So You Want to be in pictures.

Ever want to be in the movies?

To see yourself on TV?

It is easier than you think and you may even get paid to do it.

If your aspirations go beyond simply being seen, you may also be interested in getting your feet wet by becoming a background performer, or extra, when production comes to town. Signing up is simple, and as far work is concerned, the job is easy and when it rains it pours!

Las Vegas is a convention and modeling market first, with film secondary, followed by predominantly non-union commercial and industrials.  The film market is primarily location work, which translates into background extras and day players (actors with small speaking parts who work only a day or a few days) opportunities. That is not to say that actors have not been selected from this market to go on to careers in the industry. The list grows each year of actors who are from or who lived in Nevada prior to making it big.

Proper training, marketing tools, business sense and representation are needed to take the next step toward a successful career. And while this is a youth centered industry, talent comes in all sizes, colors, backgrounds and ages. Anyone with the dream, willing to learn and work at it, can make a living in show business.    It takes time and dedication.

Once you have done it a few times, you may wish to work toward the benefits and prestigue of working toward membership in the Screen Actors Guild (http://www.sag.org) through the Nevada Branch.

The process is relatively simple. Each of the agencies listed below provides background talent for productions locally and those that come in from Hollywood. Each requires a fee to “sign up” and may require you to check in periodically as well. The state limits fees to “reasonable”. Fees range from as little as $10 to as a reasonable $80. If the fee is higher than that find out what you are “buying” and check with the Nevada Film Office (702-486-2712).  The process will vary by agency, so feel free to contact each in advance to find out their policies:

Baskow & Associates
(702) 733-7818

http://www.baskow.com/home.php

Casting Entertainment
(702) 207-4447

http://www.casting-entertainment.com/Contact.aspx

Goldman and Associates
(702) 990-3210 phone

http://www.gacasting.com/

Lear Entertainment
(702) 438-9111

 http://www.leartalentguide.com/Contact_Us.php

On Location Casting
(702) 917-5501

http://www.onlocationcasting.net/

Red Agency
(702) 242-1770

http://www.redagencylv.com/

VegasBackground.com
(702) 866-5924

http://www.vegasbackground.com/

Wild Streak Talent
(702) 252-8382

www.wildstreaktalent.com