Motivated ~ Reliable ~ Talented ~ Superior!

● Pre – screened background talent to round out any

project on any budget.
● Dedicated to the craft and developing excellence
for the screen.
● Why take chances? Use talent with proven abilities to get
the job done, and get it done right!

Aaron J. Hartnell ~ Owner and primary booking agent

Office: (323) 467-8999

Cell: (818) 939-5936

*Staff is available 24/7 to address your casting needs!

Hi and thank you for your interest in aatmo.biz. Aatmo is a 'call in' company serving the
Hollywood area. Our goal is to provide the top background artists with regular
background work while they hone their skills and pursue their career goals. Always
with SAG and AFTRA standards and conditions in mind we strive to provide local
casting directors and studios with the best most reliable talent available. We particularly
look to showcase our client's special abilities whenever possible thus creating strong,
confident and lasting relationships with both casting and production.
WHAT IS A CALL – IN SERVICE AND WHY SHOULD I GET ONE?

Call-in services are very helpful but not essential. A great number of background actors successfully
use them. These companies act as personal managers that assist you in the process of getting hired.
They can keep track of your work schedules, provide your information to the casting offices and accept
your work calls while you are busy on the set working. Central Casting recommends that you choose
your service carefully. Ask other background actors when you are working on set; who they are with
and why they chose that service. Most management companies will charge between $50 to $70 dollars
a month. Basically a day’s wages. That is easily be worth the expense since most people spend more
than that amount just calling in to the casting offices trying to get booked

No one can tell you how much you will work or even if you will work at all because the needs of the
production companies change constantly. A few call in services screen their talent prior to accepting
them. Some services will take anyone who walks through the door. Obviously the more picky a
service is the more reliable their talent tends to be.

WARNING:
● A service should NEVER charge you a “Registration Fee,” a “Photo Fee,” or “First and Last
Month.” That is a service that is just looking to pocket your cash in the form of fees.
● You should be wary of a service that never meets you in person or face to face.
● Make sure the staff are accessible to your phone inquiries and to your making an in-person
appointment.
At aatmo.biz we do not advertise or solicit talent outside of Central Casting. Talent can ONLY be
considered by internal recommendation or by being referred by a casting director or an Assistant
Director. We spend time taking a variety of photos of talent and use the registration process as an
opportunity to get acquainted. There is NEVER a registration fee. When you register you are only
nd
required to pay your first month's fee. If you register in the middle of the month your 2 month's fee
will be pro rated to 50% off in compensation.

As NON UNION talent it should not be necessary to 'register' with the various casting agencies.
However, when you become part of a union you should go to those same agencies and register as an act
of 'good faith.' SAG and AFTRA members are paid a substantially higher wage and as such the casting
companies will be more likely to book talent that they have met. Having taken the time to register
shows a level of commitment that the casting directors appreciate.
WHO THE HECK AM I ?

I'm Aaron. I was born and raised in right here in California

back when the whole state smelled like orange blossoms. I
was heavily involved with both The Long Beach Civic Light
Opera and the Fullerton Civic Light Opera all through high
school. I studied ballet at The Stanley Holden Dance Centre
as well as at The San Francisco Ballet, American Ballet
Theatre School, and The School of American Ballet. I
danced principal roles in the repertoire of Cleveland Ballet,
Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Ballet Nuevo Mundo de
Caracas, Eugene Ballet and Ballet du Nord. I have performed
in many national level productions such as Phantom Of The
Opera, Evita and was an original cast member of EFX with
Michael Crawford.

I have two bachelor's degrees: One in French and one in

Russian. I graduated Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa from UC IRVINE in 1993. I have
extensive management experience from office managing Hartnell Ready Mix to being the Hotel
Assistant Manager for The L'Ermitage, Beverly Hills.

In 2000 I left the hospitality industry and acquired my current engineering and software certifications.
I am a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) as well as a
Microsoft Certified Professional with internet specialty (MCP+i). I
worked tech support for earthlink as well as CompuLaw, LLC, where I
also helped with legal software development. Perhaps my most
interesting computer job was running the Windows Hardware Quality
Logo (WHQL) testing lab for a Canon laser jet printer. There I tested
and advised Windows driver engineers on the interface between
Windows systems and the localized French and German language
drivers written for Cannon Printers.

After taking some personal time off from 2002 to 2004 I fell into
background work quite by accident as a way to 'get out of the house'
for a few hours once or twice a week. I was hooked pretty quickly!
To supplement my income I worked at atmosphere talent as the
weekend on - call liaison.
My duties there included inputting schedules, running various reports, providing customer service
(bookings) to local casting directors. I was lucky enough to learn the ropes from a very respected (and
feared) member of the staff there. I continued with those same duties with a newer even more
prestigious service for the last year. Working 16 plus hours on my computer is a normal thing for me
and in fact I enjoy it! I will always be available to the background artists and casting directors to assist
them in any way possible. An added bonus is that I know many of the background artists. I am
familiar with their talents and with what they can bring to the table.

So, here it is: this is my day job! This is what I do to make my living while I hit the audition circuit. I
know it will take some time to get established and prove myself to new casting directors but I am
willing to do the work necessary.

