measurements, don’t forget to keep your measurements up to date as well. We recommend re-measuring yourself every six months to a year. Accurate sizing is especially important for projects that require specific costumes or wardrobe fittings. If you show up and the wardrobe doesn’t fit, it can cause major delays and stress for everyone involved. By making sure your measurements reflect your current body, you help ensure a smoother experience for both you and the production team.
Take Advantage of the Description Box
When editing your profile, you’ll see a section labeled “Tell us about yourself.” This is your chance to share more details, like details about any special skills you have, if you’re open to shaving facial hair for a role, or whether you have any visible tattoos. We’re looking for something thorough, but no need to write a full-blown autobiography.
At the end of the day, your BW profile is your best tool for getting noticed and getting booked. The more care and attention you put into it, the more likely you are to land the kind of roles you want. So take a few minutes to double-check your photos, refresh your details, and show casting exactly who you are.
