Aussies are finding new ways to make a bit of extra cash on the side - and they’re setting their sights on the big and small screen.

But talent scouting isn’t what it used to be.

Gone are the days of professionally-trained actors sending out glossy one-page portfolios to agents and waiting in line for hours for an audition.

There is no more standing by the phone, thumbing the phone cord and anxiously to hear if they got the part.

Across each state, scores of budding performers are eagerly scrolling social media in hopes of landing their next big gig.

Sydney-based actor Diana Gyllén-Brissett, who has been working as a professional actor for two decades, told NewsWire that the previous method of finding a job has become nearly extinct.

“In the past, you would only get access to casting calls through agents and industry notice boards (or) digital platforms you needed an agent to access,” she said.

“Today, many opportunities are shared online through casting websites, groups on Facebook and Instagram.

“A lot more doors are open.”

Social media a hot spot for aspiring talent

On social media, groups dedicated to posting acting and extra jobs are sprouting in every state.

Acting as a giant notice board for the entire city, the listings are made up of a combination of paid and unpaid jobs.

Some are from university students asking for eager actors to take part in their short films, while others are on the hunt for young women to take the leading role in a play performing at this year’s Sydney Fringe Festival.

Others are simply looking for extras to pad out the background of other scenes.

“Social media has made casting information more accessible and allows actors to market themselves directly to casting directors and producers,” Ms Gyllén-Brissett told NewsWire.

As talent scouts turn to social media as their preferred destination for talent, it means aspiring actors have to increase their online presence, too.

“Some projects now cast talent based partly on their online presence or audience reach,” she said.

“Many times actors get their social media checked before booking a role – to ensure they are a good fit.

“Meaning, as actors we also need to stay on top of our own social media and make a choice regarding our own brand and what we communicate online.”

Focus shifting to ‘everyday Australians’

Agents aren’t looking for professional faces either, instead focusing on talent who closely resemble everyday Australians.

It’s a sentiment shared by Crowd Media Group founder and chief executive Judy Sahay, who said the “commercial look” was fading thanks to social media – and Australians are cashing in on it.

“More everyday Australians are getting paid work – social media has democratised the pipeline,” she told NewsWire.

“People are discovered on TikTok and Instagram and booked for (user-generated content) ads, promos and small acting gigs without ever walking into a traditional agency.”

Ms Sahay said the opportunities have blown up ever since.

“(Social media has) widened the range of faces and stories we cast and it better reflects real, diverse Australia,” she said.

While this means more fish in the sea for agents, it has only increased the competition for those keen to be on-screen.

“There are opportunities, but competition is strong,” Ms Gyllén-Brissett said.

“Australia has a healthy film, television, commercial, and theatre industry, with additional work coming from international productions filming here.”

Actors seeing increase in demand, but often not enough pay

The jobs often pay, too, with some roles offering anywhere between $100 to $500 for a few hours of work, or upwards of $1000 for a couple of days in front of the camera.

Larger roles for commercials, TV series and independent films can offer roles paying up to $10,000 for a few weeks wroth of work.

Most of the time, though, the majority of small roles are unpaid – the only compensation is a free feed or an on-screen acting credit.

This, of course, depends on the type of work you’re doing, Ms Gyllén-Brissett said.

“Major television, film, and commercial roles can pay very well for, especially when covered by industry agreements,” she said.

“However, many independent films and small scale productions like digital campaigns pay very low.

“Overall, we have seen a decrease in rates.”

AI threatens to destabilise actors’ playground

While unpaid work has long been a cloud hanging over the heads of aspiring actors, another looming threat is on the horizon – AI.

Some listings on casting call websites such as StarNow – which launched in New Zealand and operates across the ditch, in Australia and the UK – who will pay hundreds to use a person’s likeness for AI-generated content.

There’s no travelling, no acting or modelling experience – just standing in front of a camera for an hour, and the company will do the rest.

It sounds like easy money for very little work, but there’s a catch.

“Actors will need to become more aware of issues such as digital likeness rights and how their image or voice can be used in productions,” Ms Gyllén-Brissett told NewsWire.

Talent hoping to make a quick buck may find themselves in hot water unless they pay attention to their contracts, she warned.

“We need to get better at reading contracts,” she said.

“I have seen clauses where the production basically asks to use ‘a version’ of you in any future production.”

But Melbourne-based agent Ms Sahay said the digitally-created faces will be more common as the technology develops.

“We expect AI-generated and digital talent to enter more roles as the models improve virtual influencers, digital doubles, synthetic background performers, likeness licensing,” she told NewsWire.