Background Actor Registration

As a service to our background actor community, the Washington-Baltimore Branch office conducts registrations approximately twice a year, generally following the May and November dues periods, exclusively for members who are interested in pursuing background work in film and television projects.

What is the background registration?

Members in good standing who would like to do background work in film and television projects are invited (during designated times following dues periods) to submit 7-10 headshots and resumes along with a copy of their current membership cards. The office then creates alphabetized packets of men, women and children along with a separate phone/email contact list. These packets are sent to each casting director hired to cast background in our area during that dues cycle.

Why should you participate?

When casting directors receive the packets, they also receive a letter advising them that they don’t need to do a “station 12” cast clearance for anyone included in the SAG registration packet. We assure them that all members included are in good standing and cleared for work during that dues period.

What does that mean and why is it good for registrants?

For the casting director it means using folks in our packet is less work for them. They don’t have to send in your name to check your status with SAG and wait for the answers from our membership department before booking you. Using individuals who register through the union also brings peace of mind to the casting director that no fines will be issued to the producer (the casting director’s client) for violations of either the preference of employment or union security provisions of our contract in connection with hiring folks in our packets. Translation: using you means less worry for them. Final translation: you’ll very likely be hired on their shows, usually without having to show up for open calls!

Is there any other reason for participating?

Sometimes casting directors will tell SAG that they can’t find a particular type from among our membership. This list gives us at least a starting point from which to judge those assertions, and often to successfully refute those claims. (However, please note that we don’t concede that the registration represents a complete list of members available and ready to do background work.)