Film making

Known as background artists, movie extras play roles that do not require a lot of speaking but have to blend in with the rest of the other actors. Unlike actors or actresses, movie extras do not need any experience in acting. They can come from different backgrounds, different training, ethnicity and even of different age brackets. The only things extras need to do are to take direction as well as be reliable and arrive to the set on time.

Not many people know that extras also come from agencies. Most of the time, a film will require a certain look, and the director will have to cast an extra based on that look. Requirements like this will almost always include requiring an extra to have a specific skill such as dancing. These are discussions you’d have with your agency, so it’s really important that you develop a good relationship with an honest agency, rather than one that is out to take your money. There are many of those out there, so do your research beforehand and get ready for some honest conversations.

There are times when the production budget is tight and extras will need to bring their own wardrobe. There are also those called professional extras. When it comes to casting, they will bring their own wardrobe in order to catch the casting director’s attention.

Movie extras are hired sometimes for different time periods. Some will be needed for a day of filming while there are others who are needed throughout the shoot. In the United States, movie extras are not required to be members of the Screen Actors Guild (or SAG). It is important to note that only members of the SAG are those with speaking roles in films.

On the other hand, extras are also protected and are given the same working conditions as the professional actors. However, for extras who are members of the SAG, they receive union scale payments with an extra compensation for overtime work, special assignments, and costumes. Movie extras who are not members, however, are hired only when a specific number of SEC extras have been hired and the production needs more. Generally speaking, extras who do not have a union are paid less than those who are members of a union.

Even without being a member of the SAG, movie extras are still protected and are also provided with the same working conditions as other actors, professional or not. However, for extras who are members of the SAG, they are given better and more benefits such as higher pay and extra compensation, wardrobe as well as special assignments.

Extras occasionally get discovered. Being one does also not mean that the climb up the acting ladder will be guaranteed. Movie extras are also separated from the professional actors and there are even rules about talking and mingling with the more senior extras. However, the advantage of being an extra provides you with the experience as well as learning how the industry works, the set rules, the technical terms, and how everything goes inside a set.

Perhaps what makes the life of a movie extra interesting is that it provides a way to look into what Hollywood life is all about. Movie extras are given chances into observing how and what the life of an actor really is. While it can be said that having a job as a movie extra is not hard, it’s also safe to say that it’s not easy either.

A study of being An extra. Read more about Avenue Productions scam avoidance and audition success suggestions.