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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.
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Movie Extra Tips
- Jobs are not restricted to New York and Los Angeles.
- The average pay for a movie extra is $11 per hour.
- You don't have to look like a movie star.
- Never pay a fee to get a job.
- Be prepared when going to your first job.
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Managed Since: 06/02/2009
Views: 888
Money Earned: M$7.77
Page revenue is subject to change as we obtain data from our partners
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Introduction
- 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. Read on to learn how to break into the world of background acting.
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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.
- Other popular movie-making cities include Austin, TX; Albuquerque, NM; Shreveport, LA; Philadelphia, PA; Wilmington, NC; Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; Baltimore, MD; Memphis, TN; Stamford, CT; Las Vegas, NV; Richmond, VA; Phoenix, AZ; Chicago, IL; Kauai, HI and Bozeman, MT.MovieMaker: Top 10 Movie Cities 2008
- 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.
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Step 2: Find a Job
- 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:
- Craigslist
- EntertainmentCareers.net
- Extras411
- Auditions.com
- InsideHollywood.Info
- Moviex.com
- Classifieds of your local newspaper
- 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.
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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.Official Site: Central Casting
- Casting agencies may require you to submit a head shot. However, some agencies will take their own photo. They may charge a fee for this service, which should be not more than $20-$25.EntertainmentCareers.net: How do I become an Extra Performer However, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) advises against this practice.Screen Actors Guild: Casting Scams
- 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:
- Do they have a specialty (children, adults, musicians, etc.)?
- How long have they been in business?
- What movies, television shows, commercials or other credits do they have?EntertainmentCareers.net: How do I become an Extra Performer in Film and Television
- Under what circumstances do they charge their actors?
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Booking Services
- Booking services, or "sub-casting agents," are companies that charge a monthly fee to help actors land job. In reality, these people know the right people at casting companies and movie studios and are able to get lists of what they need.How To Become An Extra:General Background Actor Information Since SAG advises against paying any fees to casting agencies, it is advisable to avoid such places.Screen Actors Guild: Casting Scams
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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:
- Check with the Better Business Bureau.
- Avoid any place that advertises "no fees" then charges you enormous fees for photography shoots, acting classes or similar classes.Acting Workshop On-line: What About Scams?
- Avoid any agencies that make big claims such as "earn a high salary."Acting Workshop On-line: What About Scams?
- Reputable agencies should not charge fees to represent you and take a commission or fee from a production company.
- Get references.
- Never pay a fee to audition.Screen Actors Guild: Casting Scams
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Step 3: Join a Union
- 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.Screen Actors Guild: Steps to Join However, not all projects are SAG projects, so you should expect to complete more than three projects as a non-union extra.EntertainmentCareers.net: How do I become an Extra Performer in Film and Television
- 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.Screen Actors Guild: Background Actors 2005 Contract Summary There are no minimums for non-SAG actors.
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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:
- Arrive on time.
- Pay attention and follow directions.
- Find your contact person immediately. This may be the assistant director, the extras casting director or some other contact person.EntertainmentCareers.net: How do I become an Extra Performer in Film and Television
- Remember, this is a job. Do not bring your friends, pets or a camera.
- Follow all wardrobe instructions and requirements. This may mean wearing your own clothes and bringing extra clothes.EntertainmentCareers.net: How do I become an Extra Performer in Film and Television
- Bring a book, crossword puzzle or something quiet to occupy your time during long waiting periods.MovieExtras.com: Acting Skills Not Necessary
- Bring a jacket and a pair of comfortable shoes to wear when not on set.MovieExtras.com: Acting Skills Not Necessary
- Socialize. Make friends with the other background actors to get tips or referrals.
- Don't ask the stars for autographs. They are working, not making a public appearance.
- Don't look at the camera.InsideHollywood.info: How to Become a Movie Extra or TV Extra
- Don't talk or move around when the director is filming.InsideHollywood.info: How to Become a Movie Extra or TV Extra
- The biggest thing you'll need to bring to the table, whether you're a would-be Hollywood superstar or not, is patience.WiseGEEK: How can I Become a Movie Extra? 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.
Additional Resources for How to Become a Movie Extra
- Amazon: Extra Work for Brain Surgeons by Angela Bertolino
