How to Be an Extra in a Movie

By eHow Arts & Entertainment Editor

Rate: (25 Ratings)

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

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Changes Of Clothes
Telephones
Headshots
Calendars
Personal Organizers
résumé software

Step1

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.

Step2

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

Step3

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

Step4

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.

Step5

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.

Step6

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.

Step7

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

Step8

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.

Comments

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 9/10/2006 1. Bring a folding camp chair with you, especially if you're going to be on location. They're more comfortable than the rented plastic folding chairs they provide. You can buy these camp chairs for $10-15 at sporting goods or Kmart-type stores.

2. In Los Angeles, one studio no longer provides lunches for the extras. Others might follow. Do you want to pay $6 for cafeteria food at the "commissary?" It's always a good idea to bring to set a piece of fruit and an energy bar to supplement the snacks they give you, in case lunch turns out to be skimpy or nonexistent. Student projects vary, but most seem to give pretty skimpy meals too.

3. In LA, there are almost always vegetarian options. But if you're on a small production (less than 30 people total), ask politely in advance, or bring something yourself.

4. Learn from the experience! You are acting, and sometimes the director really is paying attention to the extras. On a big commercial shoot (like network TV), you have the satisfaction of creating a character - you probably won't get any notice, but on a smaller project, the director may notice you and your skill at turning a cardboard role into something alive. This does not mean "ham it up" or "try to get noticed." Just stay alert in your role for opportunities to increase the realism. For example, I was booked to pay a homeless person. I imitated a person I had seen at the public hospital. To my surprise, I found myself limping when I had to walk. Directors appreciate these details.

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 8/8/2006 Remember that a set is full of opportunities and everyone there is in contact with someone else from another production who may need you. Always take their name and number and their referrals, and treat everyone with respect; that may mean a new job. Opportunity is always there, so don't let it pass you by.

Also, remember that even though you are an extra, the director may find a place for you in scenes that may demand a line or two. Always be cooperative and a team player.

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 When you go to an extras casting call go at least 30-45 minutes before it starts. Some calls I've been to have only been prepared for 200-300 people and instead 4000 people show up. Also have your application, resume and pictures out and ready, because you may get to skip the lines.

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 The director is getting paid thousands of dollars to direct the film, so he or she already knows what shots to get. Don't make suggestions of shots to the director. Don't think you won't be on film because you don't see the camera; they are paying you.

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 11/22/2005 You can also check out your local paper's arts and entertainment section. They may have open calls for extras for movies or TV shows being shot in your area. Internet search engines such can be helpful, too.

View All