Principal Casting Directors

Principal casting directors are responsible for auditioning actors for speaking roles in a production. They are hired and paid by productions to distribute the breakdown of characters needing to be cast in a production and to audition talent. They work closely with agents, producers, and directors. 

For larger productions, these breakdowns are typically accessible only to agents. However, in some cases, casting calls may be opened to the public. A legitimate casting director will never ask for money in exchange for an audition.

Background Casting Directors
These casting directors are hired by the production to fill non-speaking roles that make the scene feel authentic. Background actors can submit themselves directly through the casting company’s website. Like principal casting, background casting directors are paid by the production—not the actor.

Agent
Agents represent actors. They submit their clients to casting directors to secure auditions, pitch their clients for specific jobs, and negotiate contracts. The New Mexico agents listed above are all SAG-AFTRA franchised, meaning they follow a set of regulations established by the actors’ union to protect performers.

Agents are paid a commission (typically 10%) from the acting jobs and residuals from those jobs they help you secure. They are never paid upfront and do not require specific classes or headshot photographers, though they may make suggestions if asked.

Each New Mexico agent has different submission policies and requirements. Please visit their website and follow the listed instructions to be considered for representation.

Acting Scams
Unfortunately, there are individuals and companies that exploit actors for financial gain. If something sounds too good to be true, it likely is. Always vet anyone you consider working with. When in doubt, contact the Film Office, they have the resources to verify legitimacy.

Common Red Flags:

• Upfront Fees: Legitimate agents and casting directors never charge upfront fees. Research their credits on IMDb.com. SAGAFTRA.org also maintains a list of franchised agents and local casting directors. Or try Googling the name or company with the word “scam.”
• Vague Job Descriptions: Beware of ads using generic language like “Actors Wanted” or “Models Needed” with no clear project details.
• Inappropriate Requests: Never send nude or suggestive photos. No reputable professional will pressure you into uncomfortable situations.
• Pressure Tactics: Scammers may use urgency or promises of fast success to get you to pay for services or sign contracts.

Legitimate Expenses:
The primary costs principal actors may incur include:

• Acting classes
• Professional headshots (for principal performers)
• Membership to casting submission sites (if self-submitting)
• Self-tape equipment

If you are represented by an agent, you do not need to pay for submission sites used by your agent.

Background Actors

An extra (also called background) is someone who performs in a non-speaking role on a production. The best way to become involved is to get in touch with background casting companies. Listed below are some background casting agencies in the Albuquerque area. Here are some tips to become an extra on a production:

1. Gather Important Items:
   You will need to gather some important information that casting companies use on a Daily Basis. First be sure to take some new photos of yourself. Grab a Friend, Family Member, or Neighbor and have them take some photos of you against a Blank Wall in a Neutral Color. You should have one full body photo (Head to Toes in frame, and without a large gap on top/bottom of photo), a second photo that is from chest up (Bottom should be at mid chest and the top of the photo should be a little over the top of your head). These photos need to accurately depict what you look like NOW (Hair Color, Glasses/No Glasses, Men with long hair need to show that in the photo). The next thing you will need is accurate sizes. We suggest going to Mens Warehouse for Men, Victoria Secrets for Ladies and ask them to get your full sizes. SAMPLE: Height, Weight, Coat X Neck/Sleeve, Waist, Inseam, Shoes, Hat (Ladies will need Dress, Bust, Hips, Waist, Shoes). Updated Mailing Address, Contact Cell, and Working Email Address that you will monitor frequently.
2. Get Listed With Casting Companies:
   Now that you should have all the required information together be sure to follow the individual casting companies on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! Some casting companies have a database you should sign up in as well as monitor their Social Media Feeds. When you see something that fits your Type be sure to submit with the information you gathered above!
3. Be aware of scams!
   Even Craigslist sometimes lists casting calls; however, BE CERTAIN THAT THEY ARE LEGITIMATE. Never, ever pay to be listed with an extras casting company or talent agency. Find helpful information in avoiding acting and modeling scams here: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0071-look-out-modeling-scams
4. Check casting calls frequently.