How to Become an Actor in New Zealand:
How to Join NZAT
You don't need training or experience to start acting in New Zealand — most people in the industry begin exactly where you are now. Commercials, Background Extras, and Action Extras work is the most common way to become an actor with no experience, and all three are genuinely open to beginners:
Background Extras — No Experience Needed
No experience needed. If you're reliable, professional, and ready to learn how a set works, this is where you start.
Action Extras — Fit, Active, and Energetic
Fit, energetic, and up for physical, high-energy background work. A great fit if you've got a sporty background and want a more active role on set.
Commercials
Brands are typically looking for a natural look and authentic personality over polished acting skills, and dialogue is often minimal or non-existent, making it one of the most approachable entry points if you're camera-shy about "acting" in the traditional sense.
WHO DO WE REPRESENT
NZAT represents talent across every category productions need:
Click on each category to learn more about
Background Extras
No experience needed.
If you're reliable, professional and ready to learn how a set works, this is where most people start.
Action Extras
Fit, sporty performers taking on physical, high-energy background and featured roles.
No stunt training required
Stand-Ins
Matching an actor's build and look to help productions light and block scenes efficiently.
Body Doubles & Picture Doubles
Representing an actor on screen for specific shots, close-ups or specialist work.
Actors
Speaking, supporting roles across film, TV and commercial productions.
Entry-level welcomed.
Commercial Talents
Talent for commercial shoots, advertising campaigns and brand content, across TV, digital and print.
Athletes
Competitive sportspeople at national or representative level, whose sporting background translates directly to screen work.
Skilled Performers
Performers with a specific, specialised skill that productions look for horse rider, free diver, dirt biking, ex-military or niche disciplines.
HOW TO JOIN NZAT
01
Create Your Profile
Sign up on HeyCast and complete your profile — details, photos, measurements, skills, training and experience.
02
Get Reviewed
An NZAT agent reviews your profile and your talent type representations. Make sure you've got a clear headshot, full-body photo, measurements, details and any relevant experience listed.
03
Sign & You're In
Once approved, sign the NZAT representation agreement and pay the one-off $50 joining fee — your profile goes live, ready for submissions.
