The best Background Casting Company! It is amazing to get booked by a lot of TV Shows and Movies. The food is amazing too. To register you must be there before 6am to have a guaranteed spot. I went three times, one at 7am and 8am, and the third time at 5:30am which finally I was let in. The only thing is you have to call to get booked and the lines are usually busy. So get ready to make a lot of calls throughout the day. The reward is worth it though. Update: I believe you must register online now. Check the Central Casting Website. read more

YOU REALLY HAVE TO HAVE A TRUE PASSION FOR THE PRODUCTION PROCESS OF FILMMAKING. If you don't? Maybe the 'production" side isn't for you! I might recommend before you read my review "click back" and read Emily B. s first paragraph of her review. It's spot on Here is a little history about central Central Casting is the largest background casting agency(if I'm not mistaken)...In the world! This is Los Angeles "Hollywood" USA.....The HEADQUARTERS for film, tv and reality show production in the WORLD. Welcome and enjoy working for PRO's who know how to get the filmmaking process done This is business like any other. You will start off at the bottom with a few exceptions. You CAN and WILL work long hours. 12? 14? 20? You may indeed have to adjust your schedule for that!!!!!!!!!! I'm telling you now be prepared it will take 5 hours to have registration and all the legal office paperwork crap taken care of. Do it!!! You wont regret it You will work on professional Hollywood sets and hopefully have a royal blast PROs Im really not understanding why anyone rates central badly....seriously???? Every set is totally different. Each set treats you differently with most being pretty cool. I mean unless you have a serious payroll problem take it up with payroll They give you great work Did you forget your paid? Are you a Diva??? get another job or get an agent and get roles and quit background work...it isn't for you. As for me? You couldn't drag me away from set. What an awesome process to meet really cool people and learn and experience ALL about tv and movie production. Sometimes your in holding and making money to sit and socialize and network with other actors and eat food and sip coffee. Jesus talk about easy work!! I LOVE THE ENERGY OF BEING ON SET Sometimes its kind of a headache and most of the time its like HELL YEAH!!!!! Isnt that kinda life? I have worked for Central Casting for 4 months with a calling service for 3 months. Get a calling service!!!!! its worth EVERY penny! I'm working 4-5 days(which I'm grateful for) a week and I LOVE it. I'm From Chicago and I moved to Los Angeles to WORK HOURS in production read more

I agree with all the other reviews. Yes, they have the most work, but the phone lines are busy all day. I really think they play favorites and hire people they already know. It used to be easy to get work with them years ago, but now it's a hassle. Unless you're union, and can make some bank on the background, so not worth it for 64 bucks. Don't bother with headshots, they take a photo of you, but make sure it's a good one, they don't let you do a retake, unless you come back again and go through the whole process. Jeff Olen is a little more mom and pop. I've only worked one job with them, but their system seems to be better. As far as them being nice and answering questions....hahahaa read more

Get ready to work , but also get ready to get treated like a number, they have high expectations from you for minimum wage. One of L.A's biggest employers and no HR Department , they can terminate you without a proper explanation and all they have is a robot by the name of Melissa that says the same thing to everyone , might as well have a recording. It's already 2014 and they still have a old fashion system, no website submissions, no apps, just a monopoly with a calling service, which you have to pay for potential work about $60-80 a month without any guarantees. If you come to LA to be in the film industry this will get you nothing but background work. Very disappointed in how this is set up. read more

I moved from the East coast without any jobs lined up. I was told about Central Casting and I did my research before showing up. Bring snacks, something to sit on and arrive early for registration. I have now been registered with Central Casting for 9 months. I have been booked on more shows then I can name. My roommate joined at the same time as me and has already gotten 3 SAG vouchers. Central Casting is what you make of it. Yes, you have to call 100 times to get booked. Sometimes you get it on the third try. It all just depends so invest in a good speed dialer on your phone. I've been booked every day in a week and there have been weeks where I was only booked twice. It's just the nature of the business so get with it people. If you don't put the work in and keep dialing then guess what, you're not going to get booked. This process of background acting has taught me so much when it comes to professionalism. Get your clothes ready the night before, look up the location well in advance and plan to arrive an hour early in case you run into 45 mins worth of traffic. I was suspended once for calling out too late before my scheduled gig. No one tells you that you have been suspended. They're suppose to send an email but I did not receive mine until a week later. My suspension lasted for 2 weeks which meant 2 weeks of not being able to be booked and 2 weeks of not getting any money. That was hell! So needless to say, I learned that lesson and have never called out too late again. I have been registered with LA Casting, Jeff Olan, Virgo Talent, and Backstage. They all have their pros and cons but with Central Casting being the main one for background actors, it is good to be registered. I love setting up the alerts on my phone so I know exactly when they post something new. If you don't mind taking the time to call in, they are worth it. read more

