How to Become a Movie Extra

Guide Note

As a movie extra, you won't get the glamorous lifestyle, Oscar nominations or celebrity perks. You will get an insider's view of the movie industry while earning a few bucks. Plus, you get to see your face up on the big screen. But before that can happen, you need to learn how to become a movie extra.

Table of Contents

Movie Extra Tips
  1. Jobs are not restricted to New York and Los Angeles.
  2. The average pay for a movie extra is $11 per hour.
  3. You don't have to look like a movie star.
  4. Never pay a fee to get a job.
  5. Be prepared when going to your first job.

Introduction

(Creative Commons photo by Simon Davison)
(Creative Commons photo by Simon Davison)
  • If you have ever wanted to be in the movies or on television but can't act your way out of a paper bag, don't despair. You can still become a movie extra! Movie extras, also known as background artists, get to rub elbows with the celebrities without having to memorize lines or attend acting classes. If you are an aspiring actor, being a background artist can give you some much needed experience and maybe even a few networking opportunities.
  • The biggest thing you'll need to bring the table, whether you're a would-be Hollywood superstar or not, is patience.1 A good movie extra might be required to do the same thing repeatedly, and there can be long periods in between takes, when there is nothing to do but wait. If being an extra still sounds like your kind of fun, read on to learn how to break into the world of background acting.

Step 1: Move to the Big City

  • In order to be a movie extra, you will need to live where movies are made. Your best bet is to move to a city like New York, Los Angeles or Toronto, where film production is a major industry.
  • Of course, sometimes movies are shot in smaller, out of the way locations. So, even if you don't live near a large city, keep your ear to the ground for background acting opportunities.

Step 2: Find a Job

(Creative Commons photo by Kevin Tostado)
(Creative Commons photo by Kevin Tostado)
  • Finding a job as a movie extra is like trying to find any other type of job: it takes a little time and persistence. The first thing you need is to know where to look. Here are few resources that list jobs for extras:
  • However, these are not the only sources of jobs. You could also choose to sign up with a casting agency. While agencies have their advantages, you must always be cautious about avoiding the numerous scams designed to fleece actors out of their money.

Casting Agencies

  • A casting agency is a firm that specializes in supplying directors with actors for movies, television and other similar jobs. Some casting agencies, like Central Casting, specialize in supplying movie extras and background actors.3
  • You will also need to provide the agency with proof that you can legally work in the United States such as a passport, driver's license and/or social security card.
  • Before signing up with any casting agency, you will need to ask the right questions. Such as:
  1. Do they have a specialty (children, adults, musicians, etc.)?
  2. How long have they been in business?
  3. What movies, television shows, commercials or other credits do they have?4
  4. Under what circumstances do they charge their actors?
(Creative Commons photo by Simon Davison)
(Creative Commons photo by Simon Davison)

Booking Services

Avoiding the Scams

  • The best way to avoid scams is not to pay any organization any money until you land a job. However, reviews are mixed about how realistic this practice can be. For that reason, here are a few tips that should be followed before give money to any casting agency:
  1. Check with the Better Business Bureau.
  2. Avoid any place that advertises "no fees" then charges you enormous fees for photography shoots, acting classes or similar classes.7
  3. Avoid any agencies that make big claims such as "earn a high salary."7
  4. Reputable agencies should not charge fees to represent you and take a commission or fee from a production company.
  5. Get references.
  6. Never pay a fee to audition.5

Step 3: Join a Union

(Creative Commons photo by Lindsey T)
(Creative Commons photo by Lindsey T)
  • Whether or not you decide to join a union is up to you. The primary union that a movie extra would join is SAG. However, in order to join the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), you must have worked as a background player for at least three days on a SAG project and have received SAG scale. When you work on a SAG project, you will receive a signed employment voucher. When you have three of these, you can submit them to SAG and apply.8 However, not all projects are SAG projects, so you should expect to complete more than three projects as a non-union extra.4
  • While there are certain benefits to being part of a union, the fees are substantial. However, you will also earn more as a member of a union. SAG has a minimum pay scale set for all background actors. For example, a general background actor must earn $130.00 a day if they are a SAG member.9 There are no minimums for non-SAG actors.

Step 4: Be a Successful Movie Extra

  • Once you have landed your first job, make sure that you are ready for the job. This will ensure that your first job as a movie extra is not your last one. Here are a few tips to make your job go smoothly:
  1. Arrive on time.
  2. Pay attention and follow directions.
  3. Find your contact person immediately. This may be the assistant director, the extras casting director or some other contact person.4
  4. Remember, this is a job. Do not bring your friends, pets or a camera.
  5. Follow all wardrobe instructions and requirements. This may mean wearing your own clothes and bringing extra clothes.4
  6. Bring a book, crossword puzzle or something quiet to occupy your time during long waiting periods.10
  7. Bring a jacket and a pair of comfortable shoes to wear when not on set.10
  8. Socialize. Make friends with the other background actors to get tips or referrals.
  9. Don't ask the stars for autographs. They are working, not making a public appearance.
  10. Don't look at the camera.11
  11. Don't talk or move around when the director is filming.11


Conclusion

  • Life as a movie extra is not a glamorous one, but it can be a great way to earn a few bucks and learn the movie industry. Plus, if it works out, one day you will be able to insert a DVD and show your grandchildren a moment when you hobnobbed with the rich and famous.

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References for How To Become a Movie Extra

  1. ↑ WiseGEEK: How can I Become a Movie Extra?
  2. ↑ MovieMaker: Top 10 Movie Cities 2008
  3. ↑ Official Site: Central Casting
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 EntertainmentCareers.net: How do I become an Extra Performer
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Screen Actors Guild: Casting Scams
  6. ↑ How To Become An Extra:General Background Actor Information
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Acting Workshop On-line: What About Scams?
  8. ↑ Screen Actors Guild: Steps to Join
  9. ↑ Screen Actors Guild: Background Actors 2005 Contract Summary  WARNING: PDF file
  10. ↑ 10.0 10.1 MovieExtras.com: Acting Skills Not Necessary
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 InsideHollywood.info: How to Become a Movie Extra or TV Extra

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