LOS ANGELES – It’s Park Time L.A. County! Parks After Dark returns with an enchanting Winter Wonderland experience that will bring holiday cheer and 40 to 80 tons of snow to 34 L.A. County Parks in the month of December.

This holiday action packed celebration is for the entire family and is bigger and better than ever before, with more snow, more toys, more craft activities and more fun! All for free!

Parks After Dark Snow Patrol teams, staffed by passionate and dedicated Parks & Recreation personnel, are ready to transform local parks into wintry paradises complete with sled runs, photo opportunities, snack stations, holiday treats and a craft village where children can decorate their own holiday stocking! Families should plan to arrive early at their local park for a toy giveaway for ages 0-17, while supplies last.

New this year to the Winter Wonderland experience is a Teen Zone where young adults can enjoy their own space to hang out with their friends, create and design art, listen to music, silkscreen holiday shirts and make their own personalized Santa hat!

Also beginning this year, selected parks will double their fun with Mega Snow days, which will bring up to 80 tons of snow to Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park, Val Verde Park, Belvedere Park, El Cariso Park, Loma Alta Park, Ted Watkins Park, Roosevelt Park and Valleydale Park.

The L.A. County Parks Winter Wonderland is possible thanks to the generosity of Los Angeles Department of Social Services, Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation, and the L.A. County Probation Department.

“Parks After Dark brings family, friends, neighbors and community together in their local park,” County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Director Norma Edith García-González said. “The Winter Wonderland experience will provide youth and families a memorable snow day experience and much more to celebrate the joy of the holiday season. I am grateful to DPR Staff for all their work to bring 40 to 80 tons of snow to 34 parks this holiday season!”

Parks After Dark, launched in 2010, has proven to be a successful prevention and intervention program that provides multiple benefits to vulnerable communities, decreasing violence and crime, and increasing social cohesion and community well-being. In 2018, Parks After Dark was recognized by the National Recreation and Park Association, which presented L.A. County Parks and Recreation with is Best in Innovation award.

For more information on Parks After Dark Winter Wonderland, visit https://parks.lacounty.gov/winterpad

Locations, dates, and times for Parks After Dark Winter Wonderland are listed below:

Friday, Dec. 2

• Col. Leon H. Washington Park – 8908 S. Maie Ave., Los Angeles (4-8 p.m.)
• Mary M. Bethune Park – 1244 E. 61st St., Los Angeles – (4-8 p.m.)
• Charter Oak Park – 20261 E. Covina Blvd., Covina – (4-8 p.m.)
• Pamela County Park – 2236 Goodall Ave., Duarte – (4-8 p.m.)

Saturday, Dec. 3

• Eugene A. Obregon Park – 4021 E. First St., Los Angeles – (12-4 p.m.)
• City Terrace Park – 1126 N. Hazard Ave., East Los Angeles – (4-8 p.m.)
• Earvin “Magic” Johnson Park – 905 E. El Segundo Blvd., Los Angeles (12-4 p.m.) (Mega Snow)
• George Washington Carver Park – 1400 E. 118th St., Los Angeles – (4-8 p.m.)
• Val Verde Community Regional Park – 30300 W. Arlington Rd., Val Verde
  (12-4 p.m.) (Mega Snow)
• Belvedere Community Regional Park – 4914 E. Cesar Chavez Ave., Los Angeles
  (4-8 p.m.) (Mega Snow)

Friday, Dec. 9

• Adventure Park – 10130 S. Gunn Ave., Whittier – (4-8 p.m.)
• Sorenson Park – 11419 Rose Hedge Dr., Whittier – (4-8 p.m.)
• Saybrook Park – 6250 E. Northside Dr., East Los Angeles – (4-8 p.m.)
• Jesse Owens Community Regional Park – 9651 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles –
  (4-8 p.m.)

