I applied for a job through la castings unfortunately, BTS was the third party. I had a question about payroll so I TRIED to contact BTS. while going through their website, I realized they DO NOT have a working phone number only a recording instructing you on how to join the company. I reached out via email and was finally contacted 1 hour prior to me having to be on set with a gibberish answer that I'm sure she (Debbie) did not read prior to hitting the send button. as I'm writing this I am still unclear about payroll so I am choosing not to film that particular project since payroll is through BTS. from experience, if you CANNOT contact a company then there is a chance that you will NEVER be paid for your services. read more

I received 6 sag vouchers the first few months I was working with background talent - all on one job. I was an extra for "fired up" for cheerleading movie working about 30 days. It was a great job at the La arboretum! read more

ZERO STARS! I had gotten a job on an overnight shoot, someone tried to steal something from me on that shoot. I didn't say anything but other people who witnessed that person try said something to a security guard that got all people involved witnesses and non-witnesses kicked out and blacklisted. This is a blacklist anybody they see whether you're an actor or a nobody. a bunch of people are very kind people blacklisted from this company for standing up and saying something when you see something wrong. Also, I've had friends blacklisted for blamed on someone opening up yonder bags when they were not opening up yonder bags it was a big Asian guy who never got in trouble! A true bottom of the barrel acting company! If you wanna work for them making minimum like literally minimum wage go right ahead! you'll eventually be blacklisted. Somehow this company likes to blame us actors and treat us like garbage! Super disappointed I would write this company zero stars if I could! Save yourself some time and try working for OSLA, A+. Any company other than these horrible people! read more

Debby, You are truly the worst person to ever exist on this planet. you are selfish, self conceited, and inhumane person. you tell other people that they should appreciate all the work you do and to stop nagging you. 1) those people had serious questions. YOU were rude to them and neglected them. shame on you 2) you need to remember that you were casting AUDIENCE MEMBERS. NOT PEOPLE IN HIGH PROFILE MOVIES. 3) if you reply to this and say that you've done nothing wrong, i have lots of screenshots to show as proof where i can show the world how terrible you are not only to your coworkers but to other people such as my friends i'm surprised you haven't been hit with lawsuits. time will tell. in the meantime, go apologize to the people where you made their lives a living hell. they gave you so much appreciation and you ignored it. read more

Working with Background Talent Services ("BTS", as I like to call them) has been nothing but wonderful. They have booked me on higher rate commercials as well as fun audience jobs. This place is definitely not a scam (make sure to avoid those places like the plague). BTS is a great service to join, especially if you are looking to get into doing more commercials. Which is the main reason why I joined! More commercials equals higher paying gigs and this my fellow Yelpers is a good thing. So far, I have definitely gotten my moneys worth and then some! The fee break down is a little tricky, but if you look at it carefully, what they are doing makes sense. I like that they send out e-mails regularly. The information lines (you call once you've been booked) are extremely helpful. From wardrobe to directions, everything you need to know is always on the line. Just make sure to listen very carefully. A few words of wisdom: Be on time. Be on time. Don't be late. Be on time. Don't be late. Be on time (getting the drift?!). The individuals who are habitually tardy, will not succeed in this business. With that said, be on time my friends & enjoy the ride. read more

Background Talent Services - Talent Agencies Near Me - North Hollywood, California

I had always had good experiences in the past, but the place has seemed to go to s. ! I drove 45 minutes to a job and this little squirt PA who thought he was powerful, ha! Told me he couldn't get me on because there was a special call time change that day. BTS never sent me the elusive pdf they claimed to send me for this day. It was their mistake and whatever idiot that I was emailing the issue too couldn't admit that they were wrong and didn't send me the call time! It was funny because I had several friends look at the emails and no one could find the call time change! In the past, the call time was always sent efficiently! Whomever I was talking to had a smug, superior attitude, and I'm like honey, I do this for fun! I made my money in the stock market not at f... ing audience! You are neither smarter or superior! read more

