Frequently Asked Questions
To help everyone get the most out of their experience and address common inquiries, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions. We hope these answers will provide you with the clarity you need to navigate and make the best use of Background Work.
Now you can apply directly to projects that are posted on the site by a variety of casting companies. Before applying to a project it’s best to thoroughly read through the project description.
The project description is a place where casting professionals can include important information about a project such as: locations, dates, role requirements, resident eligibility, and other information. Reading these descriptions ensures that you have the most information possible before applying to roles.
When you apply to a role, your profile is included in a talent pool accessible to background casting directors or associates. If you’ve been cast, you will receive an email congratulating you and asking you to accept the invitation for the role.
After accepting a role, you will receive another email 12-24 hours before your shoot date with details about the location and wardrobe.
If you need to change your plan, please contact support@backgroundwork.com for assistance.
Yes, when you apply to a project, you can indicate your preferred roles. However, the background casting director will make the final decision on which role you are assigned.
Yes, you can apply only for the days you are available, but please ensure you are available for the full 24-hour period, from 6am to 6am. This does not mean you’ll be needed for the full 24 hours, however your day may start as early as 6am, and for overnight shoots, you may be required to stay until 6am the following day.
Typically, you’ll be needed for about 8 hours, though the duration may vary. If an overnight shoot is expected, we will make every effort to provide you with advance notice.
Apply for projects in advance only if you have full availability, as call times are typically confirmed 12-24 hours before the shoot and may change.
If you have limited availability but are interested in a specific date, watch for urgent postings. These last-minute roles, added due to cancellations or increased production needs, are posted the day before or the day of filming. They include call times and location details, allowing you to see if they fit your schedule before applying.
To update your availability, go to the Applied Projects menu and click “Edit Availability” for the project you want to adjust. If additional dates have been added to a project you’ve already applied for, you will find that project listed there as well, and you can update your availability accordingly.
Projects and roles have specific requirements. If you don’t meet these requirements, you will not be able to see the project. This helps reduce inefficiency by ensuring only qualified candidates apply.
Yes, you can work as a background actor with tattoos, but please follow these steps:
Complete a tattoo release form before arriving on set and upload it to your profile. If your tattoo can’t be easily covered with wardrobe or makeup, let us know so we can inform production and plan accordingly.
Please inform us by contacting support@backgroundwork.com, and we will pass the information to the casting director. In the future, you will be able to manage this directly from the platform.
Filming schedules can vary from day to day and production to production, as crews work diligently to meet their goals. Some scenes may take longer to film than expected, while others wrap up quickly.
We recommend planning for an 8-hour day, with the understanding that you may be needed for more or fewer hours. There is often downtime, so we encourage you to make the most of it, whether that’s connecting with fellow performers, practicing a quiet hobby, or catching up on work.
We are neither. Instead, we are a platform that connects background casting professionals directly with performers, simplifying the booking process and expanding access to opportunities. Our platform isn’t tied to any specific casting company or casting director.
The standard rate for non-union performers is the minimum wage in their province. In Ontario, for example, the base rate is $17.20/hour. However, this rate may be higher if you’re cast as a Special Skills Extra (SSE) or a stand-in.
Our platform is built with background actors in mind, providing tools and resources to streamline your experience, from managing schedules and applying for roles to connecting with industry professionals. No commission is taken by Background Work. If you are represented by a background agency, follow your contract with them on how they receive their 10%-20% of your earnings.
Yes! Your payment information is safe. Period.
Background Work does not store or see your credit card details. All payments are processed by a secure, industry-standard payment provider used by thousands of companies worldwide.
This means:
- Your card number is never saved on Background Work servers
- Our team cannot access or view your payment details
- Your information is encrypted and handled entirely by the payment processor
This is the same approach used by major platforms you already trust for online purchases and subscriptions.
Background Work is a platform that connects performers with casting teams. Performers retain full control of their profiles, applications, availability, and submissions. Casting teams review applicants, select talent, and manage bookings.Background Work is not a casting director or casting team. We do not make casting decisions or book performers for productions.
We are also not a talent agency. We do not represent performers or secure work on their behalf.
In short: Performers apply. Casting teams select and book. Background Work brings them together.