<h3 id="8b052055-a995-4c24-ace3-baab495fef49" data-toc-id="8b052055-a995-4c24-ace3-baab495fef49" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">A Practical Industry Guide for NZAT Talent</h3>If you work in film, television, or TVC (commercials), you’ve likely experienced:<ul><li>Short notice bookings</li><li>Changing dates</li><li>Draft schedules</li><li>Being held, then released</li><li>Late call sheets</li><li>Fast casting decisions</li></ul>This article explains how production scheduling actually works, why decisions move quickly, and how rates, holds, rehearsals, profile presentation, travel expectations, and confirmations operate in the New Zealand industry.Understanding the system helps you respond professionally, manage expectations, and build long-term working relationships.<h1 id="f50795fa-dda0-43df-b305-0e782c09aa29" data-toc-id="f50795fa-dda0-43df-b305-0e782c09aa29" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">The Reality: Production Is a Moving Machine</h1>Film and TV production is not linear. It is a constantly shifting system built around:<ul><li>Script revisions</li><li>Cast availability</li><li>Location permits</li><li>Budget approvals</li><li>Director decisions</li><li>Weather</li><li>Safety requirements</li><li>Equipment logistics</li></ul>If one element changes, it can affect multiple departments. That’s why schedules are often issued as drafts first, then refined closer to shoot.Short notice is not disorganization — it is production adapting in real time.<h1 id="727cd0fd-fdac-42b6-bb71-9da31cfe773d" data-toc-id="727cd0fd-fdac-42b6-bb71-9da31cfe773d" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">TVC vs Film &amp; Television Scheduling</h1><h2 id="f0511426-de23-4020-9adf-374bca84880b" data-toc-id="f0511426-de23-4020-9adf-374bca84880b" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">TVC (Commercials)</h2>Commercials are typically:<ul><li>Shorter overall productions</li><li>Very structured in shoot days</li><li>Extremely tight in turnaround</li></ul>The timeline can look like:<ol><li>Availability check</li><li>Casting call / self-tape</li><li>Audition</li><li>Callback</li><li>Booking</li><li>Fitting</li><li>Shoot</li></ol>All of this may happen within a few weeks — sometimes faster.Client approvals often drive speed. Decisions must be made quickly to meet delivery deadlines.<h2 id="da43e46c-1965-4612-91d8-7f69ce147373" data-toc-id="da43e46c-1965-4612-91d8-7f69ce147373" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Film &amp; Television</h2>Film and TV often begin planning earlier but experience more schedule reshuffling because:<ul><li>Scripts are revised frequently</li><li>Scenes are added or cut</li><li>Locations change</li><li>Lead cast availability shifts</li><li>Budgets adjust</li></ul>One cast member’s availability can affect stunt performers, background, and supporting roles.This is why early dates are often tentative.<h1 id="96400a4a-4b15-474f-90ac-ac112918a195" data-toc-id="96400a4a-4b15-474f-90ac-ac112918a195" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Communication Protocol: Always Through NZAT</h1>All communication must go through your NZAT agent.Do not communicate directly with production regarding:<ul><li>Rates</li><li>Availability changes</li><li>Confirmation</li><li>Negotiation</li><li>Schedule adjustments</li></ul>This protects:<ul><li>Your contractual terms</li><li>Rate consistency</li><li>Professional boundaries</li><li>Clear documentation</li></ul>Even if a coordinator contacts you casually, confirmation must always flow through NZAT.<h1 id="15d6f399-39a0-4bb1-8fd6-3ccf85e68622" data-toc-id="15d6f399-39a0-4bb1-8fd6-3ccf85e68622" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Understanding Status Terminology</h1>Clear understanding of status terms prevents confusion.