DISCLAIMER. This is a review of the process before you actually get in. Maybe this will prepare you before you get in line and NOT waste your valuable time. Bc for sure Central doesn't give a shyt about u until you register and start making them money. so here we go... Central is like the big headed (that's ego) money hungry Hollywood producer who has the means and connects to change your life. With this power, HE feels that his way is ONLY way and you EARN your placement. HE wants you to fight for it. It's not about talent, HE wants determination and the struggle for you to give up your time. To "make it" isn't easy you know. People have to sacrifice to get what they want. They want you to prove that you want it bad enough. Here's your cliché story line. You move to Hollywood, your told about Central and their many opportunities that can lead into other things. They have the names to prove it. Your enticed, u have nothing to lose. You wait in line thru the cold, the rain, sitting on ants, roaming dogs, hunger bc you forgot snacks and squeaky voiced scientologist advocators handing out pamphlets. Remember, Central; HE's watching u. FINALLY you've made it inside and your LIFE begins. Or maybe you're the one who quits their job, waits 4 hours to register and start working background then eventually work up to getting your SAG/AFTA card and now you're on your way. The reality is if they really gave a sh*t about you, the process would be different bc we all have to work. We all have auditions, interviews, appointment to make. But no, F U and your time, bc hey, its only ONE DAY right? What's the big deal??? If they really gave a poop, they would set up appointments. They would let u register online via their website. Schedule you with 19 others at a certain time, so u can sign papers and they can take their two pics. Nah! Too easy. Instead they want u to earn this. Earn this background work. Only the strong will survive. So, here's how u survive. Arrive early, like 5 or 6am early. Bc if you're not in their RED LINE area then don't waste your time. BUT, if you're the hopeful two or maybe even five people after the red line I'd say maybe wait a lil longer after one of their employees comes out and defers the others' dreams for a little longer by telling them to come back another day. He'll answer your desperate and confused questions and mention some days there are 5 people in line and others, there's 80. No, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday there's over 80 people in line. U have to arrive early. Hey, its only ONE DAY of your life. Please Please Please, check the website. READ, everything that applies to you; child or adult. Remember the days on the calendar you have to go. And DO NOT forget your identification, whether its California ID and/or passport or social security card or whatever, to prove your identity. Central has no problem turning you away. F*ck your feelings. Those two looks? My advice is collared shirt and then a t-shirt, glasses then no glasses (for those that that applies to) hat, then no hat. But if they give you advice about looks then take it. Shout out to the people who actually brought fold up chairs, snacks and took naps for free registration, two pics and endless opportunities for background work. I'm sure Central puts you on a pedestal. OH, and beware the scientologist advocator who snags u in her scientology web masked in a "Free acting classes" flyer. Don't do it. Unless you want to join Tom Cruise and give a middle finger to Leah Remini. PERSONALLY, I'll probably never do this again. I'd rather wait in a room with competition than wait in line not knowing if I'll even be seen just bc an agency wants to feed an ego. But hey, its only ONE DAY OF MY LIFE, right? I must not want it bad enough. I guess I'll see you on the other side of the set, folks. GOOD LUCK!!! read more

WARNING: CC itself was great, but BE AWARE OF SCIENTOLOGISTS OUTSIDE. They come with clipboards and ask if you want to attend a free acting class/directing class etc. If you chat with them they get your name, phone number, email etc. and have your contact info forever. They were waiting to prey on the eager, and I'm so glad I was warned before hand. BE CAREFUL PLEASE read more