Saturday, Dec. 10

• El Cariso Community Regional Park – 13100 Hubbard St., Sylmar – (12-4 p.m.) (Mega Snow)
• Loma Alta Park – 3330 N. Lincoln Ave., Altadena – (4-8 p.m.)
• Helen Keller Park – 12521 S. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles – (12-4 p.m.)
• Athens Park – 12603 S. Broadway, Los Angeles – (4-8 p.m.)
• San Angelo Park – 245 S. San Angelo Ave., La Puente – (12-4 p.m.)
• Bassett Park – 510 N. Vineland Ave., La Puente – (4-8 p.m.)
• East Rancho Dominguez Park – 15116 S. Atlantic Ave., Compton – (12-4 p.m.)
• Ted Watkins Memorial Park – 1335 E. 103rd St., Los Angeles – (4-8 p.m.)
  (Mega Snow)
• George Lane Park – 5520 W Ave L-8, Quartz Hill (4-8 p.m.)

Friday, Dec. 16

• Ruben F. Salazar Park – 3864 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles (4-8 p.m.)
• William Steinmetz Park – 1545 S, Stimson Ave., Hacienda Heights – (4-8 p.m.)
• Amigo Park – 5700 S. Juarez Ave., Whittier – (4-8 p.m.)
• Amelia Mayberry Park – 13201 E. Meyer Rd., Whittier – (4-8 p.m.)

Saturday, Dec. 17

• Stephen Sorenson Park – 16801 E. Avenue P, Lake Los Angeles (12-4 p.m.)
  (Mega Snow)
• Jackie Robinson Park – 8773 E. Avenue R, Littlerock – (4-8 p.m.)
• Mona Park – 2291 E. 121st St., Compton (12-4 p.m.
• Franklin D. Roosevelt Park – 7600 Graham Ave., Los Angeles – (4-8 p.m.)
  (Mega Snow)
• Rimgrove Park – 747 N. Rimgrove Dr., La Puente – (12-4 p.m.)
• Allen J. Martin Park – 14830 E. Giordano St., La Puente – (4-8 p.m.)
• Valleydale Park – 5525 N. Lark Ellen Ave., Azusa – (4-8 p.m.) (Mega Snow)

LOS ANGELES – New on the County Channel:

Thanksgiving has special meaning this year for seniors living alone or in congregate settings thanks to a food program run by the Aging and Disabilities Department that ensures elderly residents receive three nutritious meals a day. For the centenarians featured here, the meals may fill their stomach, but those who deliver them warm their hearts.

You can watch more stories like this on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here.

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In Case You Missed It

Having a Safe Thanksgiving

This week, many of us will be celebrating Thanksgiving and gathering with friends and family over the long weekend. We are grateful this year to have the tools that allow us to gather with a lot of safety. It will mean however that all of us are likely to need to take some common-sense precautions to avoid future disruptions and the spread of illness.

• Get Vaccinated: First, we should all do our very best to be sure we are up to date on our vaccines. The flu shot and the COVID-19 updated bivalent booster are both widely available in LA County and you can receive both vaccines at the same time. Many people may be thinking that it is too late to get vaccinated before Thanksgiving because the vaccines need time to be effective. While protection does ramp up over the 1-2 weeks after you are vaccinated this does not mean that you will have zero protection until this point. You will still have some protection and you will be prepared for future events. Most pharmacies have these vaccines readily available without an appointment. You can also visit our website: ph.lacounty.gov/howtogetvaccinated.
• Test Before Gathering: If you are hosting, consider asking guests to take a home COVID test before they come over. If you are going to a gathering and you know there will be an older person there or others who are at high risk for severe illness for COVID, test before you arrive just to be safe and ensure that you are not passing along anything that you do not want to be. COVID-19 home tests for all DPH employees are covered by your insurance.
• Stay Home if Sick: If you are coughing, sneezing, have a runny nose, fever, or other concerning symptoms, you should stay home and not risk infecting others. Even a scratchy throat could result in passing along a respiratory virus. Please stay home, rest, and recover.
• Maximize Ventilation: Look for ways that you can improve ventilation in your home. If it is not too cold, stay outdoors as much as possible. When inside, open windows or a screen door and use fans to move the air. If you have an HVAC system in your home, set the fan to ‘on’ and make sure your filters are installed properly. You can also use a portable, high-efficiency air cleaner, also known as HEPA air purifiers. Improving ventilation in your home, as well as gathering in larger rooms where people are spaced apart or going outside, if possible, can help reduce the transmission of airborne illnesses.

