About us

Background Talent is the leader in Extras Casting in New Zealand, supplying talent nationwide from Auckland to Queenstown. With over 50 years of collective experience our team can handle any and all expectations of our clients. We are the only online booking agency in New Zealand, representing actors, artists and extras for commercials, films and television on any scale. Our mission has always been to provide quality, reliable talent and a level of outstanding professional service to everyone we deal with.

We have a diverse and multi-cultural database. You can customize your search to your requirements, book talent online for auditions or work, or simply browse for inspiration, culminating in a truly interactive experience.

So when casting a production, from one individual to a crowd scene of 500, we can supply your needs anywhere in New Zealand. Our reputation is second to none.

Background Talent " its the best second job in the world"

Our business has enjoyed a dynamic expansion since inception and in January 2003 SVM Actors was created to accommodate our extras moving upward after studies to become actors. Go to www.svmactors.com for more info.

Staff Profiles

Sarah Valentine

Director

Sarah started working in the Film & TV industry at the age of 18, spending time in London, NZ and Los Angeles. She moved to New Zealand in 1995, working as a casting director. In 1998 Lord of the Rings fever hit New Zealand and Sarah recruited 300 extras in preparation. The agency she always wanted to start, to help other people's dreams come true was formed as Background Talent. It is now New Zealand's leading extra agency. Sarah retains a hands on involvement with the agency and is constantly bringing fresh ideas in extras casting to the New Zealand film industry.

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Phone: 09-817-9922
Email: Click photo to email

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Amanda Sullivan

Booking Team

In 2009 Amanda graduated University with a Bachelor of Communication Studies, minoring in television and journalism. During this time she was an extra on multiple local series to aid her understanding of the film industry.

Since then she has worked as television production assistant on NZ productions before working with the fundraising team at Starship Foundation and now is a dedicated member of the Background Talent Booking Team

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Phone: Mob: 021-668-437 - office: 09-817-9922 - Ext 200
Email: Click photo to email

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Jessica Sullivan

Recruitment Manager

Jess has come from a background of recruitment which makes her role here very easy for her to slip into.

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Phone: 09-817-9922 ext 204
Email: Click photo to email

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Gemma Barlow

Project Manager

Gemma arrived in New Zealand in 2002 from the UK and has worked at Background Talent since 2004. She has worked as a Senior Talent Co- Ordinator and as Office Manager. She is currently in London and is now responsible for Background Talent's ongoing special projects.

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Phone: Overseas - please email
Email: Click photo to email

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Daphne Burrows

Accounts Clerk

Daphne joined the team in 2010 and heads up the accounts department.
If you have any enquiries regarding accounts please email her on accounts@backgroundtalent.com

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Phone: 09-817-9922
Email: Click photo to email

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Caroline Green

Accounts

Caroline has been with Background Talent since 2004.. She has mainly worked as an extra and you will have probably met her on set and but she also moonlights as our accounts clerk.

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Phone: 09-817-9922
Email: Click photo to email

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