Working As A Local Hire. What Does It Mean?
At Aura Casting, in the San Francisco Bay Area, we cast a lot of productions looking for local hires. But what does that mean? If you are an actor, you have probably heard the term “local hire.” It shows up in breakdowns, casting notices, and booking confirmations. But not everyone fully understands what it means. Whether you’re new to the industry or have been in it for years, understanding what it means to work as a local hire can help you avoid any misunderstandings.
What Is a Local Hire?
A local hire is talent who works in the same city (or within driving distance) as the production’s filming location. When you are booked as a local hire, production does not cover flights, hotels, mileage beyond standard commuting and per diem. You are responsible for getting yourself to and from set on your own dime and accord.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
If you need to book a flight or overnight stay, you’re not considered local to the filming location. Can you travel to the filming location on short notice, whether by flight or a long drive? Are you able to take additional time off from work if needed? If applicable, can you quickly coordinate childcare or pet care? If you’re asked to work as a local hire somewhere you’re not truly local to, take a moment to weigh these factors first.
Always Be Honest - With Yourself And With Casting!
If you’re able to work as a local hire in a market where you don’t live, that’s great. If you’re not, that’s completely okay too. When a casting notice says “must be willing to work as a local hire,” it’s there for a reason. Usually because of budget or scheduling. If you’re unable to meet those terms, it’s perfectly acceptable not to submit to the casting call. Making a professional decision about what works for your finances and logistics and personal preferences is part of navigating this industry. Casting will not hold it against you if you can only work as a local hire in the market where you actually live. In fact, clarity is appreciated. It’s far better to submit to a casting that you know works best for you than to book a job and realize the logistics don’t work.
