Who casts extras in Buffalo?

Casting Buffalo and Buffalo Film Casting handle most of the region's film, TV, and commercial casting. Different productions use different companies, so it is worth registering with both.

What kind of productions film in Buffalo?

Holiday and family features have been a recurring category — local casting companies list numerous Great American Family films, and news coverage has documented Hallmark productions casting extras in the area. Commercials and independent features also film locally.

Is the Buffalo Niagara Film Commission a casting agency?

No. It is the regional film office; its production directory lists local professionals and services. Casting happens through the individual casting companies.

Do Buffalo productions pay extras?

Published casting calls for recent Buffalo features listed paid background rates, with separate union and non-union rates. Rates are set per production — always read the specific call.

Does Scene Seekers book extras in Buffalo?

No. Scene Seekers is an independent informational site. We do not cast, hire, or represent performers.

Buffalo, New York

Becoming an Extra in Buffalo

Buffalo has become a busy Western New York production market, especially for holiday and family features. Two local companies — Casting Buffalo and Buffalo Film Casting — handle most of the region's casting, and the Buffalo Niagara Film Commission maintains a production directory.

Last updated 2026-10-25

Background acting in Buffalo

Casting Buffalo, founded in 2020, describes itself as a casting company for film, television, and commercial productions in Western New York, with a private network of over 5,000 performers. Buffalo Film Casting, led by 30-year SAG member Frank Rossi, reports casting more than 275 principal roles and 4,000-plus extras over the past decade.

Local news coverage documents recurring extras calls for holiday movies filming in the Buffalo area, including Great American Family and Hallmark productions, with published union and non-union background rates. The Buffalo Niagara Film Commission's production directory lists local crew, services, and talent professionals.

Getting started as a beginner

Join the networks of both local companies — Casting Buffalo and Buffalo Film Casting — since different productions use different casting directors.
Watch local news and the companies' own channels for extras calls; Buffalo productions have historically recruited hundreds of background performers at a time.
Have recent photos, basic measurements, and your availability ready before a call goes out — holiday features often cast on tight timelines.

New to all of this? Start with How to Become a Movie Extra With No Experience.

Explore background extras opportunities in New York on Project Casting. (affiliate link to Project Casting)

Practical local considerations

Buffalo's production volume is seasonal and project-driven. A busy stretch of holiday features does not mean year-round work.
Western New York weather is a real factor: winter productions may involve long outdoor days. Confirm wardrobe and conditions before accepting.
Buffalo is roughly 370 miles from New York City. Downstate casting resources generally do not apply to Western New York work.

Local Casting Resources

Casting Buffalo
Western New York casting company for film, television, and commercials, offering union and non-union casting with a performer network of over 5,000.
Buffalo and Western New York
Buffalo Film Casting
Long-running Buffalo casting company for principals and extras, with credits including numerous Great American Family features and regional commercials.
Buffalo and Western New York
Buffalo Niagara Film Commission — Production Directory
Official regional film commission directory of local production professionals, services, and talent.
Buffalo Niagara region

From our casting partner

Explore background extras opportunities in New York on Project Casting. (affiliate link to Project Casting)

Types of Opportunities

What Productions in Buffalo May Look For

Holiday and family features

Buffalo Film Casting lists numerous Great American Family holiday features among its credits, and local news has covered extras calls for Hallmark productions filming in the area. This is a recurring production category, not a standing opening.

Commercials and regional campaigns

Both companies describe commercial casting among their services, including national-brand spots filmed in Western New York.

Independent and union features

Casting Buffalo offers union (SAG-AFTRA/Equity) and non-union casting for speaking and non-speaking roles. Individual projects set their own requirements.

Examples are general. Scene Seekers does not list or guarantee specific casting calls.

FAQ

Buffalo Questions

Keep Learning

Helpful Guides

Getting Started

How to Become a Movie Extra With No Experience

A calm, practical walkthrough for complete beginners — from photos to your first booking.

Going Pro

Can You Make a Living as a Background Actor?

An honest look at what working regularly as an extra can involve — without the hype.

On Set

What to Expect on Your First Day on Set

Call times, holding areas, wardrobe checks, and the art of waiting well.

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