<h3 id="e92e5c82-31f5-4aa5-b276-b0ef6a33c04b" data-toc-id="e92e5c82-31f5-4aa5-b276-b0ef6a33c04b" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Availability Check</h3>Production is asking if you are free. This is not a booking.<h3 id="c3e57d34-2976-4b3f-858b-ef10fee79c67" data-toc-id="c3e57d34-2976-4b3f-858b-ef10fee79c67" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Pencil / Soft Hold</h3>You are being considered. Not confirmed.<h3 id="64449883-1f23-47bd-ad8f-c8cdaec75095" data-toc-id="64449883-1f23-47bd-ad8f-c8cdaec75095" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">First Hold</h3>You are the preferred option — but still not officially booked.<h3 id="5d9795aa-10f7-4790-a270-8f060ad4d21a" data-toc-id="5d9795aa-10f7-4790-a270-8f060ad4d21a" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Second Hold</h3>You are an alternative option if first hold falls through.<h3 id="9409b227-fc10-4fd1-8e12-db4b3ce85f61" data-toc-id="9409b227-fc10-4fd1-8e12-db4b3ce85f61" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Confirmed / Booked</h3>You are officially engaged for the date. You may move into fitting, rehearsal, or prep.Still conditional until shoot completion.<h3 id="5978f29c-b91d-42be-89ee-47cc9bbc4f10" data-toc-id="5978f29c-b91d-42be-89ee-47cc9bbc4f10" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Released / Dropped</h3>Production has decided not to proceed.Common reasons:<ul><li>Scene cut</li><li>Schedule change</li><li>Wardrobe issues</li><li>Budget adjustments</li></ul>Rarely personal.<h3 id="e6d1ddff-435a-4d6d-ab59-796d5b87973a" data-toc-id="e6d1ddff-435a-4d6d-ab59-796d5b87973a" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Standby</h3>You are asked to keep the date open, but work is not guaranteed.Common for:<ul><li>Weather-dependent shoots</li><li>Large crowd scenes</li><li>Complex action sequences</li></ul>Standby may not convert into work.<h1 id="1123c81b-9844-44f6-aeb2-99540cbe7697" data-toc-id="1123c81b-9844-44f6-aeb2-99540cbe7697" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Why We Submit More Talent Than Requested</h1>If production requests 5 performers, NZAT may submit more.This applies to all roles:<ul><li>Actors</li><li>Background</li><li>Action performers</li><li>Stunt performers</li></ul>This happens at the submission stage.Production prefers to:<ul><li>Review options</li><li>Compare profiles</li><li>Select based on creative preference</li><li>Adjust after internal discussion</li></ul>They do not want to feel restricted to “only these five.”Providing options:<ul><li>Speeds up decisions</li><li>Prevents restart delays</li><li>Supports creative control</li><li>Protects production timelines</li></ul>It is collaborative — not overbooking.<h1 id="c4b92912-e5e6-4258-b04c-7965794dd901" data-toc-id="c4b92912-e5e6-4258-b04c-7965794dd901" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Why Stunt Performers Can Be Chosen Quickly</h1>Stunt casting often happens differently.The stunt coordinator may be in a live meeting with the director discussing action design. A decision may need to be made immediately.At that point:<ul><li>The coordinator contacts NZAT</li><li>NZAT contacts you</li><li>You may be asked for a current selfie or look photo</li><li>Height/weight confirmation may be required</li></ul>Speed is driven by:<ul><li>Safety assessment</li><li>Physical matching</li><li>Immediate action planning</li><li>Schedule pressure</li></ul>Fast decisions are about logistics — not pressure.<h1 id="8d5406f6-7d59-41c6-abe1-0f93a1317129" data-toc-id="8d5406f6-7d59-41c6-abe1-0f93a1317129" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Why Background Is Locked Last</h1>Background performers are typically confirmed later because they depend on:<ul><li>Final shooting schedule</li><li>Confirmed locations</li><li>Updated shot list</li><li>Director blocking</li><li>Camera framing decisions</li><li>Budget control</li></ul>For example:<ul><li>A wide shot may require 40 people.