How to Become a Movie or TV Extra

Series Summary

Extras are the people who fill up the screen in a movie or television show, but don’t usually say anything. Most of the time, they are part of the atmosphere, adding to the believability and overall enjoyment of the story. Being an extra in a movie or on TV can be an exciting way to test the waters of show business, and help you determine if you really want to pursue a career in acting. Yet, it can be a complicated process if you don’t know where to start.

In the eyes of the director, an extra is a professional actor, an employee just like everyone else on set. There are certain things you need to know before you decide to try your hand at entering the world of film and taking a job as a movie extra. You might be able to use it as a launching pad to becoming movie star; but chances are all you’ll come away with are some fond memories and a little extra pocket change.

So you still wanna become a movie extra? Well then, what are you waiting for? Watch this free video guide for actors and get tips and techniques for getting a talent agent without getting scammed, doing union or non-union work, shooting on location, and showing up on time. Also learn about set etiquette and terminology, how much you can expect to get paid, and what to wear. Action!

Video Transcript

"On behalf of expertvillage.com, my name is Paul Lewis and I'm Rodney Smith and we are here to talk to you about how to become an extra for TV, movies and commercials. My friend here Rodney and I have known each other since we were about 5 years old, I would imagine. Right? Yeah. We grew up in New York City. It's actually a very cold day here in New York City but it is a pretty great place to get film work and commercial work and of course, theater work. We always vowed that when we grew up, we were going to be actors but we always made a promise that we were never going to do the traditional things that actors do to make money. Usually a lot of actors make money waiting tables, becoming ushers or something like that. We said we were going to try to do something else. We were going to stay in the acting business so there is a way that we did it and what is that way? Extra work, it's extra work. It's amazing. You know. You are able to stay in your field and make money at the same time. That's right and sometimes you get to work side by side with some very cool celebrities and some not so cool celebrities too. So in the next series of clips we are going to give you advice in how to break into the old film industry or the TV industry by being an extra. Okay, we'll be right back. "