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
they can not be accessed by the general public. Details such as your phone number and address can only be accessed by the employees of
Background Talent Ltd.
How do I get work?
Once you have registered with Background Talent you are immediately loaded on to the website and will be submitted for any jobs for
which your look is appropriate. We often get requests for crowds of extras so it is important to let us know what days you can work so
we can book you for the job. Call us once a week with your availability.
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 $12.50 per hour (minus tax and 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 require an audition and acting skills.
When do I get paid?
We invoice jobs the day of the shoot and most production companies will pay around about the 20th of the following month and you can expect payment some
time after that. Where a production company is based overseas (UK, US, Australia) it can take longer than that to get paid. As a general rule, if you have
not been paid after 8 weeks from the date of the job, feel free to contact us, but please do not inundate us with calls before that time. Payment is made
by direct credit to your bank account so it is essential that you provide us with the correct and current bank account details. We cannot pay anyone
unless we have both bank account numbers and IRD numbers so please provide them to us upon joining or as soon after as possible. Also we prefer to send
remittance advices via email, so if you have an email address please supply it to us.
How much does it cost to join?
There is an annual registration fee of $150.00 (This fee is subject to change). This covers the cost of having photographs taken and uploads your CV onto our website (being the only
online booking agency in Australasia, including your headshots in our talent book that is sent out to Production Companies, and sending your details out
to Casting Directors for work. (Most other agencies upon joining expect you to pay for your own photos at a cost of around $160.00, then to get them
printed you are looking at around $2.00 per print and you have to supply around 30, to be on a website you are looking at around $100.00, this is going on
a variety of different sites talent online, showcast etc). This is payable every year and is non-refundable. This fee is also subject to change. If you
find any agency that offers you all the above for a cheaper rate we will beat it.
What if I cant afford the fee?
If you have any financial difficulties please call us to discuss your options.
Are there any additional costs?
All agencies deduct a commission for their services to you as an Agent. Background Talent charges 20% commission + GST. Inland Revenue also requires you
to pay tax. Withholding Tax is also deducted at 20% of your gross earnings after the agency commission has been deducted. You must give us your IRD number
or it will be deducted at 35%.
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 registration fee 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.
How long is the shoot day?
A little bit like how long is a piece of string? (and don't say twice the length from the middle) A shoot can vary from being an hour or two (you will get
always get paid for a minimum of three to five hours if on an hourly rate or will be given a flat half day rate) to 12 hours. As a general rule though,
overtime is payable after 12 hours for feature films and after 10 hours for commercials. I always say that the day isnt finished until the Director says
"Its a WRAP".
What clothes do I take with me?
When you are given your call time and location details, you will also be told what you will need to bring in terms of wardrobe. It is important that you
always take 3 options of clothes so that you have something else to change into if what you are wearing is not suitable. As a general rule, logos and
advertising of any kind is not allowed and bright colours and stripes are usually discouraged. If you are required to go for a wardrobe fitting, you will
be advised before the shoot and clothes will be delegated to you.
When do I get my call time?
Call times are subject to change and are usually not set in stone until the day before the shoot. If you are booked for a job then it is important that
you phone the office after mid-day, the day before to find out what time you are required on set.
How much notice do I have to give if I am unable to attend?
Once your call time is given and you have been booked on a job it is important that you give us at least 48 hours notice if something comes up and you are
no longer able to make it, this allows us to find a replacement for you if required. Again, failure to give us notice may result in legal action taken and
instant removal from the database. If you fail to give adequate notice or do not turn up on the day of the job, you will be charged a non-attendance fee.
This fee is what we would have earned in commission (GST inclusive) for the job had you turned up.
What if I am sick?
Once you are booked and confirmed on a job a contract is sent out on your behalf and you MUST fulfil your obligations otherwise legal action may be
enforced. However, if you are sick and can not attend a shoot you must make sure that you contact both Background Talent and the Assistant Director on the
shoot (their number will be given to you once you are confirmed) our answer phone is on 24 hours, 7 days per week and if you fail to show for a shoot
without advising us, you will be automatically removed from the books. You may also be asked to provide a medical certificate to support your claim.
What if I am running late?
If you are running late for an audition or a job phone your agent and let them know. There is nothing worse than letting someone down and if you want to
put your agent off you this is definitely the way to go. The NZ film industry is very small so you will not be forgotten. Auditions and work are precious
to the people who want them so don t let this opportunity pass you by as there are other people who would love to have that chance.
What is an AD?
An AD is the Assistant Director and is the person on set who will sign you in and out and tell you what you are required to do on set. You must let the
Assistant Director know where you are at all times.
What if I want to be an Actor?
