There are three types of extras
you can catch on TV or movies known as Day Extras, Special Extras and Silent
Bit Extras. A Day Extra is
considered the lowest rank and requires the least technique to accomplish its
role. They are merely the bodies in the background, walking or jogging, etc. Special Extras are usually performing a
skill in the background that requires technique and experience such as
juggling, dancing, skateboarding, etc. Silent
Bit Extras are the lucky people who get extra exposure and interact with
the main actors in the scene, such as “the waitress that serves the main actors”
or “the mailman that hands the main actor his mail.” These types of extras do
not speak and make no more money than day extras, but are almost guaranteed time
on screen which feels a lot like pay!
Becoming an extra is so easy that
all you need to begin is the internet. When finding a credible casting website
to sign up for that will hire you as a movie extra or TV extra with tons of
opportunities, all it will take is a onetime registration fee for most sites.
Others maybe require a small once a month fee. However, this must be looked at
as an investment since what you will reap in return is a wonderful experience
and an awesome rush of being in a film or on TV! Once you have become
registered in one of these sites, you will have the ability to create a
personal profile that allows you to post your headshot, resume, video reels and
other bits of information on yourself. Now casting directors, talent agents and
scouts have direct contact to hire you for their movie if you meet what they
are searching for. Some examples of these sites that can get you extra jobs are
moviex.com, castingnetworks.com and centralcasting.com. The most efficient way
to get extra jobs is to apply for as many jobs that fit you as quick as they
come. Extras are often needed by Casting Directors last minute, so if you sign up,
be prepared to get a call late at night for early next morning in some cases. Being
an actor entails having common sense to avoid scams that may claim to get you jobs, but really just take your money. “The Truth about Being an Extra,” by Jo Kelly is an excellent
resource that gives tons of information on being an extra and lists a number of
legit, reliable and dependable casting firms. Another way to avoids scams is by
networking with friends and fellow actors to find out their best suggestions and
experiences with certain agencies. It is also good to research the agency's web
site to see how professional they are displayed. Prior to giving away any
personal information or paying for their services, call the Better Business
Bureau to check the agencies rating. Every background agency charges a small
fee in order to register you, allow you to upload a photo and add you to their
database. If you decide to actually visit the agency, make sure you bring cash
or a check and a notebook to take notes. Once you have gone through the process
of finding a credible web site, you have completed the most obnoxious part and
are on your way to becoming an extra.
Tips
for Extras:
1.
Call the casting agency’s hotline. Once you have signed on with a
casting agency and have been booked, you will get a number to call for your call
time, location and dress attire.
2.
Look up the directions the night
before and always arrive early. On time…is LATE. You should always be at least 15 minutes earlier
than the call time.
3.
Make sure to wear the appropriate
clothing as instructed by the agency and follow the entire wardrobe guidelines,
which they will also double check when you arrive. Bring an extra jacket in case it
is cold, and if wearing high heels, bring a pair of flats for comfort sake when
you are off set.
4.
Upon arrival, look for the
Assistant Director, production assistants, or your contact person, to assure
that they know you arrived on time. (You may also have to fill out whatever forms are required.)
Usually, as soon as you arrive, you get fitted, put into makeup or whatever the
director directs. Do what the director says and stay out of everyone’s way.
5.
The benefit of waiting around all
day is having a lot of free time to read, work, or be lucky enough to watch a
scene filmed that you are not in! (For lunch, excellent food is almost always provided and the
extras are lucky to be included, even though they are served last.) Since you
will have loads of spare time, network with other background actors. The
knowledge you can attain from other extras can be very valuable.
6.
The scene you are an extra in may
have to be filmed over and over, especially if lines or dropped so please do
not consider becoming an extra unless you are willing to give your entire day and your utmost respect. In most events, you may be
waiting 10 hours to be used for 30 minutes.
7.
Do not bring friends, family or pets
to the sets. You, as the
extra, are the only person required
or even allowed to attend the set, unless instructed otherwise. Do not abuse
the privileges or rules.
8.
Do not ask the celebrities for
autographs. This is a
professional atmosphere and they are working.
(It is not a red carpet for you to snap pictures.)
9.
Bring a pen so you can complete
your voucher. At the end
of your day, don’t forget to get your voucher signed as it is your only proof
that you worked.
10. Always
remain quiet and seated when necessary so you stay out of the way and the
director can find you. Do
not interrupt anyone and be ready. Your
entire 10 or more hour day of work may result in a small check, (50$ to 100$
dollars sometimes more on overtime,) but you will have reaped a whole day of
experience! Overtime can sometimes include getting paid for getting wet or for
getting smoke on you from a scene. If it’s a SAG film and you are asked to say
a line, you normally get upgraded which will create a waiver for you. You will receive
a SAG waiver that will bring you closer to become SAG eligible.
11. Some
things to consider or be aware of before you become an extra:
-If you are an aspiring actor,
you may not want to overdo being an extra and get the reputation of “just an
extra” and nothing more.
-No Fame
-No guarantee of being seen
-Not much pay
12. If
you are someone who wants to get a taste of acting, being an extra will teach
you a lot and is a wonderful taste of the acting world! However, if you are a person who
wants to become an actor getting starring roles, then you need to sparingly do
extra work, so you do not get stuck in the same routine of being in the
background instead of in the spotlight!
-Actors Nook Team
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