<h2 id="cd2c6986-e0e7-47a1-9dbc-ff3323cc356b" data-toc-id="cd2c6986-e0e7-47a1-9dbc-ff3323cc356b" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">What Really Happens After You Click “Interested”</h2>We want to provide a full behind-the-scenes explanation of what actually happens once a job comes in.This article is designed to help NZAT talent clearly understand:<ul><li>What happens after you click Interested on a Role Call email</li><li>Why timelines can feel unclear</li><li>Why sometimes you hear back and sometimes you don’t</li></ul>Casting systems vary depending on the type of work, so this breakdown is divided into three main areas:<ul><li>Extras work</li><li>Acting &amp; commercial work</li><li>Stunt work</li></ul>Every production is different, but the workflows below reflect how things operate most of the time.<h2 id="2f4142c9-7871-400f-8e4a-89a4f3074221" data-toc-id="2f4142c9-7871-400f-8e4a-89a4f3074221" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">1. Extras Work – The Full Workflow</h2>Extras casting is often last-minute, fast-moving, and frequently comes with limited information.<h3 id="bf7490cd-dcc1-4760-8b0a-abc27f299b03" data-toc-id="bf7490cd-dcc1-4760-8b0a-abc27f299b03" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Step 1: Production Contacts Us</h3>The extras department or production contacts us requesting background performers. The brief may include:<ul><li>A specific look or general type</li><li>Dates and location</li><li>Basic rate information</li></ul>In many cases, details are incomplete because production has not finalised decisions yet.<h3 id="0098e2ee-5718-464c-8f99-a770bf6a21c6" data-toc-id="0098e2ee-5718-464c-8f99-a770bf6a21c6" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Step 2: Role Call Created on Heycast</h3>A role call is created on Heycast using the criteria provided:<ul><li>Age range</li><li>Gender</li><li>Ethnicity</li><li>Height and body type</li><li>Costume or look requirements</li></ul>This is why it is essential that:<ul><li>Your profile is accurate</li><li>Your measurements are correct</li><li>Your photos reflect your current look</li></ul>Profiles should be updated at least every three months.<h3 id="a20a1fdf-3c27-40b0-87da-98c6dd3aaf06" data-toc-id="a20a1fdf-3c27-40b0-87da-98c6dd3aaf06" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Step 3: You Click Interested</h3>Clicking Interested confirms that:<ul><li>You are available</li><li>You are interested with rate (if mentionned)</li><li>You have read the role notes</li><li>You meet the requirements</li></ul>If you do not match the brief, please do not apply. We will not select you, and it slows the process.<h3 id="e4d5152f-2398-4299-84f0-f545c7eb4203" data-toc-id="e4d5152f-2398-4299-84f0-f545c7eb4203" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Step 4: Deadline &amp; Submissions</h3>Once the submission deadline passes, we stop checking replies.Casting and production work under intense time pressure. If they do not receive enough suitable options from us by the deadline, they will:<ul><li>Start casting from other agencies</li><li>Make decisions based on whoever they already have submitted</li></ul>After the deadline:<ul><li>We create a shortlist of all matching, available, and interested talent</li><li>This shortlist is sent to production</li></ul>Once that email is sent, we do not usually send additional names, unless production specifically requests another call-out.<h3 id="48755327-4f24-4514-8d07-4da7671f032e" data-toc-id="48755327-4f24-4514-8d07-4da7671f032e" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Step 5: Production Selects</h3>Production reviews the shortlist and emails back with the people they want to book.Selections are based on:<ul><li>Look and suitability</li><li>Reliability</li><li>Past on-set behaviour</li><li>Previous experience</li></ul>Please note:<ul><li>Behaviour on set is remembered</li><li>Good or bad impressions influence future decisions</li><li>These decisions are made by production, not us</li></ul><h3 id="dde59853-12eb-4f1a-b23a-22896b77424d" data-toc-id="dde59853-12eb-4f1a-b23a-22896b77424d" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Step 6: Booking or Release</h3>If selected:<ul><li>You will receive a booking email or confirmation message</li></ul>If you do not receive a booking confirmation:<ul><li>You have not been selected</li></ul>Once booked:<ul><li>Production contacts you directly</li><li>You receive shoot details, call times, and fitting information</li></ul><h2 id="e8cf4b22-02a7-41f9-b494-1fad43441b78" data-toc-id="e8cf4b22-02a7-41f9-b494-1fad43441b78" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">2. Acting &amp; Commercial Work – How That System Works</h2>Acting and commercial casting is highly selective and competitive.