Keep it positive!!! ~ Aaron

Hello:
And thank you for inquiring about a a t m o . biz. I'm sorry it's tak e n me so long
to get ba c k to you and I apolo giz e for the form lett er but thi s is abou t the
only wa y I ca n do it the s e day s . I a m glad to tell you that I think you are a
good c a ndid a t e for my co mp a n y and I'd like to tak e you on a s a client.
Re gi s tr a ti o n tak e s pla c e on any Sund a y bet w e e n 1 2: 0 0 pm and 3:0 0 pm.
Due to lighting con s i d e r a t i o n s the earlier you arrive the bett er. Ple a s e call
ah e a d (on Frid a y or so) to let me know you will be co mi n g.

Re gi s tr a ti o n is at:
1 8 1 5 Can y o n Drive, Apt. 2
Lo s Ang el e s , CA 90 0 2 8
Ple a s e bring:
● a con s e r v a t i v e offic e look (suit or blaz er with shirt and tie)
● a c a s u a l look (stud e n t or pare nt)
● a co c k t a il party or club look
● s cr ub s (if you hav e the m . Wom e n should bring pedi a tri c s cru b s )
● a photo c o p y of your driver s' licen s e (for airport s c e n e s )
● Firs t month' s fee. Union: $ 7 5 . 0 0 * Non Union: $ 6 5 . 0 0 * (Monthly fee c a n be
put on debit or CC for conv e ni e n c e . )

You ma y arrive anyti m e bet w e e n 1 2 : 0 0 noon and 3: 0 0 pm.

I'll look forw ar d to working with you.

Aaron Hartn ell ~ a a t m o . biz

(32 3 ) 4 6 7- 8 9 9 9
(81 8 ) 9 3 9- 5 9 3 6

*Ne w fee begin g s Jun e 1, 2 0 1 0

 Aatmo.biz
Policies and Procedures

Welcome to Aatmo.biz. I'm glad to have you join my roster of background artists. Please take this time to review the
way things are done here. Although background acting is relatively easy and can be fun, it is a real job! So pay
attention!

PAYMENTS

1. Payments are due on the First of each month. There are no longer any exceptions. You make your initial investment
back on your first day of work. That translates to: You give me $65.00 or $75.00 dollars and I get you between $64.00
and $142.00 per day of work back. It's a no lose situation for you.
2. Unless you have made arrangements with me, if I don't have your payment on the first. I will make you unavailable
until your payment is made. I'm sorry but too many people have taken advantage of my caring nature and I have to put
a stop to it. This is my job-not my hobby.

3. Understand further that just because you have paid the monthly dues that does NOT put me under any obligation
to, or guarantee that I will pay all your bills. There is an old phrase: “Day Job.” You should become acquainted with if
you want to experience any level of personal comfort on your journey to stardom.

AVAILABILITY
1. Every Thursday night you should call your availability in to availability hotline: (323) 957-4604. The line is open until
10:00 pm Sunday night. If you want to work on Monday, get your schedule called in Thursday night.
2. DO NOT leave messages on the availability hotline at any other time! The line is not checked for updates between
Sunday night at 10:00 p.m. and Thursday evening.
3. If, after you have called in your schedule, you need to make a change; You MUST call and speak to myself or a staff
member in the office. We will put your change into the system while you are on the phone with us to make sure it is
accurate. When the change has been saved, we will allow you to hang up.

4. YOU MUST MAKE SCHEDULE CHANGES BY THIS PROCEDURE! ANY deviation is tantamount to writing a note,
sticking it under a rock at Griffith Park and hoping that I will find it. Changes made in any other way will NOT be
recognized.

BOOKINGS & CONFIRMATIONS

1. I reserve the right to call you up to 1:00 am with work for the following day.
2. When you are booked, you will get a phone call from a staff member with your details for the following day as soon
as we receive them.
3. You must acknowledge the work assignment by calling the confirmation hotline: (323) 957-4605. If me or a staff
member has spoken directly to you that qualifies as a confirmation.
4. Please confirm as soon as possible for each day of work.
5. Confirmations not received by 10:00 pm will result in replacement proceedings against you. If called with a booking
after 10:00 pm there is a grace period for the confirmation.
6. If you see that I am calling you late in the evening, I am probably making sure that you are still available. So, if you
want to work, pick up your phone.
7. People who do not prove dependable and accessible in the evenings will be removed from the evening availability
list.
8. Much of my reliability comes from being accessible to the casting directors 24/7. I will only contact the most
responsible people for bookings made after 9:00 pm. Nothing is more aggravating than having to replace a
replacement.
CANCELLATIONS

1. You must call my emergency line (818) 939-5936 to inform us of your circumstance. At that point you must also call
the Central Emergency Line (or the hotline of whatever independent show you are booked on).
2. Cancellations are only accepted in the case of a true emergency such as: the death of a family member, a car
accident or natural disaster. Be warned: If your Grandmother dies three times in the same year you will be asked to
find another service.
3. I reserve the right to ask for documentation regarding your emergency situation before I or the staff continues to
book you.
4. Cancellations hurt everybody. They make the staff look bad and they lessen the odds for others who are still trying
to get work in the future.
5. Excessive cancellations or tardiness is usually indicative of a larger problem and will be looked at as such.
6. NEVER replace yourself with a friend on a call. That is the sole duty of me, my staff, or the casting director.
Breaking this rule will result in immediate termination.

