Guides for crew, actors and producers.

Day rates by city and role. Tools to price your work. Knowledge to navigate sets, contracts, and your career. Free, always.

Tools

Plug and chug.

Project budget calculator

Plug in roles, days, and gear. Get an instant production budget.

Day rate finder

Average and high-end day rates by role and city.

Actor release template

Free downloadable release form for on-camera talent.

Backstage alternatives 2026

Compare casting platforms side-by-side.

Browse the crew in each metro.

Working knowledge by the things you actually want to learn.

Your role in 2036

Twenty roles: what stays human, what's changing, the tools, training and a plan.

Career paths

From PA to department head, role by role.

On-set basics

Getting on set, who does what, and how not to get lost.

Business of crew

Rates, taxes, kit fees, insurance.

Casting calls

How to find and book talent for your project.

Every crew position

What each job on a set actually does.

Indie production

Crewing up a low-budget short.

Breaking in and moving up, role by role.

Day rates, kit fees and getting paid.

What DPs, gaffers, grips and mixers make in each market.

Crewing up, permits, incentives and tax credits.

Call sheets, deal memos, releases and budgets.

Auditions, self-tapes, headshots, reels, agents, the union and getting paid.

Where the work is and who's making it.

How the other platforms stack up.