</li><li>A tighter version may require 15.</li><li>A rewritten scene may remove the crowd entirely.</li></ul>Background numbers are flexible, so they are often finalized closer to shoot.<h1 id="1f7542a9-fa4e-4301-bfe6-678a0acfe6d3" data-toc-id="1f7542a9-fa4e-4301-bfe6-678a0acfe6d3" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Rehearsals, Fittings &amp; Pre-Assessments</h1><h2 id="1dab22b3-856b-489a-80e0-116eed780d23" data-toc-id="1dab22b3-856b-489a-80e0-116eed780d23" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Stunt Pre-Assessment Rehearsal</h2>Sometimes stunt performers attend a pre-assessment to:<ul><li>Test physical match</li><li>Evaluate ability</li><li>Confirm safety feasibility</li></ul>This may be unpaid if part of the selection process.<h2 id="1feef7fd-f27e-425c-af6d-203068aa2951" data-toc-id="1feef7fd-f27e-425c-af6d-203068aa2951" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Paid Rehearsals</h2>If rehearsal is confirmed as part of the job, it is typically paid at an agreed rate.<h2 id="66617caa-271d-457d-a922-b341c489f64f" data-toc-id="66617caa-271d-457d-a922-b341c489f64f" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Callbacks &amp; Fittings</h2>Callbacks and fittings are often paid.Common structure:<ul><li>Around 50–60% of daily rate</li><li>Or flat fitting fee</li></ul>Terms vary by production.<h1 id="ba35fdfc-fdef-4348-8c10-990ddb2530c0" data-toc-id="ba35fdfc-fdef-4348-8c10-990ddb2530c0" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">General Rate Guide (New Zealand Averages)</h1>Rates vary depending on production type and budget. Once budget is approved and locked, rates are typically non-negotiable.<h3 id="b2a8c354-f80e-4d5b-9602-653c2455003a" data-toc-id="b2a8c354-f80e-4d5b-9602-653c2455003a" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Standard Background</h3>Approx. $300 NZD – Full Day<h3 id="443150a5-db26-4933-91a2-e541ccd9a925" data-toc-id="443150a5-db26-4933-91a2-e541ccd9a925" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Featured Background</h3>Approx. $350 NZD – Full Day<h3 id="9d25b2f7-2d0f-4d35-aa81-5693872ec9b3" data-toc-id="9d25b2f7-2d0f-4d35-aa81-5693872ec9b3" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Action Background</h3>Approx. $450 NZD – Full Day<h3 id="45f68b6d-ce31-4376-a672-63c8529a580d" data-toc-id="45f68b6d-ce31-4376-a672-63c8529a580d" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Stunt Performer</h3>From $700 NZD – Full Day<h1 id="49b14029-dc11-4a71-8dcc-ba3ab3cc7084" data-toc-id="49b14029-dc11-4a71-8dcc-ba3ab3cc7084" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Half-Day vs Full-Day</h1><ul><li>Less than 5 hours on set = Half Day</li><li>5 hours or more = Full Day</li></ul>Half-day is typically 50–60% of full-day rate.Actual classification depends on call-to-wrap time.<h1 id="dfe461b0-d7d0-4577-879d-293e807a305c" data-toc-id="dfe461b0-d7d0-4577-879d-293e807a305c" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Bumps &amp; Overtime</h1>Bumps may be applied at production’s discretion if:<ul><li>You are upgraded</li><li>Additional action is required</li><li>Specialty skill is used</li></ul>Overtime may apply beyond standard hours, depending on production agreement.<h1 id="44ad233c-fe83-435b-9c3b-0a712d6e2c3b" data-toc-id="44ad233c-fe83-435b-9c3b-0a712d6e2c3b" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Over-Holding</h1>Production may hold multiple performers while awaiting approvals.This protects timelines but can feel frustrating.NZAT monitors holds carefully to reduce unnecessary impact.