Where can I start looking for New York City background work?

AND Casting’s free talent database is one verified starting point, and Atmosphere Casting lists New York among its database cities. Follow each company’s own registration and notice instructions.

Is the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment a casting agency?

No. It is the city’s official office for film, television, and media production. It supports and promotes production but does not cast or register background performers.

Do I need to be in the union to work as an extra in New York?

AND Casting says it works with SAG, union, and non-union talent, so non-union beginners can register. Individual productions set their own requirements, and registration does not guarantee bookings.

Does a New York casting company only cast New York shoots?

Not necessarily. AND Casting also has a New Jersey office, and companies may cast projects in either state. Check the reporting location in each notice.

Does Scene Seekers book extras in New York?

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

New York City, New York

Becoming an Extra in New York City

New York City supports background work through established casting companies and a dedicated city film office. AND Casting runs a free talent database from its New York and New Jersey offices, while the Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment supports production across the five boroughs.

Last updated 2026-10-25

Background acting in New York City

AND Casting describes itself as specializing in sourcing local background extras for feature films and television series, with offices in New York and New Jersey. Its talent database is free to join, and the company says it works with SAG, union, and non-union talent.

The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment includes the city’s Film Office and reported continued support for film and television production in its 2025 year-end summary. A city film office is a production-facing agency, not a casting service, so performer applications go through casting companies rather than the city.

Getting started as a beginner

Create a free profile in AND Casting’s talent database and keep your photos, sizes, and contact details current.
Read each notice’s reporting location carefully. A New York-area project may report anywhere in the five boroughs or across the river in New Jersey.
Follow the submission instructions in the individual notice rather than sending a general application to a city office.

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

The New York market spans five boroughs, and some New York-based casting companies also cast New Jersey projects. Confirm where you would actually report before accepting a booking.
Early call times are common in background work generally; check whether you can reach the reporting location at the requested time before committing.
The Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment supports and promotes production; it does not register or book background performers.

Local Casting Resources

AND Casting
Background casting company with New York and New Jersey offices and a free talent database for feature, television, and commercial work.
New York and New Jersey
NYC Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment
The city’s official film and media office. Useful for understanding local production; not a performer casting service.
New York City
Atmosphere Casting
Extras casting service that lists New York City among the major cities where it maintains performer databases.
National, including New York City

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 New York City May Look For

Feature-film & series background

AND Casting identifies feature films and television series as its background-casting focus. That describes the company’s services, not a list of current openings.

Union & non-union roles

The company states it works with SAG, union, and non-union talent. Individual productions set their own eligibility requirements.

Commercial work

AND Casting’s featured work includes commercial projects alongside features. Check each notice for its own dates, location, and requirements.

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

FAQ

New York City 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.

Our Casting Partner

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