This is a test. If you can't handle standing around waiting, don't go to Central Casting. I learned my lesson from the first attempt to get in. Standing around waiting is a lot of what "Extra" work is... so consider this a test. Get there 1.5-2hrs early and count how many people are in line. They take 50, but I'd guess that maybe 10 of the people in line won't have the right forms of identification; if you are #60 (maybe #70) in line you m.i.g.h.t have a shot at getting in. Anything past that? Come back on another day - there are plenty. Once you are inside, it is VERY organized. Reminded me of the military. Just follow the directions. read more

The worst part about this agency is the sign-up process. A true nightmare. They tell you to arrive 30 minutes to an hour in advance and that is not NEARLY early enough, you will need to get there at least 2 hours ahead. As if waiting that long is not horrendous enough, they only let the very first part of the line in for orientation. They should AT LEAST have the courtesy to come out an hour/half-hour beforehand and let the people in the back know that they have absolutely no chance of getting in. They don't care about wasting your time - they could care less. At least some common courtesy regarding orientation would be helpful... I know it's just "extra" work but treat them like people! read more

I had a positive experience and great smooth registration process. Just be there super early for parking. Thank you for making this a positive registration experience fast, fun , positive. Thank you for a great customer service very positive and professional. Thanks to Yance , Russell and the ladies at registration and gentleman. Everything fast organized and Appreciate their time and professionalism. read more

I reregistered for work recently after being MIA for over a year. The line was horrible! We were outside under the sun for 20-30 minutes and I'm sure others were there even longer! I suggest, get there early! You'll get a nice parking spot if you do. If you don't, park in the lot all the way at the end of the street. It's a public lot for Metrolink passengers. I've parked their twice and have never had a problem. Be ready to stand for a long time and bring a hat and sunglasses since you'll be under the sun. Eventually, they let us in and we got to sit down. That was the best part! They went over some paperwork information to fill out and also made sure that the people who came in were there for the right reason, reregistration. New registrations take place a different day and they didn't want people wasting their time waiting for the wrong thing. We formed another line inside and someone took our paperwork swiftly and fast! Then the picture was taken and then I was done! The whole experience was only 1 hour and half, which was great! When I first registered in 2009, it took over 3 hours! So I am very happy that I wasn't under the sun too long and that the process is a lot more efficient than it was before. read more

A professional staple to the industry. I was surprised by the variety of people who decide to become background extras ---- from upcoming actors, to students, to senior citizens, to those just looking for some easy fun on set. Central Casting is *the* premiere background/stand-in agency for Hollywood. If your looking for work, you will find it here! Getting registered is easy! Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday they have two different 3-hour presentations, making sure to get everyone in the system easily and effortlessly. (I'm impressed by how often these staffers repeat themselves!) They send out casting notices 5, 6, 7 times a day and are easy to work with! Great opportunity for those wanting to know how to work on a big-budget set! read more

I really don't know why everyone is hating on Central Casting. If you have time, patience, a good attitude and a decent wardrobe selection this will work in your favor here. Yes, you need to get to registration VERY EARLY (2.5-3 hours) to ensure a spot, but bring a book or meet some new friends in line and the time will fly by. One girl I met even brought a seat cushion--not a bad idea! Overall I'm very happy with Central Casting. You have to give credit to everyone who's employed there. They are working incredibly long days and still manage to do it with a smile. On another note, less than 2 hours after registering, I got through to one of the casting directors and booked a 2-day gig! A few suggested improvements for Central Casting: -In addition the the info lines, use a text message system to alert extras of call time changes, location details, etc. -Allow some online signups per day for new registrants with Central Casting so at least a few people are guaranteed a spot in line. -Allow digital submissions of updated headshots, or better yet, allow background actors to access their profiles online and edit them as necessary (change dress size, skills, photos, etc.) read more

