Things You'll Need:
- Transportation
- Wardrobe
- Positive attitude
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Step 1
You need to sign up with extra casting agencies. The biggest extra casting agency in Los Angeles is Central Casting located in Burbank. You will have to go down to the agency in person to fill out an application form, take pictures, and pay a one-time fee. The fee is usually around $20~$25. You can start out by registering with Central Casting, then register with more agencies later. Remember the more agencies you are registered with, the more jobs you will get.
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Step 2
Once you are registered with a extra casting agency, you are ready to work. Work can be acquired in a few different ways. The most common way is by calling in the agency. Most agencies will have a job hotline, where they post which shows need extras. If you fit the description of the extras they are looking for, you can call the casting directors to submit yourself for the job. Sometimes when you have the "right" look, you don't have to do anything. The casting director will call you and offer you the job.
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Step 3
Since you need to have the "right" look to get the job, it is wise to have a complete wardrobe with many different looks. You might want to have some upscale outfit for a nice restaurant scene, a suit for the office scene, swimwear for a beach scene, casual outfit for an outdoor scene, etc. You get the idea! Your ability to change into many different looks is the key to get an extra job.
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Step 4
Once you are booked for a job, it is very important to get to the set on time. You always want to be a little earlier than the given call time. If you arrive the set late, they might (1) replace you with someone; (2) call the casting director to let him/her know; (3) send you home without pay; and (4) you probably won't be hired again. Being on time is one of the most important thing because the entire production could be slow down because you are late. You can meet a lot of people being there early. Your fellow actors, production people, and who knows? Maybe even the director!
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Step 5
Once you are on set, remember to follow directions. When they ask you to go to set and act, do it as told. If production assistants ask for volunteer for a scene, go for it! You want to be seen out there. The director might like you and upgrade you to a speaking role! Remember to always have a postivie attitude. If they like you, chances are they will remember you. Either they will ask you to come back to work on the same tv show/movie, or they will call you for their next project!
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Step 6
Once you finish your job, you can send the casting director who booked you a thank you note. Let him/her know that you appreciate it and he/she will book you again and again.