Adopt-A-Family Program

The Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) Toy Loan and Volunteer Services Program is gearing up to host the annual Adopt-A-Family Program, the much-anticipated holiday campaign to bring joy to over 1,000 low-income families receiving DPSS benefits and services.

The call is once again going out to encourage individuals and organizations to help make a difference in the community by supporting this worthwhile program.  Sponsoring a family is a wonderful way to celebrate the true spirit of giving.

For over 30 years, the Adopt-A-Family Program has partnered with the community and generously sponsored families needing support during the holidays. Last year, the program provided gifts of clothing, toys, food, and other new items to approximately 1,800 families.

Sponsors may choose the size of the family, general location, and how many families they would like to sponsor. There is no limit to the number of families. Once matched with a family, the sponsor reviews the family’s wish list and decides what and how much to give.

Individuals or organizations interested in adopting a family may fill out an online sponsor application at https://bit.ly/DPSSAAF. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, December 9, 2022.

For more information, contact DPSS Volunteer Coordinator Brenda Gonzalez Camacho at [email protected].   

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At Your Service

Emergency Rent Assistance Program for CALWorks Families 

CalWORKs participants who are behind on rent can call the DPSS Customer Service Center at (866)-613-3777 to request Emergency Assistance to Prevent Eviction (EAPE). Download the EAPE fact sheet to learn more. Submit an application to you CalWORKs Eligibility Worker at your district office.

Laptop Giveaway Event

The County of L.A. is hosting special Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) enrollment and FREE laptop giveaway events at seven library locations on Saturday, December 10, 2022.  The ACP is a federally funded program offering up to $30 off your monthly internet bill.  One hundred laptops will be given away at each location for new enrollments.

To learn more and see a list of locations, visit ACP Enrollment & FREE Laptop Giveaways – Delete The Divide.

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Out and About

Tree Lighting Event

Usher in this festive time of year with the official lighting of LA County’s Christmas tree at The Music Center. Enjoy complimentary hot chocolate while experiencing a live performance by Skid Row-based Urban Voices project. 

Mon, Nov 28 | 5 pm

Jerry Moss Plaza at The Music Center
135 N Grand Ave, Los Angeles, 90012

This free event is open to all!

Winter Events with LA County Parks

It’s Park Time L.A. County! Parks After Dark returns with an enchanting Winter Wonderland experience that will bring holiday cheer and 40 to 80 tons of snow to 34 L.A. County Parks in the month of December. This holiday action packed celebration is for the entire family and is bigger and better than ever before, with more snow, more toys, more craft activities and more fun! All for free!

For more information on Parks After Dark Winter Wonderland, visit parks.lacounty.gov/winterpad.

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Photo Finish

Photo: Mayra Beltran Vasquez / Los Angeles County

The Careers for a Cause (C4C) program helps people like Travon Reed with lived experience find gainful employment in the social services sector. The 8-week immersive program is taught at community colleges and gives those emerging from homelessness and incarceration a chance to build essential job skills. Watch Travon’s inspiring journey from incarceration to full employment helping people like him.

Visit linktr.ee/careers4acause to see a listing of all upcoming open recruitment programs available throughout LA County.

You can watch on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here.

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In Case You Missed It

Behind-the-Scenes: Bruce’s Beach

This 20-minute documentary takes viewers behind-the-scenes of LA County’s groundbreaking effort to right historic wrongs by returning beachfront property wrongfully seized from Black owners a century ago. To learn more about Bruce’s Beach, and the County’s efforts to return the property to the heirs of Willa and Charles Bruce, please click here.

