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How to Be an Extra in a Movie

How to Be an Extra in a Moviethumbnail
Be an Extra in a Movie

Finding work as a movie "extra" is an informative entry experience into the film industry.

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    Difficulty:
    Moderately Easy

    Instructions

    Things You'll Need

    • Changes Of Clothes
    • Telephones
    • Headshots
    • Calendars
    • Personal Organizers
    • résumé software
      • 1

        Go to your local theater bookstore (such as Samuel French, in Los Angeles), and buy a guide such as "How to Be a Working Actor: The Insider's Guide to Finding Jobs in Theater, Film, and Television." This and several other such books list the casting directors and agencies who deal specifically with extras.

      • 2

        Send your headshot and résumé with a brief cover letter to the casting directors and agencies.

      • 3

        Follow up with a phone call. Inquire about their interview days.

      • 4

        Attend an interview day, when the agency holds an open call for prospective extras. They will take an instant-developing photo of you, plus statistics about your height, weight, hair color and age. Fill out all necessary information, and behave in a polite and professional manner.

      • 5

        Be prepared to be called to show up on a movie set to work with only a day's notice if the casting director or agency accepts you. Know in advance how you can be free and/or get time off work to go.

      • 6

        Show up 15 minutes early for your "call time" (see glossary). Immediately find the staff person in charge of the extras. Fill out all forms and sign in.

      • 7

        Stay in the areas allotted for the extras; behave professionally, as you would on any important acting job.

      • 8

        Thank the staff member at the end of the day and request that you be brought back to work on the movie again.

    Tips & Warnings

    • Most extra work is cast in major cities, such as New York and Los Angeles.

    • Bring several changes of clothes to the set; the staff in charge of extras may want to choose the best outfit for you.

    • Bring a book to read, or perhaps a journal to write in, and be prepared to wait around for hours.

    • Make lots of friends; everyone on a set may move up the ladder and become important in the industry some day.

    • Never wander around on the set; stay where you are placed.

    • Listen to instructions and be easy to work with.

    • Never make noise while the cameras are rolling, unless instructed to do so.

    • Do not be a prima donna and try to leap in front of the camera.

    • Be careful around electrical equipment; sets can be dangerous and chaotic.

    • Don't disturb the director or take pictures of the stars.

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    Comments

    • 7635 Oct 11, 2010
      yes superstar start working extra to move their ladder to where they are today. thank you very much
    • pacmanpark Jun 15, 2010
      what do they mean theater bookstore
    • cecefabulous Jul 07, 2009
      for scarlettohairy. r u an actress?
    • spoff May 08, 2009
      BEWARE of all ads for extras.They all just want your money!They'll ask for a credit card #,don't do it .They are allscams!You never should pay to apply for any of these jobs!
    • AnneZ Mar 05, 2009
      This is right up my brother's alley. I will send him a link to this article. Thanks!

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