Casting for Police Lineups

Police Lineup

NY Times:

He is one of New York’s busiest casting directors, yet very few know of his work.

Mr. Weston, 45, was not casting for an Off Broadway production, and his roster of extras would not need Actors’ Equity cards.

For some 15 years, Mr. Weston has been providing the New York Police Department with “fillers” — the five decoys who accompany the suspect in police lineups.

Detectives often find fillers on their own, combing homeless shelters and street corners for willing participants. In a pinch, police officers can shed their uniforms and fill in. But in the Bronx, detectives often pay Mr. Weston $10 to find fillers for them.

Photo by Darren Whitt/ShutterStock.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *