The Operation of a Central Casting Bureau

In the past two years the employment of extras has been centralized in a free employment bureau, owned and operated by the members of the Association of Motion Picture Producers. Prior to this, extra players either secured employment through commercial casting offices, paying a fee of from 7 per cent to 10 per cent of each day's check, or they made the daily rounds of the studios, soliciting work. With the development of the industry, the producers felt that more attention should be given to the industrial problems of the industry. At the suggestion of Mr. Hays, Miss Mary Van Kleek, of the Russell Sage Foundation, made a brief survey and among her recommendations suggested a special study of employment. This study was carried on for a year, with the co-operation of the State Labor Commissioner, and in January, 1925, the Central Casting Corporation was established.