I asked around about the lady in charge; after she yelled at me a few times and I found out that she has a reputation of being mean and yelling at people. I've had horrible experiences with her, and I don't know if she does this on purpose or if she is sick. there are many other companies out there that are a pleasure to deal with and the relationship can be productive and at the end of the day feel blessed and thankful for having dealt with them. Debby at background talent casting is the worst experience I've ever had. On the other hand the jobs were ok, as long as I didn't have to talk to her or got her mean messages that particular day. The company sends you out on extra or audience work, the pay is $8 per hour, sometimes $10/hour. The audience work is brutal. They, depending on what show you go on, will be nice people, but the production crew sometimes are the same, and they tend to not be nice to audience members. I prefer Burbank Casting, they are courteous and they fight for you, they make sure you're treated fairly and every time I've worked for them, (Burbank Casting) I always went back home with a smile on my face and feeling blessed. Every time I worked or dealt with Background Casting and Debby, I always went back home depressed, drained out and bummed out. read more

Update review**2019 *** still one of the best services out there- please stop posting about debbie and how "unprofessional" she is- she's straight up with you. Don't be late or not show up and there will be no problem - all of you posting about her are the ones that are always late and don't show up so stop complaining if your not getting booked. Anyway I love them, they're the sweetest and pretty much the only service I have because they get me. I recommend this to those who are really reliable! read more

Debbie I tried to get into your services but have no luck of communication with you guys Plz let me know if I can be on your roster Ninos sarkis read more

STAY AWAY FROM DEBBY!!! She is extremily rude and the customer service is poor to say the least. Just so you know you are casting AUDIENCE, not casting the next STAR WARS. Their emails are unprofessional to hell and back. Don't work for BTS --- SRO or Casting Connections are much better services. read more

Debbie responded to my review and simply put, yes we have worked together, you know who I am wes is not my real name dips#+&. These reviews are real Debbie so there's no need to lie about the facts, & it's ..... that you've been in business as long as you have and haven't found a way to streamline the way the business works is sad and you should be ashamed of yourself . I have witnessed firsthand how you treat people and I'm not alone. read more

Excellent service for this type of work! My experiences with all the opportunities Debby has given me have been A+. The coordinators on site are extremely professional. Love to have even more commercial work, as it's so much fun, a great learning experience being on set, plus the opportunity to meet a lot of terrific people. Thank you, Debbie! read more

I worked for Background Talent Services, for the first time, this week. I was able to make some quick and MUCH appreciated money. No muss, no fuss ... a TOTALLY positive experience. Actually, better & MORE than I expected. (For the talk show I worked, I got cash AND prizes!) I can tell from Debbie's messages that she REALLY puts her heart into what she does, into thoroughly prepping us for what to expect -- and for what is expected -- and into helping as many people 'make ends meet' as she can. Before I got on a show through Background Talent Service -- and was just 'on spec' -- people kept telling me "You need to talk to Travis" or "I hope we get picked by Travis!" And I was just wondering 'Who is this 'Travis-guy'?' Well, when I finally met him, I understood what all the fuss was about. He was unerringly polite, and you could tell that, were it up to him, he'd let us ALL work. Unfortunately, it's not always or only up to him and/or logistically possible. I think the process -- and, especially, the NOT getting in -- leaves some people bitter. Sometimes confirmed/booked people show up LATE, and then get all KINDS of irate when they don't get in. To me, when all people had to do was show up ON TIME to make money, and then don't, then they only have themselves to blame. I would work through Background Talent Services again, in a heartbeat! read more

Have worked with BTS for over two years and my experience has been nothing but positive. They are efficient, and respectful. Shasta is great. I have never had a problem with payment read more

Better than standing room only however they do not pay on time. But they are nice and allow you to bring your phone unlike SRO. I've contacted them in the past about a late check and now it happened again. I think I'm officially done with audience work. Waiting for a 48 dollar late check is not cool. Thumb down read more

I've been with Debby for years as well as all the other services. I do have positive experiences from all the services. No matter what job you are on, there are going to be ups and downs. At the end of the day, I do appreciate what I am doing because I don't have to deal with office politics and you can take a break whenever you want. One do to have to make sure that you do have another gig on the side to cover your daily expenses, rent, etc. All in all, I do remember Debby having strict rules to follow, but those rules and training helped me excel on my other gigs. It's better when someone lays out all the rules then to have a rude awaking and be not used again for doing something you might be totally oblivious to. Debby is fair and do train her people well, so when you get called for a gig without micro-managing, you will still succeed and be called back for more gigs. This industry is not easy, nor is any other industry. At the end of the day, I'm always thankful that I get to avoid office politics. Can I get an amen on that? AMEN! read more

