How to Become a TV & Film Extra

Is it really possible to get into movies and TV with no acting experience? Yes, indeed, anyone can be an extra---and actually get paid to work with the likes of Julia Roberts and Jack Nicholson. For the most part, extras are not called upon to do any acting; they are often referred to in the industry as "background," because their function is to provide background faces and bodies for the actors, in order to make a scene more realistic. But if you aspire to a career in film, you'll have to support yourself somehow in the meantime; and being an extra teaches you a great deal more about the field than does waiting tables. And who knows, it just might turn into a breakthrough---actor Matthew Modine was reportedly discovered while working as an extra. Let's face it, though, that was probably the only time this has happened in Hollywood history. Still, you might get some conspicuous screen time out of it. If you've ever seen the film "Eye for an Eye," then you have seen this writer in a pretty tight shot with Sally Field. And if you've ever seen the blockbuster "Independence Day," you've seen even better exposure of this writer's wife, including a scene in which Bill Pullman, as the president, ad libs a line directed at her and uses her real name. Another extra in the same film was actually given a line, greatly increasing his pay scale. Sound exciting? Alas, even these occurrences are quite rare. The great majority of the time, you'll be no more than a blurry face in a crowd. So what's really in it for you? A paycheck (even a decent paycheck if you earn union membership), the thrill of seeing Steven Spielberg having lunch on the backlot, the learning process about how the business works and above all the satisfaction of watching a film or TV episode and knowing that you helped contribute to it. If you are motivated by such things, and if you are willing to put up with the demands, then here is how you, too, can end up on screen.

Things You'll Need

• Reliable transportation
• GPS
• Varied wardrobe
• Cellphone

Instructions

1. Live in an area with a suitable market. If you want steady work, this will almost certainly mean the Los Angeles area, or possibly New York. And be aware that "area" means a very big area. Gone are the days when "Hollywood" literally meant Hollywood. "Hollywood" studios are now located in Hollywood, Burbank and Culver City, just to name a few places. The actual shooting, in any case, generally does not take place at the studios, but at some location within a radius of 50 miles or so.

2. Have reliable transportation. You just can't depend on public transit, particularly in a place as spread out as L.A., to get you to and from your location quickly enough. Period. (And in some cases, there may even be an opportunity for your vehicle to appear on screen. Maybe your car can become a star.) A GPS would be a very wise investment as well since you'll probably be traveling to some unfamiliar places.

3. Have a varied wardrobe. Studios have their own abundant supply of wardrobe, of course, and you'll most likely wear some of it---especially if you're portraying a distinctive character such as a police officer. But in some cases, you'll be asked to bring some items with you. And if they like what you bring, you're more likely to end up closer to the camera.

4. Special talents help. If you can juggle, do contortion or play basketball, those skills might get you assignments you wouldn't otherwise get. Moreover, they could get you high-profile assignments that might qualify you for membership in SAG (the Screen Actors Guild, the film and TV actors' union). The Steven Seagal film "Fire Down Below" had scenes set in a casino, so casino dealers from the Los Angeles area were brought in to be extras, even though most of them had never worked in film before. And after three days of shooting, they'd earned a SAG card---an achievement for which some extras struggle for many years!

5. Have a headshot. This is not a necessity, as it would be if you were auditioning for speaking roles; the casting agencies can take their own photos of you. But if you have a professional headshot they can put on file, it might help "sell" them on you when they're looking for a particular type.

6. Register with one or more of the casting agencies for extras. The biggest one, the one you've heard about for years, is Central Casting in Burbank (and New York). But don't overlook the other good agencies as well: Axium, for instance. The more reliable agencies you register with, the greater your chances of working steadily.

7. Be persistent. Call in at the designated times to seek work, and keep calling until you succeed.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware that a large portion your time on set will usually be spent just sitting around and waiting. Take along a book or something else to keep you occupied. A snack might be a good idea too, although there will almost always be plenty of excellent food provided by the caterer. (Union extras often get better munchies than non-union, however.) Be prompt and reliable. There is a very low tolerance in this business for unexcused absences or excessive tardiness. Be prepared for all kinds of working conditions. You might be outside when it's chilly or hot and sunny (if you burn easily, bring sunscreen). You might be asked to work in a smoky environment (for extra pay). And above all, expect long hours. In a few cases, you might "wrap" after only 3 or 4 hours, but 12- or 13-hour days are far more typical, and 16-hour days are not unheard of. Consider hiring a calling service to get assignments for you. It will cost about a day's pay every month, but otherwise you'll spend a great deal of time on the phone just trying to get work. Consider getting a SAG card as soon as you qualify. The registration fee is steep, but if you work steadily, you'll earn about twice as much money. For better or worse, the film and television industry deals in stereotypes. It pays to know what your own type is and to present yourself accordingly. If you are a male over 35, you're most likely to be cast as a conservative businessman. At any age, facial hair will probably limit your prospects (although it also might open up a few unique ones).

• Every casting agency will charge you a modest registration fee, but if some agency attempts to charge a fee that is considerably higher than the others, head for the door---particularly if they promise to get work for you. Those are earmarks of a scam, of which there are many in this business. Observe proper etiquette on set. No photography is allowed. And never, ever initiate a conversation with an actor; asking for an autograph is especially taboo, and can get you barred permanently. If an actor initiates a conversation with you, however, it's certainly acceptable to respond.

Resources

• Screen Actors Guild
• Central Casting