LA vs Hate: United Against Hate Week

At a time when our country is deeply divided and intolerance is spreading, LA vs Hate’s UNITED AGAINST HATE WEEK (November 13-19 2022) will provide an opportunity to build inclusive communities, businesses and schools – that reject bias, bullying, hate and bigotry. Join us!

For a list of events happening during United Against Hate Week, visit unitedagainsthateweek.org.

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At Your Service

Grant Opportunity: Childcare Providers Recovery

Are you a childcare provider located in Los Angeles County recovering from the pandemic? Grants starting at $15,000 are available to assist. Visit our lacountycprgrant.submittable.com to see how you can qualify.

Pandemic Recovery Rapid Reemployment

Find your next career opportunity! LA County residents can access work readiness training, on-the-job training, transitional opportunities, supportive services and more.

Get started today by visiting bit.ly/GetCareerReady

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Out and About

Special Veterans Day Screening

On Friday, November 11th at 6pm, the Los Angeles County Department of Military & Veterans Affairs (MVA) will sponsor a screening of Causeway on the Battleship USS IOWA (rear deck), followed by a panel of experts to discuss issues raised in the film.

To register for this screening, click here. 

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Photo Finish

Photo: Mayra Beltran Vasquez / Los Angeles County

LA County thanks veterans nationwide for their service.

Happy Veterans Day!

This 20-minute documentary takes viewers behind-the-scenes of LA County’s groundbreaking effort to right historic wrongs by returning beachfront property wrongfully seized from Black owners a century ago. To learn more about Bruce’s Beach, and the County’s efforts to return the property to the heirs of Willa and Charles Bruce, please click here.

You can watch on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here.

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In Case You Missed It

Plan Ahead: Find Your Voting Center

Skip the Election Day lines and save time by voting early! You can vote in person or drop off your Vote by Mail ballot at any Vote Center in L.A. County.

FIND A VOTING CENTER

L.A. County Vote Centers provide everything you need to vote in the 2022 General Election, including accessible voting equipment, language services, and they also serve as a Vote by Mail Ballot Drop Box location. Voting early is the fastest and simplest way to make your voice heard. Make your plan to vote today, and vote for the future you want.

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At Your Service

Free Legal Aid for Small Businesses

LA County has teamed up with Bet Tzedek Legal Services and Public Counsel to provide free legal assistance to small businesses impacted by the pandemic including access to on-going webinars, one-on-one counseling, and legal academies.

Interested businesses can visit bit.ly/LegalHelpLA to get started today!

Free Vaccine Clinics

LA County Library is partnering with LA County Department of Public Health to provide free flu vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines, and updated bivalent boosters (which protect against both the newer Omicron strains) to people 6 months of age and older, no health insurance required.

To avoid long wait times, you can make an appointment online at myturn.ca.gov. Search by zip code to find your local vaccine clinic. Clinics are also open for walk-ins. Vaccines are available while supplies last.

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Out and About

LA vs Hate: United Against Hate Week

At a time when our country is deeply divided and intolerance is spreading, LA vs Hate’s UNITED AGAINST HATE WEEK (November 13-19 2022) will provide an opportunity to build inclusive communities, businesses and schools – that reject bias, bullying, hate and bigotry. Join us!

For a list of events happening during United Against Hate Week, visit unitedagainsthateweek.org.

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Photo Finish

Photo: Mayra Beltran Vasquez / Los Angeles County

Happy Day of the Dead from Los Angeles County! 

¡Feliz Día de Muertos!

Carved at Descanso Gardens is a family-friendly event for all ages. For three weeks in October, hundreds of carved pumpkins line the Camellia Forest. This year’s event is bigger and better than before, with all kinds of new activities. The last day to visit is October 31st – visit today! 

You can watch on Channel 92 or 94 on most cable systems, or anytime here. Catch up on LA County Close-Up here.

