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Do you want to be a movie extra? It’s easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to Hollywood in no time.
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Introduction
If you’ve ever wanted to be in a movie, but don’t have the acting chops to land a speaking role, consider becoming a movie extra! Extras are background actors who fill in the non-speaking scene. Being an extra is a great way to get your foot in the door of the entertainment industry or simply see your favorite stars up close and personal. You can even get paid for your time!
Here are five easy steps to become a movie extra:
Step 1: Do your research.
Before you start applying to be an extra, it’s important to do your research and understand what the job entails. Each production is different, so it’s important to know what you’re getting yourself into. For example, some productions require extras to be available for long hours with little down time, while others have more relaxed schedules. It’s also important to understand that being an extra generally does not involve any speaking lines, and you may beasked to perform basic tasks such as walking or standing in a certain area.
Step 2: Find casting calls in your area.
There are several ways to find casting calls for extras in your area. One way is to check local listings or online databases such as Project Casting, Backstage, and IMDB Pro. Another way is to attend open calls at local casting facilities. Open calls are generally announced through local news outlets or online databases (such as the ones listed above). When attending an open call, be sure to bring a current photo of yourself as well as any pertinent information such as your contact information, sizes (e.g., clothing, shoe), and any tattoos or piercings that might be visible on camera.
Step 3: Submit yourself for roles.
Once you find a casting call that you’re interested in, follow the submission instructions carefully. Most casting directors will specify how they would like you to submit (e.g., online form, PDF headshot/resume). Be sure to include all required information and attachments; otherwise, your submission may not be considered.
Step 4: Audition (if required).
Some productions may require auditions for certain roles; however, most extras are cast based on their submitted photos (i.e., “look”). If you are asked to audition for a role, prepare accordingly by practicing any specific instructions that were given (e.g., walk across the room) and/or memorizing lines if necessary. Note that auditions for extras are generally “cold readings” which means that you will not have had time to practice beforehand; therefore, it is important to remain calm and confident during your audition so that the casting directors can get a sense of who you are as a person.
Step 5: Wait for a callback (if applicable).
If you don’t hear back from the casting directors immediately after your audition or submission, don’t worry! It may take several weeks or even months before they make their final selections and contact those who have been chosen for roles. When they do finally make their decision, they will either send out an offer letter with all of the relevant details (e.g., production dates, compensation) or extend an invitation to attend a fitting appointment where wardrobe choices will be made for your character
Step One: Find Out When and Where Filming is Taking Place
Before you can become a movie extra, you need to know when and where filming is taking place. The best way to do this is to sign up with a local casting agency. Once you’re registered with a casting agency, they will contact you with information about upcoming auditions and filming opportunities in your area. You can also check online resources, such as local entertainment news websites or social media groups dedicated to film and television production in your city.
Step Two: Attend an Open Casting Call
Once you know when and where an open casting call is taking place, the next step is to attend the call and make sure you meet the requirements for the role you’re interested in. For example, if you’re hoping to be cast as a background extra in a period piece, it’s important to show up dressed in clothing that would be appropriate for the era.
Step Three: Be Professional on Set
If you’re lucky enough to be chosen for a role, it’s important to remember that being an extra is still a job. That means being on time, following direction well, and being respectful of the cast and crew around you. If you’re not sure what to do or how to behave on set, just ask one of the assistants or watch how other extras are behaving.
Step Four: Don’t Quit Your Day Job… Yet
While it’s possible to make a career out of being a movie extra, it’s important to remember that most extras are working part-time or sporadically at best. That means if you want to make extra work your full-time job, you’ll need to supplement your income with other work — at least at first.
Step Five: Keep Trying
Even if your first few experiences as an extra don’t go exactly as planned, don’t get discouraged. Like anything else in life, becoming a successful movie extra takes time, patience, and practice. The more experience you have, the better your chances of landing bigger and better roles. So keep trying — your big break could be just around the corner!
Step Two: Register With a Casting Agency
Casting agencies are businesses that work with movie directors to find people to fill extra roles. Most casting agencies have an online registration form that you can fill out. You will likely have to upload a recent photo of yourself as part of the registration process. Some casting agencies will hold an open call, during which anyone can come and register in person.
Step Three: Attend an Open Casting Call
The best way to get started as a movie extra is to attend an open casting call. These are usually announced in the entertainment section of your local newspaper or online. Just show up and be prepared to fill out some paperwork. The casting director will give you an idea of what they’re looking for and you can decide if it’s something you’d like to do.
Step Four: Get a Job as an Extra
There are four steps to becoming a movie extra. This is the fourth and final step.
Getting a job as an extra is easier than you think. The first thing you need to do is find out who the extras casting director is for the film or television show you’re interested in working on. You can usually find this information on the production company’s website or on IMDB Pro.
Once you have the contact information for the extras casting director, the next step is to submit your photo and resume. Most casting directors prefer digital submissions, so make sure to have a good headshot and an up-to-date resume ready to go. In your resume, be sure to list any relevant experience you have, even if it’s just community theatre or student films.
If the casting director likes your photo and resume, they will add you to their database of potential extras. When a scene comes up that they think you would be good for, they will send out an email blast to all of the potential extras who fit the description. If you’re available and interested in working, simply reply back to confirm your spot.
And that’s it! Once you get started working as an extra, you’ll start to build up a good rapport with the casting directors and eventually start getting bigger and better roles.
Step Five: Be Professional and Patient
movie extras are generally hired through a casting director, who will select people for specific roles. If you want to become an extra, you’ll need to be over 18 years of age and have the required documents. You should also be prepared to work long hours, as filming days can often last 12 hours or more.
When you’re on set, it’s important to be professional and follow the instructions of the director. You may be asked to do a variety of things, such as walk through a scene or sit in a café. It’s important to remember that even though you’re not a speaking role, you’re still an important part of the movie.
Be patient when working as an extra. It can be easy to get frustrated when you’re waiting around for hours between takes, but it’s important to remember that this is part of the job. If you can stay calm and patient, you’ll be more likely to get called back for future roles.
Conclusion
So there you have it – 5 easy steps to becoming a movie extra! Just remember to be patient, stay flexible and be prepared to take direction. And who knows – maybe one day you’ll be the one giving directions on set!