<h1 id="dfd8cfa4-61b3-4e38-973c-3e826de2fbac" data-toc-id="dfd8cfa4-61b3-4e38-973c-3e826de2fbac" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Travel &amp; Location Expectations</h1>Production budgets are built around local hiring assumptions.If NZAT specifies:<ul><li>Auckland-based</li><li>Wellington-based</li><li>Or “local only”</li></ul>This means:<ul><li>No travel expenses</li><li>No accommodation</li><li>No per diem</li></ul>NZAT checks availability based on the location listed in your profile.If you choose to be considered local outside your region, you are responsible for:<ul><li>Travel</li><li>Accommodation</li><li>Transport</li><li>Any related costs</li></ul>Schedules may shift. Multiple fittings or prep days may be required. You may be released before shoot.Background roles are especially vulnerable to schedule shifts.Before confirming, ask:Is this financially sustainable if dates change?Professional responsibility means evaluating both opportunity and practicality.<h1 id="004c8e90-8c9d-4776-b6ac-42842ae9f9d9" data-toc-id="004c8e90-8c9d-4776-b6ac-42842ae9f9d9" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Your HeyCast Profile Matters</h1>Your HeyCast profile is often the first thing casting sees.Bookings can happen within 10–15 minutes of submission.You must have:<ul><li>1 clear headshot</li><li>1 clear full-body photo</li></ul>Background:<ul><li>Casual, neutral clothing</li></ul>Stunt:<ul><li>Sportwear, clear physique</li></ul>Measurements must be accurate and updated every 3 months.Incorrect information can result in wardrobe issues or replacement.Your profile is your first impression — keep it current and professional.<h1 id="302edcd9-3c38-4504-b907-bdaa100ba8f4" data-toc-id="302edcd9-3c38-4504-b907-bdaa100ba8f4" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Call Sheets &amp; Late Notifications</h1>Call sheets are issued the evening before because they reflect real-time adjustments.Assume:<ul><li>Early call (4–5am possible)</li><li>Minimum 10-hour day</li><li>Schedule flexibility</li></ul>Prepare conservatively.<h1 id="721e60cc-f0dd-42da-8aa7-d5fbd15dc8f1" data-toc-id="721e60cc-f0dd-42da-8aa7-d5fbd15dc8f1" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Emotional Expectation &amp; Professional Longevity</h1>Being released is not personal.Fast decisions are not disrespect.Schedule changes are not incompetence.Production operates under pressure.The performers who build long-term careers:<ul><li>Respond quickly</li><li>Communicate clearly</li><li>Stay flexible</li><li>Maintain professionalism</li></ul>Understanding the system builds resilience.<h1 id="ef505f85-d935-4f92-b651-8749590da8a2" data-toc-id="ef505f85-d935-4f92-b651-8749590da8a2" style="font-size: 32px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Final Perspective</h1>Production scheduling in New Zealand film, TV, and TVC is:Dynamic. Reactive. Budget-driven. Director-led. Logistically complex.When you understand the system, you move from confusion to clarity.

A practical guide for NZAT talent explaining film, TV & TVC production scheduling, casting workflow, rates, travel expectations and booking terms.

Understanding Casting & Production Scheduling in NZ Film, TV & Commercials

A Practical Industry Guide for NZAT Talent

The Reality: Production Is a Moving Machine

Communication Protocol: Always Through NZAT

Why Stunt Performers Can Be Chosen Quickly

General Rate Guide (New Zealand Averages)

Emotional Expectation & Professional Longevity

Discover acting and stunt training insights from NZSS. Blog articles and practical tips to help you start and grow a career in film and television.

Action Acting & Stunt Training Resources | NZSS Blog

Articles and insights on stunt training, acting, and performance from NZSS. Learn, prepare, and progress toward screen work.

Understanding Casting & Production Scheduling in NZ Film, TV & Commercials

Understanding Casting & Production Scheduling in NZ Film, TV & Commercials

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