Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between BT Kids, a Superstar and a Megastar?

BT Kids is the term used for our talent aged 0-15 and a Superstar is the name for our talent aged 16 and over. Both BT Kids and Superstars get a whole bunch of things as part of their Annual Website Fee (AWF) with Background Talent, including:

- A Personal Online Diary (POD) to manage your availability for work

- 3 different CVs to promote yourself to our clients

-A place in our quarterly QuickFlick Book, sent out to productions

-4 Photos, a combination of headshots, bodyshots, midshots. These photos are taken at our offices and edited by us.

-5 You have access to our online Background Talent training manual with all the info you will need to start as an extra in the exciting world of film and television.

A Megastar can be any age from 2 weeks old upwards! Megastars get everything a BT Kid or Superstar gets as well as these additional bonuses:

- Priority when being searched for in the database

-A professional photo shoot (45 minutes) with Kelly Newland Photography (www.kellynewland.com)

-20 hand edited colour photographs held at the office to be used on your profile (on/off option for Black and White)

-A disc of the 20 images with high res 300dpi print file and 72dpi web file

How do I become part of Background Talent?

We are a predominantly online based agency and so to register with us it is as easy as clicking here. Once you have filled out the application form you will need to make an appointment to come in and meet us and discuss your membership

What do I get out of being with Background Talent?

Apart from the exciting opportunities in Film and TV in New Zealand ( and sometimes abroad too) Background Talent offers you membership in a tight knit community of extras. The talent we represent vary in age, ethnicity, background and location, some staying with us for 1 year, others for 10! During your year's membership, you will have access to your own personalised online profile, complete with diary and calendar, control over your media and profile as well as your CVs and place in our quarterly reference book. Give us a call on 09-817-9922 or email on recruitment@backgroundtalent.com if you any further questions

Will my contact details be accessible to anyone?

Your photographs will only be accessible on the internet to Casting Directors who have been allocated with a specific login and password unless you decide to show a public profile. Your contact details will only be forwarded to a produ ction once you are confirmed on a job. 

Where is the work?

Auckland
Most of the work is filmed in and around the greater Auckland area. If you are selected for work that is filmed outside of Auckland then travel and accommodation costs will be paid for by the Production Company.

Wellington
Again in Wellington most of the work is filmed in and around the main city. As above If you are selected for work that is filmed outside of Wellington then travel and accommodation costs will be paid for by the Production Company.

South Island
With all the wonderful work that Peter Jackson has done with Lord of the Rings, more and more work is coming your way. We tend to do quite a bit of work in Queenstown and of course the surrounding area but work is spreading as far a field as Dunedin. Fingers crossed we can cover the whole country soon. 

Whats the pay like?

Extras can earn from anywhere between $13.00 per hour (minus 20% tax and 20% commission) to $10,000.00 (minus tax and commission) for a days work. Its really just depends on the job and what role you have been given. Featured Extras and Actors tend to be looking at the higher end of the scale. Fees that are over $500.00 usually require an audition and acting skills. 

May I belong to more than one Agency?

We do not accept people who are already signed to an Agency and you may not join another Agency while you are signed to Background Talent. Please discuss this with us as there are some exceptions to the rule. 

Do I need to pay extra for photos?

The cost of having standard photographs taken is covered by the BT Kids and Superstar profiles however, if you wish to have professional photographs taken, we can refer you to very reputable photographers who are available at very competitive rates. 

How do we meet you if we live out of Auckland?

We travel all over the country at different times of year so keep yourself posted to our newsletter/audtions and work section and it will inform you when we are in your part of the world.

Which is the best agency to be with?

There are lots of agencies out there offering all sorts of things but here are a few questions that you should ask before you join anyone.

1. Where do they have their talent working? 

2. Which production companies use them? 

3. Get proof that they are who they say they are. 

4. Do they have a website? 

5. Are they in the databook? 

6. Will they actually get you work or will they rip you off? 

7. Do they belong to the Actors Agents Guild or Association. 

BE CAREFUL. 

We put people on TV and in movies and have done so for 13 years. Google us, and do the checks above. We are the only agency that guarantees you work. No one else does. 

If you are aged 16 - 60 with your own transport, can get up early, have a good attitude and are ready for work then go to our website www.backgroundtalent.com. Fill out our very easy application form and then call us. 

We have over 50 years of collective experience and 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 which we want you to be a part of.  Our clients can customize their search to their requirements, book you 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 supply talent anywhere in New Zealand. Our reputation is second to none. 

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

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Hopefully we have answered all your questions. Please email us if you have anything further. recruitment@backgroundtalent.com