If you are over age 30 FORGET ABOUT IT. seriously unless you look 18 and are super hot. If you are like 80 to 114 lbs, Caucasian and can wear a swimsuit two piece and look like a super model then you're working. but if you're older or if you're under 30 but have a lot of mileage in your face, FORGET it. They always say" I need super hot chicks 18tly. I mean they register you now but it's more organized but the same CATTLE CALL. I say you're better off running your own ad in paper or sending out headshots. They suck. If you're BLACK they rarely have any jobs unless you're a black man who looks like you've been in prison or can bench press 1000 pounds. Seriously this place is a joke and they have the entire market because they've been around the longest. Right now the industry is changing. The payments SUCKS very low wages many jobs are 8.00 per hour if that. I say STAY AWAY because many of the casting agents work on jobs themselves. they're supposed to be finding you work but they're hooking up their friends, lovers, etc. Then they get around to you. We're in a recession many films/tv shows have left los angeles. In my opinion Central Casting is unfair. Also why can't WE have access to the database so we can AT least update our own files etc. WORTHLESS company... They have rude attitudes. If you go there and get your forms do not go outside and come back inside they do not allow that. They act like you're trying to run a scam on them. Try to get there early find a good parking. but in my opinion They suck. try to sign up with LA CASTING or just market yourself as a GURU or Actor. read more

I'm giving it 4 stars because I only registered on Wednesday. They've completely changed their current system from the old one. Instead of showing up at a cattle call, they now take appointments. Because of the amount of people who want to register, their next appointments are about a month out. I got lucky because they were originally only doing mornings, but now they've opened up afternoon appointments, and I was about to get into one of the first of those. So I signed up to go this past Monday. Unfortunately for me, I drove all the way up to Burbank (I live in Culver City) and forgot my Social Security Card. I had a photo of it on my cell phone, but no, they needed the physical card. Ok, no problem, they stuck me into the next appointment on Wednesday. Great. I show up at 9, supposed to be there by 9:30, they check us all in (looking at our IDs), and we sit down. One of the CDs comes in and talks to us about what Central Casting is, what background actors are, and how their whole system works. They no longer charge a fee to register. That same day, once they take your photo, you can start calling in. I didn't because I was already booked for Thursday, but I called in for today: Friday. I made the phone call at about 1pm yesterday, and found 2 jobs that I was right for (20s cauc. female, upscale type stuff). The first one I called went to a message line. This is common if they start casting for a day far ahead of the shoot. So I called and left my first 5, name and phone number. I got a call back at about 5pm booking me for the job, and I was given 2 phone numbers to recordings. The first one is the information line and has everything you need, wardrobe, call times and directions (or it was supposed to have directions, the machine apparently cut her off). The second line is the change line that we are supposed to call for any updates or changes to call times, wardrobe, etc. It also had my directions. Now, I'm all packed up, ready to go downtown and work my first background gig in 15 years. read more

Ok been retired now for a year and Central Casting has put me in front of many of my favorite Actors! Really easy to access jobs and have calls texted to me is a great tool. Checks come in the mail usually a week after the shoot. They are working toward direct deposit soon! For me my experience has been great with Central. Very professional and they also have classes for stand in's and BG work. Registration process is a breeze now. I would highly recommend Central to any aspiring actors or retiree like me! Thank you to my favorite casting peeps! Dan, Erica, Alexandra A and H, Shannon and Elana to name a few! These guys are the heart of CC... read more

I'm new to Central Casting. The other day I spent over 3 HOURS calling in trying to get my first job (to at the very least get my $25 back I paid to register). I finally got through, only to be told everything was all booked up. I have to agree with the other negative reviews. Their phone system is archaic and in need of improvements. I don't know how one can book a job just by calling in. I certainly don't have the money to hire a call-in service. Such a disappointment. All I wanted to do was earn a little money and have some fun on film/tv sets. read more

Running a super sketchy company! They're super weird about forms of id because something strange is going on. They said my passport card isn't valid because they're an e-tron business?! Like what is that? Kind of glad I didn't sign up if they're going to be shady! Straight up my card is under the section A acceptable form and they wouldn't take it! Maybe some weird ass excuse. Has me thinking!!! read more

