Talent FAQ

Who we are

Reel Extras is a casting service.  This means that we work directly with the client (Directors, Producers, Advertising Agencies, and Production Companies) to find the best background performers for their specific project.  We are not an agency, and therefore work with represented and non-represented Talent on a job by job basis. 

What we do

Reel Extras is a premiere casting service specifically focused on providing the most professional extras, stand-ins, body-doubles, baby-wranglers, and production assistants in Seattle and the surrounding areas.

How we charge

We NEVER charge talent for involvement in our projects. We are paid by the client.  Other local extras services keep 10% or more of your paycheck!  From time to time we may offer workshops or charity events.  Attendance is encouraged, but not mandatory.

Payment process (When do I get paid?)

Unlike your survival job, on-camera payment schedules vary. It can take up to 8 weeks for you to receive your payment.  You are paid directly by the Production Company or Ad Agency, payment does not come directly from Reel Extras.

Availability and communication

It is easier to hire people whose schedules are malleable.  However, people with tight schedules are not precluded from working with us.  We simply need to know when you have major changes in your schedule (vacations, holiday travel, etc).  Not being available for one project does not keep you from being considered and contacted in the future.

Agents

If you are currently represented by an agent, please talk with them regarding their policies surrounding "extra" work.  Industry standard policy is that agents do not charge their Talent for extra work, unless the agent submits them; however policies differ from agency to agency.

Bookings, communication, and follow-through

• If we are interested in using you for a project, 80% of the time we will contact you by e-mail.  Casting for projects can (and do!) happen at a moments notice.  Therefore, you should check your e-mail and your primary contact number throughout the day.

• Only agree to be submitted, or agree to work, if you are available.  This sounds like a no-brainer, but unfortunately, the eagerness to work often over-powers common sense.   If you have a conflict, you have two options.  If you think you can change or eliminate it, then do so before agreeing to the submission/job.  If you can’t, or don’t want to, then refuse the submission/job.  Refusing the job will not lessen your chances of being submitted for future work.

• Keep the dates open.  If we have contacted you for your availability, please understand that we’re doing so because we want to submit you for work.  If we submit you, you normally have a 50% chance or better of being booked.  So, we need to know that you will be available if the client chooses you.

• Be Patient.  Sometimes dates change, producers or clients have a difficult time making up their minds, and new requirements are added.  If you are booked, we will contact you.

• Once you are booked for a project a lot of people are counting on you.  Cancellations cause costly time delays and can ruin a shoot.  Understand that once you have committed to the shoot, we will hold you to that -- barring the following: severe illness, major car accident, death in the family, or crippling weather.  Other than those, you will not get paid and we will, most likely, not work with you again.

Proper protocol on set

• Be Prepared – Arrive 15 minutes early.  Make sure you know where you’re going and have a few extra dollars for parking if necessary.  We recommend having a Thomas Guide (book of maps) in your car at all times (you can find them online and at office supply stores).  If you don’t drive, make sure to read the bus or ferry schedule correctly and allow yourself enough time to catch them.   If you are running late, call your on-set contact and give them your estimated time of arrival.   Also – be sure to arrive with what was requested of you (proper wardrobe, hair and make-up completed, etc).

• Be respectful.  Don’t wander away from your holding area.  Don’t approach a celebrity and ask them for their autograph or try to chat them up.  You do your job and let them do theirs.  Do not ask the producer or director for special attention or favors.  Nor should you give direction or suggestions to the director.  That is inappropriate.  Finally, watch what you say and to whom you say it.  We will not tolerate any form of sexual harassment.

• Arrive sober.  Don’t arrive on set under the influence of any legal or illicit drugs.  Reel Extras reserves the right to dismiss anyone from the set, without pay, that they believe is under the influence.  Also, do not bring drugs or alcohol to the set.  If it is found, or you are found imbibing, you will also be released without pay.  The preceding also applies to the parents of minors.

• Keep a positive attitude on set.  You are supposed to be having fun!  Nobody wants to work with someone that complains all the time.  If you have a grievance, please approach your on-set contact during a slow time and let them know what is going on in a calm and respectful manner.  Then, let it go.  If it continues, and there is not a Reel Extras staff member on set, please call us and let us know what’s going on.

• Keep us updated.  If you are promised more money, asked to do additional shots, or asked to stay longer than originally agreed upon, please let us know.  We (and the client) want you to receive any additional monies you are promised on set.  The production company and crew have a million things on their minds, so make sure you let Reel Extras know about any changes that occur.  We would rather be told something twice, than not hear about it at all.  It is much easier for us to make changes during or immediately following the shoot rather than having to do so weeks or months later.

 I have never been on a set before.  Do you teach workshops?

Yes.  Introductory and  Advanced workshops are held on an ongoing basis.  Contact us at academy@reelextras.net for more information regarding the dates and times of the next workshop.

Agency Pro Software FAQ

What is Agency Pro?

Agency Pro is the company that we are currently using to maintain our Talent database.  It allows us to submit Talent from our database quickly and effectively to our clients (Producers, Directors, Production Companies, and Advertising Agencies).  We decided to partner with Agency Pro after an exhaustive search for the best tools and technology to match Talent (you!), quickly and effectively with our clients.  The end result of this collaboration is more work, more often, for everyone.

Do I have to pay to be submitted for work?

No, we can submit your name and a small thumbnail of you, but clients will not be able to view your full portfolio with photos, resume, a/v, etc. Being active will give you more opportunities, and is a wonderful marketing tool, but we will still submit you for work weather you activate or not.  However, clients will not be able to see you if they are searching the database themselves.

Agent/Manager relationship

If you are represented by agents or managers, participating in our online database (active or not-active) will not affect that working relationship in any way.  We are not an agency, we are a casting service.

Is Agency Pro secure?

Yes!  Only we can see your personal information.  It’s important that you keep your contact information up to date since we will use Agency Pro as a contact management system as well.  We need to know where to send your paycheck!

Is there a family discount?

There is a family discount – you have to call Agency Pro directly to get it. The family discount is ½ off a full price yearly membership for immediate family members only. Call 610-747-0966, and select option 3.