The National Capital’s Premiere Casting Company
About Us
Smyth Casting is Ottawa’s full service casting company. Whether it’s a feature film, television series, commercial or corporate video, Smyth Casting can find the talent you need when you need it. We have a database of over 3000 actors and background performers that is constantly growing to ensure fresh faces at each audition. We also work closely with the city’s many agencies to incorporate their talent into our audition sessions.
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Producers
Casting Principal Actors
Whether you’re casting for a feature film, commercial or corporate film, Smyth Casting has extensive knowledge of the area’s deep talent pool. Hiring Ottawa actors from our database can mean big savings to your bottom line. Hiring locals means you save on travel, per diem, hotels and more.
Our large database of actors ensures that we can find actors to suit your projects specific needs. We have a fantastic relationship with all of the local agents, ACTRA Ottawa and can also cast out of Montreal and Toronto should you require.
- Our Casting Sessions Include
- Camera & operator
- A reader
- An assistant to sign actors in and out.
- Casting space if required.
- An edited copy of the casting session
Casting Background Performers
We cast background performers for a wide variety of productions. Our large database allows us to find you the talent you need when you need it.
We’re also able to provide special skills background performers, such as, circus performers, athletes, dancers etc… and also people with specific physical traits.
- In casting background performers for your production we:
- Provide consultations with director and producers to ensure we’re all on the same page in regards to desired looks and requirements of background performers.
- Send detailed extras lists, with the names and numbers of the performers the night before the shoot.
- Consultation with wardrobe department to ensure background performers match the look required for the production.
- We can also provide the production with an experienced wrangler who can assist in managing the background performers on set.
Background Casting
Getting Started
Have you always dreamed of seeing your face on the big screen? Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work on a movie set? You’ve come to the right place.
Smyth Casting is Ottawa’s best and biggest casting company. We have worked on over 30 productions in the last few years and have the largest actor database Ottawa. We’ve cast films in the Capital with names such as Kim Coates, Cuba Gooding Jr, Christian Slater, Sasha Gray, Dominic Monoghan and many more.
Working as a Background Performer requires no previous experience and gives you an opportunity to see how a real film set works and to be part of the action.
To become a background performer and work on one of the Capital’s many film productions, sign up today to become part of Smyth Casting’s actor database.
topSet Rules and Etiquette
Being on set can be a fun and exciting experience, but always keep in mind it is a workplace and you are a part of this professional environment. While we always want you to have an enjoyable experience, we also hope that you will approach your experience as you would in any other workplace.
To ensure your day goes smoothly and you’ll be called again, here are some tips and rules that all background performers MUST REVIEW before arriving on set for the first time.
Upon your first booking you will be asked by a member of our staff to sign a declaration that you have read and understand the listed tips and rules. Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in removal from our casting database.
TIPS AND RULES
ALWAYS SHOW UP AT LEAST 15 MINUTES PRIOR TO YOUR CALL TIME IN YOUR WARDROBE AND CAMERA READY- IF YOU COMMIT TO A SHOOT – YOU MUST SHOW UP OR YOU WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED FOR THE NEXT ONE.
It is imperative that upon accepting a booking you commit to being available for the entire day and into the evening. There are also night shoots from time to time; this means that if you’re booked for a late call time there is the possibility you may be there all night. Please be ready to work anywhere from several hour calls to very long shifts, upwards of 14 hours. We have no insight into potential wrap times due to inevitable slow downs and changes such as set-up times, weather etc… faced on every film set. Smyth Casting has no control over production scheduling and thus never knows in advance when you’ll be wrapped. Bring a book! Great time to catch up on some reading.
NEVER LOOK DIRECTLY INTO THE CAMERA LENS! Trust us… you don’t want to do this 
Please keep quiet. It is easier and nicer to work when no one has to scream. If you’re asked to talk while doing your action remember you must fake it. We shouldn’t hear any sounds unless specified by an AD that they do need sound for a shot.
When you come in or leave ALWAYS check in/out with the 3rd assistant-director (AD) or the person responsible for background performers. It’s the only way for them to know where you are and to pay you for your hours.
Once on set, always listen carefully to the instructions given to you. There might be a few rehearsals first. Remember your action and position as well as those around you. You’ll have to repeat that action many times, exactly the same way. Be aware of what’s going on around you, especially in relation with the actors and their dialogue.
When shooting you’ll hear “ROLL CAMERA”. This cue is for crew only.
Start your action on “ACTION” or “BACKGROUND ACTION” and stop on “CUT”. Then get ready to go back to your “FIRST POSITION” and do the same action once again.
Sometimes you might be asked to “FREEZE”, just stay in place until given further instructions.
Realism is the name of the game. Always try to act as natural as you can. It must look like real life.
If you are given props it is VERY IMPORTANT to take care of them and remember to give them back to the props person before leaving the set.
If you are given wardrobe to wear it is VERY IMPORTANT to take care of it and remember to give them back to the wardrobe person on set before leaving.
Avoid talking to the director and actors. They need their concentration.
Smyth Casting hires wranglers to assist you, the background performer. They are there to act as a liaison between production and background performers. Please be respectful of them, and realize that they are unable to affect things such as wrap time.
Be alert and set-wise. There are a lot of people working on a film set with heavy equipment and sometimes hot lights. Always do your best to not be in their way.
In order to get paid for your time you must bring your social insurance number and drivers license if you possess one.
At the end of the day, return your wardrobe, props etc… to those who gave them to you, and make sure to sign your time sheet. On a typical film set in Ottawa you will have to fill out a residency form and a timesheet. If you are unsure if you are filling it out correctly check with a background performer who has done it before, they often know the ropes. And don’t forget to get your timesheet signed by an assistant director or extras wrangler before you leave.
Payment
Please keep in mind when you are hired to be a background performer you are being employed by the production company for which you are working. You always get paid by the production company and NOT Smyth Casting. Always make sure to legibly fill in all required information on your timesheet, including you Social Insurance Number, your full address including postal code and always keep the copy provided to you as a record of you days work. If you have any inquiries in regards to payment please contact the production office of the production on which you worked. If you leave set without submitting a timesheet or without having it signed by either an Assistant Director or a Smyth Casting representative you will not be paid.