I work on and off with Background Talent Services and the experience continues to be positive. If you are polite, prompt, respectful and can follow a few rules, you will work well, see a few shows, and sometimes get more interesting jobs. I wouldn't recommend it for the person who thinks they're a "star," cannot/will not/does not adhere to work rules/dress codes, or who uses this is a full time job. I have found the nice folks at BTS to be professional, responsive, and generally great to work with. read more

I've been with Background Talent Since 2009. First and foremost this particular company has treated me with the up-most respect and I have no complaints. Debbie is a nice, detail and straight forward person. This company has thrive off being the best because they provide the best people! Travis is one of the nicest guy in the business I know PERIOD! The rate is great, especially compared to other companies. This is the reason I am still currently work with them til this day. And although some days are longer than others "I ALWAYS WENT HOME HAPPY" read more

I had a great time working with them and the overall experience is fine but I have been waiting about 3-4 weeks for payment and have not received it yet, all of my information they requested was fine and up to date and I did everything else they asked. I tried to email them from the address they contacted me on and they of course have not responded a week later and counting...if you just want to have some fun and work a show then go for it but when a supposedly "reputable" company can't send me my check or at least answer the question of why I havent got it yet I don't think I'd do it again.... read more

Background Talent Services also does commercial extras casting and that is terrible. I paid for 3 months of service and only worked one job...technically that means I am still on their roster because if you don't work more than twice a month your dues roll over to the next month, but I haven't heard anything from them in months...pretty sure they just took my money and forgot about me. Background Talent Services is pretty OK company to work for if you are willing to do audience work. Note, if you choose to do audience work you will always be treated like crap the entire time you are on set. You don't get craft services, you don't get meals and you usually have to raise your hand if you need to use the bathroom. If you're willing to do that then BTS is easy enough to work with, some shows are interesting and in the summer when it is 100 degrees out it is kinda nice to make some cash and enjoy the AC a bit. This you will usually see on LA Casting as BTS audience work job, that is easy enough to deal with. read more

I've been booked on everything from background work on Superbowl commercials for Mercedes Benz and Budweiser to audience work on Judge Judy, Dr. Drew, and Celebrity Name Game . Debby and her team are professional and proficient. I can't recommend joining BTS enough. read more

I've worked for Background Talent Services numerous times over the past year. As an actress trying to make ends meet, I've found BTS to be a life saver when it comes to making some quick cash. Now, audience work is NOT for everybody. I happen to think it's kinda fun. You get to see what happens behind the scenes and while there are some shows I've worked on that were a bit slow moving, I think it's worth it to get paid cash just for looking cute and applauding! LOL Debby has always been professional in my opinion. She gives you all the info you need, straight up via email & voicemail. The other two people on staff (Travis & Maria) who are usually the ones to check you in on the job are always super cool, too. I've never had a bad experience working with anyone at Background Talent Services. I think they're awesome and professional...and I thank them for booking me to work! If you get bored easily and aren't comfortable sitting and looking happy for long periods of time, you will hate doing audience work. But, if you go in with a great attitude and treat it like a real job (which it is, you're getting paid after all), then it'll be all good. Show up on time, looking like your headshot, with a good attitude and I'm sure you'll be happy with Background Talent Services. Hope this was helpful to someone out there :) read more

I joined Background Talent Services, Sun, at their Fall Registration. To prepare for my visit, I sent $70 to cover my enrollment and 1 month, I thought to PAYPAL. THEY NEED 3-5 days 4 the $ 2 show in my PAYPAL acct, so my money is locked up tight being processed until Wed, 09/11. BOOHOO, I can't pay Debby and Background Talent. I called her today, and BLESS HER, she said pay me when it's available to me. ALRIGHTA! What a gal! I so am so excited. Let's Get to work!!! read more

Thank you for 5 years of Commercial Background work. Debbie know's what kind of stress hold's with the job being a "Cat Rangler", and does it with enough toughness, and organizational ability that I've ever scene working with SO MANY extra's at one time (per day.) BGT's job's hold better quality than any other agency I've worked with. Thank you for helping me make my life more exciting, fun, & adventurous. read more