I had to go 3 times before I made it. The first time I arrived on a Monday around 7:20am and I missed the cut off by only a couple people. Okkk.... I went that following Friday, got there at 6:15am, and STILL didn't make the cut off! Finally went Monday at 5:30am and made it (although there were still 30 something people in front of me). Here's the thing - they change the amount of people they take every time. So sometimes they'll take 70 or so people, on the Friday I went they took less than 50 people. They say it's due to production needs. It doesn't make sense to me that from Monday to Friday productions cut down so much that they took 20 less people than normal (and then the following week took upwards of 70 again), but who knows. Don't leave it up to their fickleness - just suck it up and show up super early. From my experience, Monday had the least amount of people show up, Friday had the most. Obviously that was just the week I week and could easily flip flop. I would suggest showing up crazy early (5:30am/6am) on a Monday to make sure you get in. Yes, it's ridiculous that you have to get there that early, but it's better than having to get up super early to go a second (or third) time because you didn't make it. Plus side of being one of the first people in is you get out first, too. They do a good job of moving the photo line after you fill out the paperwork, but it still takes a while. A passport (as long as it's not expired) will do fine as your ID. No need to bring your social security card if you bring your passport. If you bring your social security card, make sure that it doesn't have tape or any damage to it. They turned away a guy because he taped his security card when it ripped. Also, if you bring your birth certificate, make sure it's from the city/state and not the hospital. A woman told me she brought her hospital birth certificate (which still had the seal and everything) and they wouldn't accept it so she had to come back. Don't bother printing out the forms and filling them out at home. They give them to you and you have to walk through filling out the forms with everyone, regardless of whether you filled them out already or not. Save your paper and ink and just get them there. Show up camera ready, but unless you're the first few people in line, you'll have time to run to the bathroom to touch up. If you are one of the first few people in line, once you get your seat in the morning, go to the bathroom and touch up if you need to - there won't be time to do it after you fill out the paperwork and before you get your photo taken. I found most of the staff was super cranky/borderline rude when dealing with people outside in line (they're not great at giving out clear information and answering questions, which honestly just adds to the crankiness of everyone and creates even more questions...), but once inside, almost everyone (with a couple of exceptions) was nice. Cy (I think that was his name) led our orientation and he was actually really awesome! If only everyone who worked there would have his good attitude. I've been trying to submit on my own every day all week using FB (their SAG-AFTRA ladies phone number didn't seem to be working) and haven't gotten anything - stuff fills up fast. I'm probably going to start using a service. Hopefully this will all be worth it! read more

One of the best Background Casting Companies in Los Angeles. Easy to register. Sometimes difficult to get work because you have to keep calling and calling until you get through. The phone system needs to be updated. I'm sick of hearing about a job from 2 weeks ago. But nonetheless, worth it! Just watch out for the ex-cons. No, seriously. read more

I have worked off and on with Central Casting for about 8 years now. There is good and bad. Some sets are casual and fun and it is like you are getting paid just to hang out and fake party (I get a lot of party scenes.) I am always paid promptly and the people who work at Central are all very nice and professional. On the other hand, there are some major issues with inequality in pay. For instance, a lot of the time women are expected to "come hair and makeup ready" without any extra compensation. This is typically an extra hour of work for all women, without pay. On one set were told to use our breaks to touch up our makeup throughout the day. So while all the dudes get to go have a snack or smoke break, the woman are supposed to run to an overcrowded bathroom and reapply makeup. Google "makeup tax" It's pure sexism. Another point of sexism is the expectation that woman should all be wearing high heels without extra pay. On one set, I was put in heels by the wardrobe and they felt okay for the first few hours but by the end of the first day of a two-day shoot, I was in misery. I told them this, but they insisted I had to wear the heels for continuity purposes since I had already been wearing them in prior scenes. There were chairs and sofa's everywhere on set but they would not let the extras use them during breaks, they were reserved for the main actors only. I had to stand for two days straight or sit in the dirty grass. By the end of the second day my feet were injured and I could not do my day job as a yoga instructor for over week. This job ended up actually costing me money in the end due to the injury I sustained. Someone on the set told me I should request a BUMP for hair and makeup and heels. The bump is like a bit of extra payment for dealing with discomfort. For instance there is a smoke bump if people have to inhale smoke on set. This should apply to woman wearing heels and makeup. To the ladies- please request extra payment if they are requiring hair/makeup and heels. We should be demanding equal pay for our time and health sacrifices. This is unrelated, but this was also a set where they made all the extra's walk two blocks up and down a steep hill in order to get water, (in heels or barefoot when you got desperate) even though the SAG craft table had loads of water on set. So there are all sorts of bizarre class issues on sets with regard union and non-union. It makes you feel like you walked into the 1940's, it's just so dated. Speaking of dated, the telephone system needs to be updated to an internet system. It's very annoying when you have to repeatedly listen to a 10 minute recording, where they give you the most important info (like the address) at the very end, often in a rushed manner. read more

