GW casts extras/featured extras for feature films. I was wondering if people have found work with the agency. If so, are you SAG or non-union?

I mailed them my package and when I called to confirm, they said that there is no way to tell me if they received it. They also have open registration, but told me that if I sent a package, there is no reason to come in and register.

Any experiences that someone cares to share?

If you're worried that your package wasn't received, just go over and register with them in person.

They do a lot of background/extras casting for tv and film and if you're registered with them, you'll get work. It's only background/extra work, though. Nothing to put on your resume.

quote:

Originally posted by glamourpuss:
GW casts extras/featured extras for feature films. I was wondering if people have found work with the agency. If so, are you SAG or non-union?

They are NOT an agency, but we have gotten SAG BG work from them paying as much as over $500.00/day w/golden time

Ray/Rita,

Many people call casting companies "casting agents".... even agents and managers. I've even seen it in a book written by a very well-known, well-respected agent. It's not that big of a deal if someone calls them an "agency"...

quote:

Originally posted by DianeNYC:
Ray/Rita,

Many people call casting companies "casting agents".... even agents and managers. I've even seen it in a book written by a very well-known, well-respected agent. It's not that big of a deal if someone calls them an "agency"...

It can however lead newbies to believe that someone is entitled to be paid by talent, when in actuality [legally] they are not. Agents get paid by talent, casting directors do not.

I registered with G-W a while back, but have never been called in for anything. Of course, I've also been registered with Central Casting for a year now and THEY never call me in, either.

I'm beginning to feel just a teensy weensy bit unloved .....

I have. I actually get alot of work from them, it is all background and stand-in work though. Which is looked down upon by some people but in my opinion its a great way to start and learn and its also a great way to pay the bills while still having a flexible enough schedule to audition and do other things. I would go in and register. You may not get alot at first but after a few weeks/months you should.

I have and still work for Grants Office. Yes it may take awhile but they are more than fair when booking talent. Postcard them and tell them you are still wanting to work Headsup don't call their office..its not something they like.

Its been quite a while since I last worked a job through them, but I think it took me a couple yrs from the first time i sent something to them to their 1st call to me. If i remember correctly back then they said they had like 20,000 pictures in their files, so people definitely get lost in the vast database of people they have registered. I think they had a time when SAG members can go in, but if you're not, you can always play dumb and just tell them you didnt realize that rule.
But like any of the bg offices, once you get in, and if you can make some sort of impression on them, you the calls will keep coming!

I sent them my package by mail, and I know that they received thousands of submissions. Would it behoove me to register in person as well, or would that be redundant? They offer the option of either, and I wondered if doing one vs. the other is better.

Thank you for the replies. I know that this is often a numbers game.

i've worked pretty decently through them, mostly on gossip girl. i just sent my headshot by email for the first few times, but recently i signed up for NYCastings and they hired me through that too. my first few bookings were waivered, but the strike began just after my third voucher, so i never joined.

i'm non-sag. most of NYCastings is sag.

jactressk, since you have been a member of AEA for more than a year, you can join SAG anytime you want, you certainly don't have to get waivered through bg work to join SAG.

no, in order to sister into SAG from AEA, you have to have had a principal contract in AEA during the year prior to when you wish to join SAG. most of my acting work recently have been showcases, TYA, and such, which don't qualify for the sistering over rule.

i dont want to join SAG until i'm ready to really work, and not doing background (since BG won't pay off that ridiculous membership fee).

quote:

Originally posted by boheme:
I've also been registered with Central Casting for a year now and THEY never call me in,

Did you pay them anything to register?

So, since the TYA contract signs actors as ASMs it disqualifies the actors from joining SAG? Wow, I had no idea.....That stinks!

I wonder if it's always been that way, or if it changed recently....