How to Join NZAT in New Zealand
You've already seen how NZAT submissions and profiles work.
Here's what's specific to joining if based in New Zealand:
Who Can Join
- Anyone with the right to work in New Zealand can join NZAT.
- Most work is concentrated in Auckland and Wellington, where the majority of productions film.
- If you're based elsewhere, you can still join and be considered, but opportunities may come up less often depending on your location.
- You'll also need an IRD number to be paid
- Having your own reliable transport — some shoot locations aren't accessible by public transport, and productions don't have time to arrange transport for everyone.
Fees & Commission
- Joining fee: One-off $50 — not annual, not recurring. Pay it once, and that's it.
- Commission: NZAT takes 18% commission on booked acting/background work and 20% for Commercialsdate
Terms & Exclusivity
- Payment: You're paid once production pays NZAT — this typically takes 3 to 8 weeks after your work date, so it's genuinely not instant.
- Leaving anytime: You're free to leave NZAT whenever you like — the only exception is if you've already been put forward for, or booked on, a job. In that case, you'll need to see that booking through to wrap before ending your representation.
- NZAT is exclusive agency for acting, background and action extra representations.
How We Work Together
We use HeyCast as our booking platform — this is where your profile lives and where submissions happen.
You'll also be added to our Telegram community, where we share last-minute opportunities, celebrate wins, and post special offers or events — a genuine part of staying connected, not just a formality.
What We Look For
We're not chasing a specific look or background — we're looking for people who are humble, honest, reliable, responsive, and genuinely fun to work with. No ego. Show up when you say you will, reply promptly, communicate clearly, and treat it like real work — because it is.
NZAT reviews and approves profiles that genuinely match what productions need. In some cases, we may also reach out directly to assess whether your personality and approach are a good fit for the industry before confirming your place on the roster.
A note on standards: Unprofessional attitude, poor behaviour, or representation that reflects poorly on the agency will result in immediate removal from NZAT. If this happens while you're on a job, the production will be notified immediately and you will be replaced on the spot.
Sign & You're In
Once your profile's been reviewed and approved, you'll sign the NZAT representation agreement and pay the one-off joining fee — then your profile goes live, ready for submissions.
New to This? Start With Our Free Course
If you're completely new to background extras work, our free step-by-step course walks you through everything — what the work involves, how casting works, and how to build a strong profile.