If you are a trained, professional Actor with previous experience you may wish to join Sarah Valentine Management, the website for this is
www.sarah-valentine.com
How do I do an audition?
In general terms, any jobs paying more than $500 per day will require you to audition for the part (this is not always the rule). What you are
required to do in an audition depends on the script which you will be advised on before attending. Get your Script As soon As possible.
1. Make sure you are always at the audition location early! This is very important as you want to arrive calm, collected and relaxed which will
make a good impression and get you ready for your audition.
2. Always allow plenty of time to get to your audition because traffic jams, flat tyres and other such things always strike at times when you
least need them! Casting Directors have heard every excuse in the book and really are quite sick of them so just be on time so that you don't have
to make up some excuse.
3. Learn your lines before hand. Inside out, Upside down and backwards. Auditions are the opportunity for you to shine - don't lose an opportunity
or mess up someone else's. This clearly, does not need to be explained.
4 Once you arrive, you will be directed to a waiting room and asked to fill out an application form. Make sure that you fill out the form
completely and truthfully and don t forget to put down the name of your agency! It's all fairly simple and easy to answer (and good to get your
mind off the audition!)
When signing this document you are saying that you are available for the shoot dates. BE AWARE of the dates. If you aren t available then you are
wasting everyone s time by auditioning and your audition could be given to someone else.
Once it is completed, someone will come and take it from you. Now always be patient, they may be running over-time but that s no excuse to start
stating your demands! When they are ready for you, you will be called into another room which has a video camera set up inside. There will be a
mark on the floor in a T shape, you will be directed to the mark and you will stand facing the camera. (Place your feet either side of the T with
your toes at the top of the T)
They will hand you a piece of paper/board that has your name and agency on it. Hold it at chest height. The assistant will then take a photo of
you holding the board and after the photo they will do the same with the video camera. The casting director may ask you for "Profiles". These are
just like mug-shots but not as nasty! You will look directly at the camera and pause, then turn left, so they see the "profile" of your face and
body, once again pause, face the front and then turn to the right so that they see the other side of your body, then back to the centre. Sounds
kind of confusing, but really, it's not! Just pretend you are in a line-up and you'll be fine, but don't forget to smile!
Now that the "Profiles" are done, they will tell you exactly what they want you to do. LISTEN TO WHAT THEY SAY! They are there to get the best
performance out of you. They need you to be good. Always pay attention to what they ask, because if you don't listen in the audition then you
won't be very professional at the actual job! Also, you want to listen for any hints or tips at what they are looking for - such as, "expression
in your eyes" - if they want it, give it to them!!!
Now is not the time to be a prima-donna, what they say is constructive!
Ask questions if you are not sure. Where should your eye line be? Never look at the camera unless they ask you to. They let you have a couple of
run-throughs/rehearsals, and then it is show time! Always be aware of the role that you are going for, and act that part. You don't want to be all
bubbly and cutsie if you are auditioning for a Bouncer! Be the character, the character is you.
Once the audition is over, you want to thank the casting people, always be polite and remember that a lasting impression is the key to success!
AFTER THE AUDITION
Go home and forget about it. You may do 100 auditions and get maybe 1 or more a year. I have had 100's of auditions and got maybe 30 but I have
been doing this a lonnnnnnnnnng time. Don't be down if you don't get the part. Just know in your heart that you did your best. Sometimes you may
just have the wrong colour hair or figure and it s nothing to do with your acting ability. Do yourself a favour, go to class, practise your skills
and never give up. One day it will happen.
If you want to do the Audition Technique Classes just give us a call and we can book you in.
Do I have to sign any contracts?
DO NOT SIGN ANYTHING YOU ARE UNSURE OF. You will sign a contract with Background Talent when you register with Background Talent. Any contracts
between yourself and the Production Company/Advertising Agency will be signed on your behalf by Background Talent as your Agent.
How can I improve my chances of getting work?
The film & television industry in New Zealand is very close-knit and you can therefore make a name for yourself (either good or bad) on your very
first day of filming. If you are known as a flexible, adaptable person with a friendly and positive attitude, Casting Directors and Assistant
Directors will remember you for next time and you will be asked back for more work. If however, you are known to be difficult, have an attitude
and are unreliable you can be rest assured, that your career will be very short lived! It is also important that you maintain a good relationship
with your Agent and advise of any change of contact details so that we can always get hold of you and that you let us know when you are available
to work.
What should I expect on the day?
Before anything else, make sure you have all the information you need from your Agent i.e. call time, location details (Know where you are going
before you get there!) Wardrobe details, contact numbers for the Assistant Director and the person who booked you on the job, what the production
is (i.e. is it a commercial, television programme, feature film or music video) and how much you are getting paid.