I really like doing background through background talent! Debbie and Travis are awesome and very easy to work with, no egos or anything. Love them! :) read more

I love BTS! They treat us so well and book super fast! I totally recommend it I've been with another company as well and it's not as fast nor treats people as well as BTS read more

I do not even have a Yelp... I just made one today to unleash my negative experience on BTS, so buckle up you are in for a bumpy ride. I enjoy doing background and audience work on my days off from the part time job I work at MTV dealing with social media branding. Audience work allows me to see what trends are happening in tv and film and what is popular, again this is completely separate from my day job but every few weeks I enjoy doing audience to make a quick buck and see what other networks might be up to and like seeing all the behind the scenes. Over the past three years that I have lived in LA I have had audience work off and on through SRO, 1IOTTA, and BTS, and have always enjoyed it until my encounter today with BTS at the Judge Faith Show. I got up did my makeup and hair around 7am and headed over to the studios in Glendale to do audience work I had submitted for and was CHOSEN to take part in. I get there go to check in and the coordinator with BTS tells me that what I am wearing has to many patterns and that I needed to leave. I was at first sad because I got up extra early spent the time t get ready and then drove over there and he rudely says " what you are wearing is unacceptable". I was wearing a simple pale pink lace dress that had flowers stitched on it, it was not a bold or distracting pattern. They turned me away for no reason basically. I will never go through BTS again because of this I will stick with SRO, at least they pay you more quickly. I am also glad that I never paid "dues" that BTS is always sugessting I sign up for becasue from what others in line this morning told me that this company is a rip off background work agency. You would probably have better luck at Central and for free rather then BTS... End of rant. I am a very friendly person and I felt personally victimized today by the coordinators today from BTS. read more

With the down turn in the economy I decided to go back to school and started working background. I learned that you need to get a calling service to really book on a regular bases. Background Talent Services was recommended by many. I have used Debbie's service for the last three months and I am very satisfied. She handles commercials which offer a higher rate of pay. On a recent commercial, booked with Background Talent Services I was pulled from background and featured in the spot. I was stunned several months later when I received a pleasant surprise in the mail and started to receive residual checks, over one week recently, I received over $6,000.00. WOW! I was in trouble financially this lucky break was a life changer. Debbie thank you so much for your excellent service and professional attitude. read more

At first everything was fine with BTS during the introductory bookings. I took off for a month and then came back and was booked I picked up a friend which made me late for the first time. This is where things got tricky I was turned away, but 2 people who were specs had just came about 15 minutes late yet were allowed in. I came the next day to spec over 1hr early with my friend, but I still wasn't picked. Therefore, I emailed Debby to get down to the bottom of what was going on she explained that I was blacklisted from OCA for audience work. I contacted them and they said I was in good standing with them. I emailed her that and I received no reply. I believe that BTS will find any reason to dismiss people, yet when anyone raises an eyebrow to call them discriminatory they will quickly try to defend themselves and will use other superior companies as escape goats. My suggestion would be to steer clear or if you still go with them don't ever draw any kind of negative attention to yourself. read more

This review is LONG overdue. I've been booked by BTS often in the past, but have taken a slight 'hiatus' to be a mom to a very busy 6-year-old. I hope to get back into it very soon, though. Some of my most favorite commercial jobs have been through Debby and BTS. I am not an 'actor', per se. But I like the 'business' and I like to get paid to do something that's fun. If you do what you're supposed to do (show up on time, be courteous and follow directions), then you should always have a great time. I've done dozens of commercials with BTS and Debby has NEVER EVER yelled at me...she has a job to do and it's not to stroke the background talent. She makes money...we make money. Everybody wins. :) It's not rocket science...do your job...let BTS do theirs and it will be a fantastic experience! It's seriously one of the best casting companies I've worked for and if asked to join, I'd sign up as quickly as possible! Debby and Travis are fabulous! Thanks so much for the fun opportunities!! read more