<h3 id="41300c2f-ae2b-4d7d-8301-4df148340f01" data-toc-id="41300c2f-ae2b-4d7d-8301-4df148340f01" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Step 1: Casting Brief Received</h3>We receive a casting brief outlining:<ul><li>Character description</li><li>Age range, ethnicity, accent</li><li>Shoot dates</li><li>Audition type (self-tape or in person)</li></ul><h3 id="9072b19c-969b-41da-976e-e8476a09121a" data-toc-id="9072b19c-969b-41da-976e-e8476a09121a" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Step 2: Availability &amp; Interest Check</h3>An availability check is sent to talent filtered strictly by the brief.Examples:<ul><li>American accent → only profiles marked with American accent</li><li>Out of Auckland → potential self-tape options</li></ul>We usually do not submit anyone who has not confirmed both interest and availability compared to other agencies.<h3 id="6e416a9e-e806-426d-9697-1f840c0d14f1" data-toc-id="6e416a9e-e806-426d-9697-1f840c0d14f1" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Step 3: Submissions to Casting</h3>Casting receives:<ul><li>Your head sheet</li><li>Your headshots (usually only 2 images from your profile Headshot &amp; Full body)</li></ul>Casting directors often decide within seconds based on photosProfessional photos are critical. If your images are not strong or current, your chances of being noticed are extremely limited. This is why we strongly encourage professional headshots.<h3 id="f1b7cf00-cb47-47fa-a324-0b8cdb1aa2b2" data-toc-id="f1b7cf00-cb47-47fa-a324-0b8cdb1aa2b2" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Step 4: Audition Selection</h3>Casting directors send back:<ul><li>Names for self-tapes</li><li>Names for in-person auditions</li></ul>Deadlines are often very tight, as casting limits submission numbers.Sometimes we are informed of final casting, sometimes we are not. This is normal.<h3 id="a86edb10-381a-45d7-b336-c891ed68eb01" data-toc-id="a86edb10-381a-45d7-b336-c891ed68eb01" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Step 5: Audition Communication</h3>If selected for an audition:<ul><li>You will receive a booking confirmation or message</li></ul>All communication is through:<ul><li>Telegram</li><li>Heycast email</li></ul>Please do not communicate through other channels unless specifically instructed. If a matter is urgent, we may contact you directly on your phone.<h2 id="567886b8-0923-4eac-87f3-c12cca4f4c34" data-toc-id="567886b8-0923-4eac-87f3-c12cca4f4c34" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">3. Stunt Work – How Stunt Casting Really Operates</h2>Stunt casting follows a completely different system, with safety and reliability as the top priorities.<h3 id="0fb00fb0-0476-4f21-8b54-ddb0dae23c44" data-toc-id="0fb00fb0-0476-4f21-8b54-ddb0dae23c44" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">How Stunt Jobs Usually Come In</h3>The most common scenario:<ul><li>Another stunt coordinator contacts us</li><li>They are looking for a performer they do not already have on their regular team</li></ul>Sometimes we receive:<ul><li>A full stunt brief</li><li>Sometimes only a photo of the actor to double and action sequences</li></ul><h3 id="db8e5320-7e3e-4c67-bef9-bd8b9a2661e7" data-toc-id="db8e5320-7e3e-4c67-bef9-bd8b9a2661e7" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Tight Timeframes &amp; Fast Decisions</h3>Stunt performer submissions is often extremely urgent.Sometimes:<ul><li>We have less than one hour to recommend performers</li><li>The coordinator is already in a meeting with the director or producers</li><li>Names are being sent during the meeting so options can be validated immediately</li></ul>Because of this:<ul><li>We do not have time to watch every reel</li><li>We do not have time to check social media</li><li>We prioritise performers we know can:<ul><li>Learn Choreography quicky if needed</li><li>Perform the action sequence safely</li><li>Are physically prepared</li><li>Match the brief</li><li>Behave professionally on set</li></ul></li></ul>This is not personal; it is about speed, safety, and trust.<h3 id="e4f4a78a-ac52-45cb-b75f-d995e13e03be" data-toc-id="e4f4a78a-ac52-45cb-b75f-d995e13e03be" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.nzstuntschool.com/en/nzss-courses-events/?tab=event&amp;category=2">Training Visibility &amp; Ongoing Assessment</a></h3>To be confidently recommended for stunt work, it is important for us to have a current understanding of your abilities.We strongly recommend:<ul><li>Training regularly to maintain basic stunt skills and conditioning</li><li>Checking in at least once every three months, or</li><li>Attending NZSS <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nzstuntschool.com/en/nzss-courses-events/?tab=event&amp;category=2">monthly training or open stunt gym sessions </a>when possible</li></ul>This helps us to:<ul><li>Stay up to date with your current skill level</li><li>Understand your physical readiness</li><li>Recommend you accurately and responsibly when opportunities arise</li></ul>It is about ensuring we can put you forward safely, honestly, and with confidence when stunt jobs come up.