WORKING AT THE STUDIO OR ON LOCATION

1. Be on time to set. This means at the check in table with your hair and makeup done at or before your call time.
2. After check in be prepared to go straight to wardrobe and then straight to work. Come fifteen minutes early if you
would like some breakfast. Be advised -Some sets do not offer this option.
3. Confine yourselves to areas designated for background; Do not wander.
4. Do not try and be friendly with the actors. They are working too.
5. Do not ever take photos or video of any set pieces or actors. To do so may result in legal action by the production
company as well as possible termination from my services.
6. Always bring the proper identification to gain access to the gate and for filling out your I-9 information.
7. Be aware of traffic patterns and/or fire safety lanes on the lot.
8. Do not miss (and pay attention to) on-set safety meetings.
9. If you become aware of any dangerous situation or are injured yourself, be sure and notify an assistant director, a
production assistant or the set medic immediately.
10. If you are injured always fill out the proper incident report paperwork before leaving set for the day.

GENERAL ETIQUETTE
1. Please understand that the proper way to load a transpo van is to go to the furthest back empty seat. Don't be an
ass and take a seat in front and make people climb past you to load the back. If you are handicapped or injured wait
for others to load and get in last.

2. If you have an issue with a condition or a person in authority over you, please notify me and I will notify the casting
director. Do not be confrontational with any crew member. Whether the case is an attitude, lack of chairs, the
temperature in holding etc., let me or the CD handle the situation through the proper channels.

3. Whether you are SAG, AFTRA or Non-Union try to bring options for wardrobe in a nice garment bag. If you have
been to a fitting for that day of work bring any articles of clothing that they have asked for. The wardrobe folks work
very hard and don't need or want any of your “guff”. An angry wardrobe staffer can do more harm to your career than
a bitter critic. And if you don't have options they will hand you a size 4 dress to stuff your size 12 butt into. However, a
happy wardrobe person also has the power to tell the CD how good you were and to send you back as often as
possible.

4. When returning your wardrobe make sure that things are hung up neatly and correctly. The handle of the hanger
should look like a question mark.
5. It is not necessary to fill out I-9 multiple times on a show cast by Central Casting. However, you should fill out all I-9
information each time on every other show you work on. This means each time you work a show. It will expedite
receiving your paychecks in a timely manner.
TIPS FOR DEALING WITH ME
1. When calling to be submitted or ask a general question during booking hours, that's 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, Call the
general message line: (323) 957-4603. Leave me a message there. It will notify me immediately via my e mail and will
play on my desktop speaker. That way you don't tie up any lines that a casting director my trying to access. I promise I
will address your concern as quickly as I am able.

2. I am very busy during booking hours. If you need to speak to me: Call me, tell me concisely what you need and then
get off the phone! I can't chat with you and book you at the same time. Do not be offended if I sound short. I have to get
on with it ASAP. A thirty second delay can easily make the difference between getting 30 people booked on a show –
or only 2 because I wound up behind someone in the phone queue.

3. You may call in to let me know that you would like to be submitted on something... Chances are that you are already
submitted, but I will take up your cause if it is appropriate.
4. When calling to be submitted, please know the name of the show, the casting director name and the category. Don't
just say you want to be submitted for the 'show that needs New York pedestrians'.
5. DO NOT call in for things that your aren't appropriate for. This INFURIATES a casting director. If you are 57 don't
call in if they've asked for 30 year olds. No matter what your mom or hairstylist says you do not pass for 30. And just
because you have a cowboy hat doesn't mean you are a cowboy.

6. Please do not call the office to let me know that “you are available.” That's what the availability line is for, and unless
it is a change in your schedule I already know you are free. Do not call to say “HI” or to ask if you are “booked
tomorrow.” Those are attention grabbing tactics. If you are booked someone from staff will contact you and if you have
a legitimate concern, someone will address it. I promise.

7. Always make sure to check with me before accepting work from another source. I will support you whenever
possible, but if I have you booked already my booking takes precedence over an outside source.
8. If a casting director calls you directly for a booking, please refer them to me. That is the ONLY way to avoid
confusion and double bookings.
9. Understand that there are hundreds of people calling in for each show and that just because you grew up in the
Bronx doesn't mean that Central is obligated to put you on CSI New York. I will always submit you appropriately but I
do not make the final decision. That's just the way the cookie crumbles.

10. Finally, I will always be honest when I give you professional criticism. I am not doing my job if I let you go out in the
world with your skirt tucked up in your panties or your hair looking awful. I am here to help and I know what is selling
out there. So, if you aren't ready for the truth – don't ask.

PHONE NUMBERS

General Inquiries – 323-957-4603 Availability –

323-957-4604 Confirmation – 323-957-4605 Office –
323-467-8999* Emergency 818-939-5936* -do not call
back on this line

*phones may receive calls from this number