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In Case You Missed It

Upcoming Webinar: A Conversation Around Reproductive Healthcare

Join us for a conversation around reproductive coercion and access to sexual and reproductive healthcare. Learn about local and out-of-state reproductive care after the overturning of Roe v. Wade from professionals in the healthcare and domestic violence advocacy fields. Leave with a better understanding of how to serve survivors navigating challenges around reproductive care.

Get Vaccinated at Home

If you or a loved one have difficulty leaving the home to get vaccinated against COVID-19, you can request in-home vaccination by calling 2-1-1 or the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Vaccine Call Center at 833-540-0473 (8am-8:30pm; 7 days a week).

Residents can also fill out the online request form (multiple language options available) or visit ph.lacounty.gov/vaxathome for more information. Referrals from caregivers, loved ones, organizations, agencies, providers (among others) are welcome. All doses are available for eligible individuals ages 6 months and older at no cost.

The Fall 2022 booster is also available for eligible individuals. Other family members or caregivers can be vaccinated during the same visit. For resources related to paratransit and free rides for vaccination, call the Public Health Vaccine Call Center or visit the How To Get Vaccinated page.

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At Your Service

CalFresh Market Match Program

There are over 30 farmers’ markets in L.A. County where you can shop with CalFresh AND get between $10-$15 worth of market match vouchers to buy even more fresh and healthy produce. To find your local Certified Farmers’ Market, visit Farmers’ Market Finder by the Ecology Center and enter your zip code in the search bar.

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

In honor of National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control is waiving adoption fees through October 31. This includes adoption, microchip, spay/neuter and vaccinations! Browse available pets at animalcare.lacounty.gov!

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Out and About

Celebrate Halloween at LA County Parks

Join LA Coutny Parks this Halloween season for games, free candy, live concerts, costume contests, pumpkin carving, movie nights and more!

View a list of events: parks.lacounty.gov/halloween.

Farmers’ Market

The Marina del Rey Farmers’ Market operates on Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Lot #11. Visit the farmers market at 14101 Panay Way. For more information and to check out upcoming vendors by visiting visitmarinadelrey.com/farmersmarket.

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Photo Finish

Photo: Mayra Beltran Vasquez / Los Angeles County

Happy Halloween from Los Angeles County! 

WHO WE NEED

We’re casting actors for the short film A Wedding to Diego.

ROLES AVAILABLE:

• LENA (Lead) 18+ / Latine / Non-Binary Person. Beginner Spanish Skills (or above) required.

• DIEGO (Lead) 18+ / Latino / Trans Man. Native spanish speaker (bilingual English-Spanish)
• GAEL (Supporting) 18+ / Latine / Non-Binary Person. Native spanish speaker (bilingual English-Spanish)
• NICO (Supporting) 18+ / non-Latina BIPOC / Trans Woman / No Spanish Skills required

We acknowledge that gender is complex, and are open to all gender identities. We would love to see submissions from any actors who identify as non-cisgender, even if you do not fall neatly into the genders listed above.

No professional acting/modeling experience is needed to apply. As queer filmmakers, we honor the fact that there are many barriers to access for LGBTQ+ talent to train as actors, and we’re open to anyone with an interest in film acting.

People of all identities (races, sizes, physical abilities, genders, sexualities, religions, ethnicities, countries of origin, and more) who fall within the given parameters are welcome and encouraged to apply. We are committed to representing authentic diversity across all projects.

LOGLINE: “A Wedding to Diego” is a queer romantic dramedy short film about Lena, a nonbinary writer, and Diego, a trans-masc painter. The Latine couple, engaged to be married, host opposing bachelorx celebrations which highlight their different personalities. The story puts a queer spin on classic wedding and bachelor(ette) films.

DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT: I’m a nonbinary, Austrian, Mexican, and Native American filmmaker. This film is a passionate project I have been growing for several years. One of the main goals with this film is to increase representation of nonbinary and transgender people of color. Our film shows complex transgender and nonbinary characters as well as the intricate details of their relationships. – Miracle Valenzuela Everett

FULL SCRIPT: A Wedding to Diego (click to view/download) Strictly confidential, to be used for casting purposes only. Do not share.

Don’t fit these roles? We encourage you to sign up for general consideration.

PROJECT INFORMATION

TYPE: Short Film

UNION STATUS: SAG-AFTRA. Non-Union talent are welcome to submit.

DIRECTOR: Miracle Valenzuela Everett (do not contact)

SHOOT LOCATION: Portland, Oregon

SHOOT DATES: December 2022 – January 2023 (1-3 days, TBD)

PAY IF HIRED: $300/day

Travel/lodging/transportation/per diem provided, if applicable.

Talent agents: 10% agency fee available on all rates.

HIRING REQUIREMENTS: Must be based in the USA or Mexico, age 18+. Must comply with COVID19 protocols.

COVID19 CONSIDERATIONS:  Please only apply if you would feel safe working during COVID19 given the following information:

• The initial audition process will be 100% remote (no in-person auditions)
• Vaccination required for all cast + crew. Production will follow all CDC and OMPA guidelines.
• Note that as on-camera talent, you will sometimes be required to remove your mask, for active photography and makeup application.

HOW TO APPLY

You will need the following materials to submit for this project.

• (1) Headshot This does not have to be a professional photo. Any recent, nice quality photo. No hats, sunglasses, or filters. Color Photo.
• (1) Selfie from today showing your current hairstyle. Minimal makeup (if any), hair down. No hats, sunglasses, or filters. Color Photo.
• (1) Full Body Photo Recent photo showing your body type.
• [OPTIONAL] (3-5) Additional Photos Photos from your acting/modeling portfolio, or casual snapshots showing your style/personality.

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Submissions accepted on a rolling basis.

If you have a talent agent, it is mandatory to list your agency on your application. If you already have an account, you will need to login and go to “My Account” at the top of the page to edit your agency and/or sizes.

NEXT STEPS: If you are selected to audition, you will be emailed self-tape instructions.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

TROUBLESHOOTING TIPS: The submission software can be a bit touchy! Please read these tips carefully to ensure a smooth upload:

• Use the web browser Google Chrome (instead of Safari, Firefox, etc) and make sure you have a strong internet connection. Download Chrome here if needed (recommended).
• Make sure you’re uploading one of the following file types:
  • Videos: MP4 or MOV (please convert files if they are in a different format).
  • Photos: JPG, JPEG, HEIC, or PNG.
  • Resumes: PDF
• Large files take several minutes to upload. Do not exit or refresh the page.
• We recommend filming on your cell phone so file sizes are smaller and easier to transfer.

TROUBLE LOGGING IN? Please submit as a guest, it will not affect your consideration.

STILL CAN’T SUBMIT? Sorry for the trouble! Please follow these steps to resolve the issue:

• STEP 1: Please use this link to submit a text-only submission. We recommend logging in or creating an account for best results.
  • Submission Form
• STEP 2: Use wetransfer.com to email your photos/videos to [email protected]. Please include your full name + the name of the project in the message. Do not send YouTube, Vimeo, Google Drive, Dropbox, or other links.
• We will email you to confirm we have received your submission within 2 business days.

QUESTIONS? Please email [email protected]

Non-Disclosure Agreement: By applying for this project, you agree not to mention your involvement in the project, nor disclose to outside parties any details regarding the advertiser, product, or shoot that may be shared during the casting process. Violation of the NDA may result in termination and/or legal action.

Have Thoughts? We strive to use inclusive and affirming language in our casting process. Please let us know if you have any feedback for us.

About Us: We’re a casting agency that finds actors, models, and extras for photoshoots, commercials, TV, and movies. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Our owner, Rachel Mossey, is also on IMDB.

Interested in Other Gigs? We encourage you to visit our sign up page to learn about general consideration.