About Tactical Casting
What is Tactical Casting?
Tactical Casting connects veterans, law enforcement, fire, medical and other departments with opportunities and bookings in film, television and commercials. Designed to meet standards of production and casting worldwide. Our platform serves as a global directory and resource for industry professionals seeking talent.
Is Tactical Casting an agency, employer, or service? No. Tactical Casting is strictly a talent directory, not an employment agency, employer, calling service or talent agency. We act as a streamlined resource for production & casting to discover qualified talent.
What is a Special Ability Actor?
A special ability actor is a skilled performer—such as a veteran, police officer, firefighter, or medical professional—who can authentically adapt to ever-changing conditions on set. Much like a traditional actor or stunt professional, a special ability actor brings specialized real-world expertise to the entertainment industry.
Do you allow actors or production staff to join?
No. Tactical Casting is exclusively reserved for verified veterans, law enforcement, fire, medical and other personnel to ensure strict safety, security and liability standards.
What is the difference between Tactical Casting and other organizations?
While some veteran organizations are limited exclusively to U.S. Armed Forces, Tactical Casting welcomes all armed forces personnel, law enforcement, fire, medical, and other departments. We prioritize close support for our members while maintaining a clear boundary as a directory rather than a talent agency. These organizations are often Invitation Only, here we verify and you're instantly listed with us.
How should my main profile photo look?
Your photo should feature a clear, neutral background. It must be a solo shot taken from a reasonable distance, free of digital filters and without sunglasses, hats or headgear of any kind.
What is a "hiatus"?
Production and casting typically slow down or go "dark" during major holidays and parts of the spring while fall and winter are generally the busiest seasons. If you go on vacation or out of town, it is your responsibility to update your profile availability as casting directors and technical advisors may review profiles and contact you or us at any time.
What is the policy on maintaining an active profile?
To keep our global directory accurate for industry professionals, members are expected to maintain prompt communication regarding availability and keep their profiles updated with current headshots and self-tapes. Profiles left unresponsive for extended periods may be temporarily suspended or removed, requiring members to create a new profile to rejoin.
What can I do to help maximize my opportunities?
Keep your contact information, headshots and availability status current.
Regularly update your profile and submit new media when applicable.
Maintain clear communication channels and keep device notifications active.
When I receive a text or notification, am I booked?
No. A notification simply asks for your availability so we can recommend you to production. All final hiring decisions, availability inquiries and official bookings are managed directly by production, casting directors and technical advisors.
When do casting notifications go out?
Notifications can go out at any time. Members should ensure their device notifications (smartphones, tablets and email) are enabled to respond promptly when opportunities arise.
Does Tactical Casting handle rush calls?
Depending on a member's location, zip code and real-time availability, we may contact members to discuss their estimated time of arrival (E.T.A.) and quickly coordinate details for production consideration.
Once submitted, will Tactical Casting confirm my booking?
No. Casting, production, and technical advisors are solely responsible for booking talent. Tactical Casting shares recommendation links as a courtesy, but does not control or confirm hiring decisions.
Should I alert someone before I am booked?
We advise against notifying anyone prematurely, as production schedules and casting decisions change frequently. Once you are officially booked by production or casting, you should notify someone immediately.
How do I create a self-tape audition?
Filmed auditions can be recorded using a standard smartphone, tablet or digital camera against a clean, uncluttered background. Your self-tape should include a brief introduction stating your name, occupation and department or station, ending with a professional sign-off. Raw files can be submitted for processing and inclusion on your profile but should go directly to production or casting.
Does Tactical Casting guarantee work?
No. Tactical Casting does not guarantee employment. We provide a direct recommendation link to production and casting teams for their convenience, helping build ongoing relationships to increase industry-wide utilization of our directory.
What is the 3-Strike Policy regarding availability?
We understand that life happens and it is always better to honestly decline an opportunity ("Say No") if your schedule does not permit. Changing your availability status ensures that production only considers currently available talent without penalizing members for legitimate scheduling conflicts.If we do not hear from you in some form of communication to us, your profile may go under suspension or be removed. You can re-create a profile for approval but it will be up to us to decide whether you come back or not. Complaints from onset are concerned and reviewed.
What is SAG-AFTRA?
SAG-AFTRA is the American labor union representing film and television performers. While productions may occasionally offer to upgrade a performer to SAG-AFTRA for a specific day of work, you cannot accept work on a union project if you have previously received an official "Must-Join" notice without resolving your union status.