Extras Casting for Cars and Pets: Add Them to Your Profile

You can add photos of a pet or a vehicle to your Profile. Some scenes need a particular car parked on a street or a dog in a living room, and casting may look through Profiles to find one. If your car or pet fits what a role needs, your photos help casting see that quickly.

Why casting asks about cars and pets

A street scene looks more real with the right cars on it. A home scene may need a family dog that stays calm around people. Casting often wants a certain kind, color, or size, and your photos let them check before they contact anyone.

Background casting is about types and looks, and that includes the car or animal you bring. A role may ask for someone who owns a certain car or pet, and casting picks mostly from the photos in front of them. Add a photo only when it shows the car or pet clearly, and only if you are happy to bring it to a set.

Photos of your vehicle

Take your photos in daylight, with the whole car in view. A shot from the front and one from the side usually works. Clean the car first if you can, and park somewhere that does not crowd the picture. Good light and a plain background help, the same as with your own photos.

Show the car as it is. If it has a dent, a scratch, or a missing part, do not hide it. The production plans around what it sees, and a surprise on the day can cost you the role. If your Profile asks for the year and model, enter them exactly.

Photos of your pet

Take a clear picture of your pet's face and body, at its own level if you can. Only the animal should be in the frame, and the picture should be in focus. A pet that sits still for a photo may stay calm on a set, though a set is a very different place from home.

Be honest about the animal's habits. If it barks, pulls on a leash, or gets scared in a crowd, say so. A set has bright lights, strangers, and long waits, and some animals find that stressful. Honest details protect your pet and the production.

Getting ready for the day

A day on set is usually about 12 hours, sometimes more, and seldom less than 8. Most of it is waiting. If your car is booked, think about what a camera and a crew will see. A clean, tidy car is easier to work with, and anything loose in the back seat should be put away. Fill the tank the night before, since you may be asked to move the car and you may wait a long time.

If a pet is booked, take a short walk beforehand so the animal arrives calm. Practice staying on a leash around other people, and bring something familiar from home. If your pet seems upset on the day, tell an assistant director right away. Everyone would rather change the plan than have an animal in distress.

Ask the production what holding looks like on your day, since the size and the place depend on how many extras are booked. Then plan around it. Food, water, and a spot to rest matter for an animal as much as for you.

What the production covers

There is usually extra pay for working with your car or bringing your pet, as there is for special wardrobe and similar requests. Casting tells you the amount when you are hired, so read the booking details and the Open Call. Do not assume a number before then. Day rates are covered in Movie Extra Casting: Getting Paid and Keeping Records.

Parking is paid when the production sends you to a paid lot or garage. If the Open Call does not say what the production covers, such as parking or care for your animal, ask casting before you agree. Ask for the answer in writing when you can, so you both remember it the same way.

Safety and comfort

If your pet comes along, pack its food, water, a leash, and anything it needs for the day. Also pack a spot where it can rest. Ask the production about parking and access before you drive to the set. Keep your pet close and calm while the crew works.

For the other details on your Profile, read Extras Casting: Fill In Your Profile Details and Sizes. To learn how to read a role before you reply, see Movie Extra Roles: How to Read an Open Call.

Open your Profile and add one clear photo of your car or your pet, then look at Open Calls for roles that mention one.