Beginners Guide for
Performing Artists

Help and advice for actors, models, dancers and singers new to the Film and Television industry in Australia and New Zealand.

How do I get into Film and Television?

Most television work has it’s Talent (i.e. – actors, presenters…whoever is in front of the camera) searched for by a Casting Director. The extras (i.e. – people in the background) may be cast by a separate Casting Director, or the job may be passed directly to one of the local agents, who specialise in Extras, to do themselves.

Some Casting Directors work as an employee for the Production Company (for example with an ongoing television series) and some work directly for the Advertising Agency when the budgets are tight. But, most jobs are contracted out to a freelance Casting Director. These Casting Directors "cast the net" over local Talent, Acting and Model Agencies to see what they can fish out for their client. Because of the usually tight timing schedules, Casting Directors rarely have time to advertise for Talent in normal public domains like the newspaper or on the radio. So, if you’re serious about getting into Film and Television work, your best bet is to find an agent to represent you.