After doing several decent audience jobs with BTS, I experienced a very very rough one today that I have to let others know about!! The call was for "attractive females for a new talk show"...pay was $63/7 hours with a 90 MINUTE WALK AWAY LUNCH!!!! Now first of all, it was an extremely hot day, and we had to walk quite a distance from the parking lot to the stage...we did two show tapings and after the first one, we were supposed to have a 90 MINUTE WALK AWAY LUNCH....in reality, however, after the first show, we were walked by the PAs BACK to the parking lot and then told by some a-hole PA that we only had a half hour left of our lunch....NUTS!!! What the hell happened to the 90 MINUTE WALK AWAY LUNCH????? On top of that, many of us didn't bring any food, thinking we were going to get that good ole' 90 MINUTE WALK AWAY LUNCH......there was nothing to eat within walking distance AND we were told that we were not allowed to grab something at the WB Commisary....After walking about a mile, I found a lone food truck and bought some over-priced pork sliders..... BTS-Please be accurate with what you tell people next time!!! This was so very very unpleasant!!!!! read more

Well worth working with them. The jobs that they have gotten me have been 10 per hour or above and payment has never reached beyond three weeks. Be careful with canceling with Debbie or not following directions. She is quick to retort back if you miss details or are careless with being time efficient. Background work is not glamours. If you're hoping this will help you to be discovered, it will not. View it as a paycheck. I like their policy of pay 25 dollars a month if you work, if you don't no payment is required. Keep this company in perspective for what it is, background work. It's helped me pay plenty of bills. read more

One must have an understanding of this business to give a fair review of this kind of thing . When you review them you you shouldn't really be reviewing about your experience on set. Because once you step on set , Debby really should not be held responsible for your experience . It is out of her hands. Your experience with her is before and after set . Yes if things are brutal regarding bathroom breaks I'm sure she can put in a word , but overall your review should be of your check in and check out and the clarity of details regarding your booking, period. If you have a bad experience on set you should be reviewing the production , not Debby. Her job is to book you and pay you period. If the production gets bad reviews than she can easily tell them what they're doing wrong . If you have a bad experience don't go back , if everyone did that it would send a clear message . She is merely a liason really Casting not production, two different things. I have never had a bad experience with BG Talent . In fact Debby is rarely there so you are likely to be dealing with a " check -in person " . When I have seen her she has been nothing but kind and cheerful ! Thanks Debby for all the last minute work ! It's great ! read more

I understand that this company has to deal with many different people and most likely get called about issues and complaints that they have no control over. However, I had called regarding a delayed check in the mail for audience work, and talked to a woman who said her name was Darla, found out later it might be Debbie. Darla/debbie immediately told me to call another company and started to recite the number when I asked her to wait quickly so I can grab a pen, in which she responded, "Well you should have been ready don't you think?" Again, I understand that she has to deal with annoying situations all day, but responding in an irritated and rude tone won't help. read more

I have never had a problem with background talent. They are professional, and respectable people. All of her staff are more than helpful.

Well I will venture to say..that when Debby books you folks on an Audience job...you need just understand that you are lucky to have a job...as you are certainly 1 notch up from begging on the street. It is a paying job..and you just need to kinda be thankful. I wish i were so blessed to have a job as an audience wrangler. I am a cowboy, and used to moving herds of cows around...but of course herding props that eat, and even talk back to you would be a challenge, I believe it would be an exercise in patience for sure. I would be joyous to even do an audience job after the last 4 years of no work. We can do these jobs and be horrible & unfit for any job in the real world...as its plain to see..and maybe the wranglers ought to just lighten up a bit..knowing they are only a rung up from seat fillers themselves. These folks..at B.T.S have been around long enough to not be scammers..and Debby seems quite lovely & wonderful too. I cant say enough good things about them really. THEY PUT YOU TO WORK....and ya cant beat that with a stick...not with a stick, nope.. read more

been with this company for about 2 weeks now and I wished that I hadn't joined up. Debbie did nothing but talk, she doesn't answer your questions than she tries to talk over you and interrupt you when you try to speak to her. At orientation I had to hear about how she is not prejudice but than she says that white cops try to sit up blacks. Which is totally untrue. After hearing about that for a total of 2 hrs than she finally allows you to get your photo taken by a photographer that tries to set up appointments for a$280.00 package. I didn't buy into the package deal so I don't get any work. Debbie even promised at least audience work but I have not even got contacted on any of that work either. Nothing! She probably will try to give me 2 gigs at the end of the month so she can get money for the next month. I will keep everyone in touch to see what comes out of this. read more