<h3 id="e1628477-0d0b-4b4e-b8c5-2fb8249372c4" data-toc-id="e1628477-0d0b-4b4e-b8c5-2fb8249372c4" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Options for Performers Outside Auckland or with Busy Schedules</h3>For performers who:<ul><li>Are based outside Auckland</li><li>Are busy or unable to attend regularly</li></ul>We offer a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nzstuntschool.com/en/nzss-courses-events/?tab=digital_product">low-cost review options</a>, where you can:<ul><li>Send us recent stunt training footage, or</li><li>Submit an updated stunt reel</li></ul>This allows us to:<ul><li>Review your current abilities</li><li>Confirm your level</li><li>Keep you in consideration for upcoming jobs</li><li>Get professional feedback to grow</li></ul>Stunt reels should be updated at least once per year.<h3 id="40c535c8-aec8-47e9-881a-71a8f5b5bf7f" data-toc-id="40c535c8-aec8-47e9-881a-71a8f5b5bf7f" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Stunt Recommendations &amp; Auditions</h3>When recommending performers:<ul><li>We usually send 2–3 strong options to the coordinator</li><li>The coordinator may already know the performer</li><li>They may ask instructors/coordinators for feedback</li><li>Options are then forwarded to production</li></ul>Production makes the final decision.In the case of stunt auditions:<ul><li>Only performers who match the brief exactly are submitted</li><li>Height, build, costume requirements, and skills all matter</li></ul>Selections are based on:<ul><li>Training observations</li><li>Reel quality</li><li>Ability to execute fundamentals cleanly and safely</li></ul>Remember: 80% of stunt work is fundamentals. Perfect basics matter more than flashy skills.<h2 id="a0308b53-b553-4214-964a-0a7153e67538" data-toc-id="a0308b53-b553-4214-964a-0a7153e67538" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Typical Rates in New Zealand (General Guide Only)</h2>To help manage expectations, below are typical current industry rates in New Zealand. These are general guidelines only and may vary depending on the production, budget, usage, and role requirements.All rates are set and approved by production, not by us.<h3 id="32ffd89d-c875-4011-a964-17f54dea2001" data-toc-id="32ffd89d-c875-4011-a964-17f54dea2001" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Extras (Background)</h3><ul><li>Standard Extra: approx. $300</li><li>Featured Extra: approx. $350–$400</li><li>Action Extra: approx. $450</li></ul><h3 id="ab37990e-3e94-4ee5-b904-bc263b6a01c1" data-toc-id="ab37990e-3e94-4ee5-b904-bc263b6a01c1" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Stunt Performers</h3><ul><li>Stunt Performers: approx. $650–$850+</li></ul>Stunt rates vary depending on:<ul><li>Complexity and risk level</li><li>Experience required</li><li>Rehearsal time</li><li>Number of shoot days</li><li>Production budget</li></ul><h3 id="f42c48a2-fdc8-4cbd-8880-4fcb57d2dc2e" data-toc-id="f42c48a2-fdc8-4cbd-8880-4fcb57d2dc2e" style="font-size: 20px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Important Rate Notes</h3><ul><li>Rates are not guaranteed until confirmed in a booking email</li><li>Some productions operate under tight or fixed budgets</li><li>We can only pass on the rates offered by production</li><li>Acceptance of a job means acceptance of the rate and conditions offered</li><li>The rate listed are Gross Rate before tax and agency commission</li></ul>If a rate is not listed in the brief, it is because:<ul><li>Production has not finalised it yet, or</li><li>It will be confirmed at booking stage</li></ul><h2 id="f96d914a-7338-4eff-b913-7cbc8b1744ce" data-toc-id="f96d914a-7338-4eff-b913-7cbc8b1744ce" style="font-size: 24px; font-weight: 600; line-height: 1.2;">Final Notes &amp; Common Misunderstandings</h2>A few important reminders:<ul><li>Production concepts can change completely</li><li>They may look for one type, then shift direction</li><li>Dates often change, sometimes multiple times</li><li>Being put forward does not mean you will get the job</li></ul>Silence does not mean:<ul><li>You were overlooked intentionally</li><li>Something went wrong</li><li>You were not considered</li></ul>This industry moves fast, and decisions are often made with the information available at that exact moment.Preparation, accuracy, and professionalism are what keep talent working. Thank you for your professionalism, preparation, and understanding of how much happens behind the scenes at <a target="" href="https://www.nzstuntschool.com/en/nz-action-talent-agency/">NZAT</a>.

A clear breakdown of how casting works in New Zealand from clicking Interested to booking or release. Learn how extras, acting, commercial, and stunt jobs are selected behind the scenes at NZAT.

What Happens Behind the Scenes in Casting & Stunt Work | NZAT Workflow Explained

What Really Happens After You Click “Interested”

2. Acting & Commercial Work – How That System Works

3. Stunt Work – How Stunt Casting Really Operates

Options for Performers Outside Auckland or with Busy Schedules

Typical Rates in New Zealand (General Guide Only)

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.

What Happens Behind the Scenes in Casting & Stunt Work | NZAT Workflow Explained

What Happens Behind the Scenes in Casting & Stunt Work | NZAT Workflow Explained

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