4.5 Stars, bumped up to 5 because of the other poor reviews. I have been with Central Casting for 6 months now & here's the truth, the business is hard to break into. You have to WANT to be there. You have to want to get to Registration 2 hours early to get a spot. You have to want to call hundreds of times (LITERALLY!) to book a gig. You have to want to be on set early whether or not you get meals that day or have to sit in wardrobe, so on & so forth. It's hard, but so are most things that are worth doing. read more

I've been with Central for 6 months now, and after the initial (very painful) registration, work has been good. (Take everyone's advice and show up really mega early.) When getting work, you have to call in and try to beat a jillion other people - be extra vigilant about checking the lines/Facebook. You're a face, not a number... But they probably registered a face that looks just like yours this morning. Oh! And every human I've talked to on the phone has been nice, even when I've been a few minutes late. (And yes. Get to know the "hurry up and wait" phenomenon that occurs on every film set ever. Just find the coffee and be glad you brought a book. You DID bring a BOOK, didn't you ?!?) (I should note that I also have a calling service. This is a paid service that books you on jobs based on your availability. Less waiting on the phone! This helps me be able to get jobs while I'm working, something not previously possible.) read more

I came here to register as a background actor for the first time. DANG there are A LOOOOOT of people who want to do the same thing! They offer registration for new background actors three times a week, M W F at 9:10am. They guarantee acceptance of the first 67 people with proper documentation. Last week, I was naive and showed up around 8:30am, thinking that 40 minutes early would be good enough. NOPE. There were about 160 people in front of me. I don't remember any of the staff names but the guy who comes out and deals with the crowd said that the 70th person came that morning at 5:25am. And that it is like this every single week. Wow! He recommended bringing chairs and blankets and coming super early. So this week I was smarter and showed up at 4:30am yesterday. And it worked--I was #11 in line! It was risky for everyone in line, though, because there is no street parking allowed from 3-5am on the surrounding streets. Thankfully none of us were ticketed, but be aware of that risk! That is probably why not many people showed up until 5am. I think it was around 5am that there were 60-something people in line. I had my chair and warm clothes on, but I forgot to bring a blanket. Do not forget! It gets pretty cold around 5-7am. It probably didn't help that it was sprinkling rain too :P Between 8:30-9am the staff member will come out and ask that everyone put their chairs/blankets/etc away in their cars and line up appropriately in the numbered squares (if you are the first 67 in line). There is a ramp that leads up to the office front door that has taped squares on it and chalked numbers. Once everyone is lined up properly then he lets everyone who did not make it into a square know that their odds of being seen are very low. Around 9:10am, two other staff members come out to let in the first 67 people. They check that you have the proper identification and then they let you in. Once you are let in, you are seated in rows of chairs, starting from the front of the room. As the staff members are dealing with letting everyone in, you have your chance to use the restroom. Yay! If you really need to use the restroom while you are waiting in line, there are restrooms available at the nearby metro station. But I did not want to walk there so I just waited until I was able to use the office restroom. After everyone is seated, then they pass out paperwork and start the orientation. The orientation goes over the paperwork and helps you fill it in appropriately as they are very strict on how the forms are to be filled out. Once that is over, then you submit your paperwork to two staff members sitting at desks near the back of the room. As long as you are not in the front row of people, this is also your chance to use the restroom to change clothes and apply makeup if necessary. The two staff members will check your ID and fill in the appropriate areas on the paperwork. Once they OK everything, then they give you the paperwork back to submit to the photographer. You line up for the photographer, hand her your paperwork when she calls you, and then she creates a profile for you. Once she has done that, she will take a headshot and then a full body shot of you. And then you are done! You have been registered and you can now submit to any open casting calls that you fit the criteria for. Some helpful hints: -- Show up early! I would recommend getting there before 5am. Just be aware that technically you are not supposed to park on the street from 3-5am. -- Bring a chair. Bring blankets. Wear warm clothes (layers are recommended). Also bring an umbrella if there is a chance of rain. -- Bring food to eat while waiting in line. A warm drink would probably be helpful too. -- Make sure you bring the proper identification (as listed on their website). They are VERY strict about this. They will not let you in without the proper identification. I saw people getting turned away, so this is serious. -- Listen to the staff member leading the orientation. DO NOT fill out the paperwork until he goes over that particular section. They are also strict about this and several people had to get replacement forms because they did not wait and listen. The good news is once you go through this process, you never have to do it again! They recommend updates every 6 months, or whenever you change your look. Updates take places on Tues and Thurs, and the lines are apparently so much shorter then, thank goodness. They list all their casting calls on their social media, and the only way to get jobs is to pay attention to their postings and call in FAST. So far I have not been able to book anything but I am hopeful. Good luck to everyone! read more

