The TV show “Empire” and the Spike Lee film “Chiraq” are filming in Chicago this month.
The 2 projects have some big scenes coming up that will be needing quite a few paid background extras. The newest casting calls are listed below and there is also an online form available for talent that would like to be considered for one of the extra roles on either of the 2 projects. Fox’s “Empire” TV series is looking for African American men who can play prisoner / inmate types as well as some kids. For Spike Lee’s “Chiraq“, 4 Star Casting is seeking African American, Asian and Middle Eastern men as well as extras with military looks. Please see the casting notices below for further details on how and what to submit.
Interested? Here is the casting notice:
We are currently working on Chi-Raq and Empire.
CASTING CALL: EMPIRE!
RATE: $80/8
LOCATION: CHICAGO
SHOOT DATE: Wed., 6/24, & Thurs. 6/25
ROLES: PRISON VISITORS
MALE/FEMALE, ANY ETHNICITY, AGES 21-55.
We know that this is a sensitive subject, but we have to ask the questions. We are filming at a juvenile facility and you must be able to pass a background check – Please answer the following questions when you submit:
1) ARE YOU A CONVICTED FELON?
2) ARE YOU CONSIDERED A SEX OFFENDER?
3) IF YOU HAVE SERVED TIME?
4) YOU MUST ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE OR STATE ID
NOTE: If you have been working on Chi-Raq and have received an availability check for these days, please do NOT submit!!! We will get you on the show another time. We will NOT book you on Empire for these days if you have been availability checked for Chi-raq as you will most likely be working on that movie.
Send and email to extras4empire@gmail.com:
1) Put “PRISON VISITOR” in the subject line
2) Include your name, age, height, weight, phone number, zip code and email
3) Send a head shot, professional or candid photo in jpeg format –Make sure the photo is taken in decent lighting (no selfies), no sunglasses. Show us your style but make sure we can see your face! The better the photo, the better your chance of being submitted.
NOTE: NAME YOUR JPEG PHOTO WITH YOUR FULL NAME!!!
Click on the photo and it will give you an option to re-name the file, Re-name it with your full name. We need you to start doing this on every submission.
4) If you have submitted for another role please state which role you have submitted for.
5) Confirm you are available both dates
SHOOT DATE: FRIDAY, 6/26
ROLES: COURTROOM SECURITY
MALE/FEMALE, ANY ETHNICITY, AGES 25-55.
YOU MUST SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING CLOTHING MEASUREMENTS TO BE CONSIDERED:
MALE – SUIT JACKET, NECK, SLEEVE, WAIST, INSEAM, & SHOE SIZE
FEMALE: BUST/WAIST/HIPS, SHIRT, PANTS, & SHOE SIZE
Send and email to extras4empire@gmail.com:
1) Put “COURTROOM SECURITY” in the subject line
2) Include your name, age, height, weight, phone number, zip code and email
3) Include your clothing measurements
4) Send a head shot, professional or candid photo in jpeg format –Make sure the photo is taken in decent lighting (no selfies), no sunglasses. Show us your style but make sure we can see your face! The better the photo, the better your chance of being submitted.
NOTE: NAME YOUR JPEG PHOTO WITH YOUR FULL NAME!!!
Click on the photo and it will give you an option to re-name the file, Re-name it with your full name. We need you to start doing this on every submission.
5) If you have submitted for another role please state which role you have submitted for.
There will be a lot of opportunities to be cast on the show, if you submit incorrectly, it will be noted.
MAKE SURE YOU ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS & ATTACH EVERYTHING NEEDED. IF YOU DON’T FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS, YOU WIL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
For general extras submissions for either “Empire” or “Chiraq“, please see this page.
Also, “Empire” is specifically looking to cast Chicagoland area extras to play prison inmates in scenes that will be filming this week.
CASTING CALL: EMPIRE!
RATE: $80/8
LOCATION: CHICAGO
SHOOT DATE: Tues., 6/23, Wed., 6/24, & Thurs. 6/25 – IT WILL MOST LIKELY SHOOT ALL 3 DATES – SO YOU MUST BE AVAILABLE ALL DATES IF YOU SUBMIT
ROLES: PRISON INMATES
MALE, AFRICAN AMERICAN, AGES 21-35.
We know that this is a sensitive subject, but we have to ask the questions. We are filming at a juvenile facility and you must be able to pass a background check – Please answer the following questions when you submit:
1) YOU ARE A CONVICTED FELON?
2) YOU ARE CONSIDERED A SEX OFFENDER?
3) IF YOU HAVE SERVED TIME?
4) ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE OR STATE ID
NOTE: If you have been working on Chi-Raq and have received an availability check for these days, please do NOT submit! We will get you on the show another time. We will NOT book you on Empire for these days if you have been availability checked for Chi-raq as you will most likely be working on that movie.
Send and email to extras4empire@gmail.com:
1) Put “PRISON INMATE” in the subject line
2) Include your name, age, height, weight, phone number, zip code and email
3) Send a head shot, professional or candid photo in jpeg format –Make sure the photo is taken in decent lighting (no selfies), no sunglasses. Show us your style but make sure we can see your face! The better the photo, the better your chance of being submitted.
NOTE: NAME YOUR JPEG PHOTO WITH YOUR FULL NAME!
Click on the photo and it will give you an option to re-name the file, Re-name it with your full name. We need you to start doing this on every submission.
4) If you have submitted for another role please state which role you have submitted for.
5) Confirm you are available all three dates
6) Let us know if you have any Police/Military experience.
There will be a lot of opportunities to be cast on the show, if you submit incorrectly, it will be noted.
I think I got what you looking for in a role, so please give me a chance to show my skills thank you.
Spike Lee, thank you for coming to my City Chicago to help our community with jobs instead of bashing and downing my City. Much love Spike Lee.
Would love the opportunity to try out.
Trained dancer, and singer!