You should arrive to set on, or just before, your call time and find either a Assistant Director or the Runner to sign you in. The A.D./ Runner
will then tell you where to put your bags, show you where the refreshments and facilities are and direct you to take a seat. You will then either
be called in to have your make-up and wardrobe done (if required) or the Wardrobe Mistress will check over the outfit you are wearing and either
approve it or ask you to wear something else. Once you have been told what to wear it is most important that you do not change your appearance in
any way.
It is very important that whilst on set you keep the noise to a minimum and remain silent whilst filming is taking place. The A.D will instruct
you as to what action they would like you to take and it is very important that you listen for your cue to perform (when the Director says Action
) DO NOT MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH THE CAMERA DURING FILMING AND KEEP ALL NOISE TO A MINIMUM (unless, of course you are instructed otherwise). When
the Director says Cut return to your original position.
There will be down time where the crew are setting up for the next scene so it is a good idea that take something with you to keep you entertained
a book, magazine, pack of cards etc. There will usually be other extras on set for you to talk to but be sure to keep the noise level down you do
not want to be responsible for a scene having to be re-shot as this can result in being removed from set.
As well as refreshments, breakfast, lunch and dinner will also be provided depending on the call time and wrap time but it is also a good idea to
take your own snacks as well in case you get hungry between meals. If it is an outdoor shoot, be prepared for bad weather and don t forget to take
an umbrella, raincoat and warm clothing to wear between shoots.
Do not leave set without telling the A.D where you are going and do not forget to sign out when filming is wrapped (otherwise you might miss out
on getting paid!). If you have any other questions, direct them to the A.D. or phone your Agent. Most importantly HAVE FUN!
After the Job
When the job is completed, contact your agent the next working day and let them know how the job went, what time it finished, if they asked you to
have extra photos taken, extra make up and whether there was anything you were not expecting or were uncomfortable with. NEVER SIGN ANYTHING ON
SET except for a timesheet which simply has your name, time in, time out and place for your signature.
What if acting is not for me?
If you decide that once you have joined Background Talent and it s not for you just send us a letter in writing which gives us notice that you
want to leave. All your previous work and contracts will remain with Background Talent and all rollover periods / recalls and work that has been
procured by us will still be in contract.
Copyright / Conditions of use
Background Talent Ltd reserves all rights.
Background Talent web site is protected by copyright. You may print out individual articles or pages for your private use but no form of
distribution or making available to the public (whether in print or electronic form) of any of this website's content is permitted.
This website is designed to provide accurate and up to date information, however it is not always possible to forsee some changes which may take
place. Due to the large volume of information within these pages it is possible that from time to time some information may not be accurate.
Please be aware that you should confirm all and any details such as pricing and availability with the relevant product or services provider, prior
to completing any form of purchase, booking, paying of any fee or deposit.
Background Talent Ltd and its administrative team and agents will not accept liability for any decisions or actions taken on the basis of
information provided on these pages.
No part of this website may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without the written permission of the copyright holder.
Copyright Sarah Valentine / Background Talent.
Breach of the copyright owned by Background Talent Ltd by you, will result in injunctive proceedings being commenced against you with the purpose
of restraining you from any further breaches.
Orders for the payment of the costs of the injunctive proceedings and damages for any loss arising out of your breach of the copyright may be
given against you.
Hopefully we have answered all your questions. Please email us if you have anything further.
info@backgroundtalent.com
Film Set Terminolgy
ACTION Go - word used to begin filming
BLOCKING gives the movement for the scene
BOOM microphone above the set
CHECKING waiting on response from the control room
CONTINUITY logical sequence of an action CUT stop filming
EDGE OF FRAME frame of film - where the camera sees
FINALS last chance to do something before filming begins
GOING AGAIN we are going to do it again
IT'S A BUY the scene is acceptable, therefore complete
LOCATION outside the area where filming is to take place
MARK marks a position, so you can move to it
MARK IT mark the film with the clapper board
MASKING obscuring the vision for the camera
MORE LEVEL louder
MOVING ON going on to the next scene
PICK UP starting from where it went wrong
READ THROUGH deliver the words but not the actions
RECORDING filming is taking place
RED LIGHT goes on above doors of studio when recording - don't go in until the red light goes off
REHEARSAL practice
ROLL IT said to sound and film crew - start machines rolling
SAFE if an AD tells you you're not "safe" - it usually means that you could be in shot - in the background of the filming taking place
SET the location where filming is taking place
SHOOT film
SIGN IN/OUT sign your name on a form with the AD to prove that you turned up, did the work and finished - used to work out your wages
TAKE term used for a piece of filming
TWO BEATS count to two before speaking - used to edit shot
WILD LINE taking the sound only - without filming action
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