Update. The week after I registered I got a job! I did spend about 30 minutes trying to get through on the phone line. Sure, it's frustrating. They know that. But, that's how their particular system works. If you don't have lots of patience, this isn't for you. Also, I attended the visitation for Casting Directors as well as Central Casting 101. I did this on the same day. Both were EXCELLENT!!!! These seminars are free. I can't believe not EVERYONE is attending them! If you're serious about this you must have A LOT of patience, be able to listen and follow directions precisely, and have a great attitude. If these traits don't fit you, it's not for you. Yay Central Casting! I'm a fan :-) read more

I registered in November and was booked on a three day show as my first gig. I have had the time of my life. read more

I came here in Sept 2016 on a Wednesday. I got in line at 6:30 exactly. Plenty of easy free street parking. There were already 45 people in line. (Some people line up at 5, which isn't crazy if you want to make sure you get in, also you will most likely get out sooner. Bring a blanket or chair. Book, magazines, Food DEFINITELY. Whatever you need. Sometimes they let in a different number of people depending on the day. I think they let in about 70 people on my day. Once you're let in, They have vending machines and bathrooms for use. You go through orientation for about 1.5 hours. Raise your hand and ask any questions you want. Staff is sooo nice. They give you all paperwork. DONT fill anything in. There is a specific way to fill in things. Then we waited in line to turn our paperwork in and they take a photo of you. The last person left around 2:20pm. As long as you can keep from being bored outside in line, it's all good. Ps: food truck outside which is ready and available to order from during break time (11:30ish). read more

I love Central Casting. I've been with them for over 4 years, working off and on. Call them during the day with questions and the people there are so nice. I recently had to sit through two registrations in one month, but it's always fun to go there. However, it's changed in the past year or so. I used to get work all the time, but now it's super hard to get work by calling the line. It seems like they work through the Call In services first and the scraps are left for the private detective. And Call In services are usually $60-70 a month. Also, the work line needs to be cleaned out occasionally. It gets annoying after a while hearing things that are days or weeks old. Otherwise, I enjoy working background. It's tougher now than it was before, but when you finally get some work, it's briefly feels worth it. read more

I went to Central Casting to register on Wednesday, 1/27/2016. I arrived there at 7:20 a.m. By the time I got to the line, it was blocking the driveway - which bothered the other local businesses next door because they came out and threatened to call the police if we didn't clear the way. This was odd to many of us because registrations happens 3 days a week and they acted as though this was the first time they've seen this... By the time it was 9:00 a.m. a man came out from Central Casting and handed out slips to about 50 people. He had mentioned that they only let a limited amount of people in to register, which varies anywhere from 50 - 75. **TIP: He mentioned that the first set of railings located in front of the building is basically the cut off line. You may or may not get in before that - but going beyond that first set of red railing you can almost guarantee that you won't get in. I thought that this was important to share to save people the trouble of waiting in such a long line for hours. That information would have definitely helped me decided whether I should stay or go. It would be great if they could give more information regarding how many people they can register a day to help avoid the long lines. read more

