I Want To Be An Extra

From time to time, the Film Office receives requests seeking information on "extra" work. Below is some advice, FAQ's and what is required of you to be an extra on a motion photography production.

Before you proceed to attend a casting call or submit yourself for extra work please remember:

If you are chosen you MUST be able to work the day(s) or night(s) that are called for during the production's entire anticipated schedule and you MUST be available for the duration that your scene is being shot.

ARRIVAL TO THE SET:

When you arrive at the location, lock any valuables in your car and bring wardrobe/clothing with you to the set (if necessary, you will be fitted for specific wardrobe that will be waiting for you on set).
Also you MUST bring 2 forms of identification (i.e. drivers license and social security card), your "silent entertainment" (i.e. book magazine, cards, etc.) and any essential medications.
Turn any cell phones or pagers to silent or vibrate mode and head to the "extras holding area" designated by the production.
Fill out any necessary paperwork provided (pay vouchers/I9 forms).

EXTRA RULES:

Being an extra is no easy task as it often involves long hours and many rules:

You may not approach any of the actors. (That means no autographs or photos.) You can, of course, respond to them if they speak to you, but they are professionals at work to do a job and so are you.
Do not sit in any of the "director chairs". They are for actors, the director and designated crew only.
Clean up any trash you create.
Do not leave the "holding area" (except to go to the set when it is time for your scene) unless you inform a PA (production assistant) where you are going first (i.e. the restroom) and then return immediately back to the holding area.
If you are away from the holding area and near the set (where the filming is occurring) be VERY careful not to make any noise or walk into a scene.
Drinks and snacks are provided in the holding area. Do not eat from the "craft services" table on the set. It is for cast and crew only. A full catered meal is served at break.

ON THE SET:

I'm sure you are already familiar with the expression "Quiet on the set!". You must be quiet at all times when on the set (whispering is only allowed by the crew to converse with each other).
When you hear "Rehearsal is up", "Rolling" or "Action" you must be silent unless given specific instructions by an AD (assistant director) to do otherwise.
"Cut" means the take has finished shooting, but you then may hear:
"Back to one" or "First position" which means go back to where you were and repeat the action you just did as the scene is being filmed again. A valuable background actor knows how to listen to what the actors are saying or doing (without being obvious) and remembers what he/she was doing at the time, so that you can repeat your action when the same scene is being shot repeatedly or from a different angle.
NEVER look into or at the camera. Instead, look above it, to the side, or away from it; whatever is the most natural eyeline for you in your position according to what the AD has instructed you to do.
Listen at all times to the ADs and PAs and most importantly, be safe and have fun!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Q: I want to be an actor. How do I get started?

A: Gain experience. Do plays (community theater is a good place to start), take acting classes or drama in school, and work as an extra/background actor. Do anything you can to build a resume.

Next, get professional headshots. Simple black & white or color photos that show how you really look-nothing glamorous. Professionally done 8" x 10" headshots are best. Be sure to staple your resume (facing out) on all four back corners. Your resume should include your name and contact information, height, weight, hair color, eye color and clothing & shoe sizes followed by any acting experience. And lastly, a list of any special skills you may have (for example, in big cities where people use public transportation simply knowing how to drive a car can be a special skill; others can be sports or instruments you can play, etc.). Also, be sure to mention any full uniforms you might own, i.e. a nurse, police or military uniform.

While you might find casting calls on your own, having an agent is a must if you are serious about getting work. It's difficult to get hired on acting jobs without being sent to auditions by an agent. Getting an agent may be as easy as finding one in your phone book or local film office's directory then showing up at the interview with your resume and stack of headshots. (*Local casting calls can be found on the News & Events page of this site and talent and casting agencies are listed in our Production Resource Guide.)

Q: How do I become an "extra" or "background actor"?

A: First of all, "extra" and "background actor" is the same thing. Even though a friend of mine often called extras "props that eat", productions wouldn't look real without background talent. Watch the credits for "Extras Casting" of films shot in your area. Apply with a casting director in your area directly or through an agency. Casting directors may also be listed in the phone book or found in your local film office's directory. It usually entails filling out an application with your physical statistics and sending your photo with contact numbers. To be a valuable extra you must be flexible, understanding (extras casting agencies deal with a lot of changes in the shoot schedule), willing to travel and work long hours-all without complaining! Also keep your eyes and ears peeled for "open calls". That's when a casting director needs a specific role filled and wants a specific type, something unusual or a fresh face. Or it may be an open call for extras, say a big movie is coming to film in the area, and the casting director needs more people than what he/she already has on file and needs to recruit more people.

Q: What are my chances of getting a speaking part?

A: Slim, but it has been done. Those extras who do as they are told on the set (following all basic rules plus going above and beyond) and actually ACT (acting scared, cold, hot, happy, whatever the scene calls for). The director notices these things more than a pushy extra (who's asking for autographs, trying to make buddies with the crew, or traipsing around too close to the camera). And if you are behaving the right way in the right scene at the right time and you have the right look...it can happen.

ONCE YOU HAVE THE JOB:

DO Bring:

Your 2 forms of personal identification (i.e driver's license, social security card)
Climate protection (i.e sunscreen, bug spray or long underwear, gloves, warm socks-whatever the climate calls for)
Silent entertainment (books, magazines, etc.)-there are lots of "hurry up and wait" moments
Personal medications, eye glasses, etc.
Cell phones are okay ONLY if they can be turned to silent or vibrate mode and MUST be kept in the holding area
Pen or pencil

Do NOT Bring:

Friends, relatives, onlookers
Pets
Anything noisy
Video camera
Drugs/alcohol