In 2010, there was plenty of work, especially for the "business" or "upscale" look. Also for attractive people ages 35-45. Central Casting always treated me with respect. If you get good reviews from the sets, this makes Central Casting look good, which sometimes filters back to Central Casting and you get booked more often. Summer through Fall seem to be the busy filming periods. I would like to say however, that the disrespectful and rude treatment, if any, came from certain Directors and Assistant Directors on the set- NOT from Central Casting! In my 3 years with background Acting, about 1 out of 10 times I or an entire group of extras would be treated poorly or disrespectfully! - And I was considered very professional, courteous, and responsible by Central Casting staff! I was there giving it 101% and STILL there are Directors on the set that in an ordinary work environment would be reprimanded or eventually fired for sure! It is NEVER okay to treat human beings poorly just because they get paid minimum wage! In conclusion, I give C.C. four stars because the call-in service (and method) is technologically primitive and some casting directors fail to erase old posts which means you sit on the line for many more minutes than should be necessary! A great way to get your feet wet- but don't do it too long if speaking roles are your goal! read more

Great place to get started in your entertainment career or to fill in the gaps in between jobs. Wonderful casting directors and staff. Super professional, and wonderful to work with. Would recommend to any producer looking to cast the very best for their background talent. read more

I worked for this company for years, both union and non union. I was promised three union vouchers to get into the union which repeatedly got delayed. There is a lot of false advertisement about being upgraded to getting lines (ala principal work), but those are just falsehoods to keep you working for pennies, holding on, and clinging to false hope. They have no intention on fulfillment and are not trying to make anyone a star, give them a livable paycheck, or to give them principal roles. Background forever! read more

Highly recommend everyone join. Young or old. Fat or thin. The cute, the hairy, the ugly....

Been waiting months to register and every time they are fully booked. Pretty insane and really wish they had more time slots.

The check-in people are stupid. I had a valid ID and a passport. The passport was expired and they denied me because of that. I would have been ok with that however, my cousin was there and had an expired ID and they let him in. Get your process worked out morons. I wasted 3 hours. If you decide to go get there no later than 6am or you most likely will not get in. Bring ID that is valid and not expired. They have a sheet on their site that says what they accept. Understand that the people checking you in are in some way mentally deficient and you never know if they will let you in if something is out of place. Even if they allow it with someone else. Bring a chair and a blanket as it can get cold. For the Burbank location there is a 7-11 not far away. read more

This company books me 4-5 times a week. They rule. p.s. wish there were some more films on the line, but whatevs. read more

For serious actors. Even though it's just background I have learned so much by watching the stars on set. Good way to network with other aspiring actors and to exchange information. And you get paid! read more

If I could give it to NO Stars I would. Central Casting has been known as the Tycoon for castings and extra castings in the Heart of Los Angeles and maybe now United States. I've probably come here five times. They have a limit of number of people that see a day. The do these castings every week like clockwork. People line up 4 am, 5 am,. 6 am. I've gone there about 5 times and NEVER been scene. We're not even guaranteed to get seen even if you show up. They have a limited number of spots. Yet daily they put out castings, desperate need of new talent. I don't get it. Where's all the people in your pool??? I don't know if I should try or give up with Central Casting. Ridiculous. I'm not happy this morning!!!! Driving back home at 6: 01 in the morning the office isn't even open till 9am. They are too big of a company to be acting so unprofessional. Has work ethic died in America? read more

I've been with Central off and on since 1996. I'm giving 5 stars you know why? going to Central with all it's ups and downs is part of dues paying process to become an actor. if you don't know know anyone in the "BIZ" (ugh I hate that word) it's a good place to get your feet wet and first step in seeing how things are done. for the older BG out there ,remember we we had to pay to join central? And for the life of me can't remember where the other location was when i first joined.If you don't want to deal with traffic or parking the metro-link station is just up the street from central. And if by chance you do get booked on a gig the most important thing to remember is to bring your own PEN. read more

I had been trying to find a casting services company that actually calls me in for several years until I heard of Central Casting. I did not have problems standing in line for the first-day orientation. I signed up with Central and I got hired for a gig a day after. I enjoy receiving the texts from Central Casting and I feel excited for future events to come. read more