If selected, film and TV extras are advised on what they need to bring to the set and when and where to report to work. For most films, extras are asked to wear their own clothes.

Do extras have to bring their own clothes?

Most of the time, you'll be asked to come to set camera ready with your wardrobe on, hair done, and makeup applied. Other times, you'll be asked to bring your wardrobe with you instead of wearing it to set.

What should extras wear?

Neutral Non-Restrictive Clothing

The key when taking your standard photos is to wear neutral, plain clothing. As a film and TV extra, you will be working in diverse roles which could range between fictional and non-fictional realities, or span millions of years!

What should an extra wear to a movie?

Even when wardrobe is provided, there will likely be base items you need to bring, like specific color socks or a certain kind of shoe, and you should always wear clean and sufficient undergarments. When working as a Stand-In, production may have wardrobe for you or ask you to bring color cover.

Do extras on TV shows actually talk?

Being an extra requires no experience, no acting talent and no talking. Although you can sometimes parlay being an extra into an acting career, that's neither required nor expected. All that's expected of you is to show up on time — early, ideally — and to pay attention and follow directions.

Wardrobe Options as an Extra/ Background Actor

Can you make a living as an extra?

Background acting—or “extra” work for movies and TV—can absolutely be a full-time profession if you know how to go about it.

Do extras get paid more if they speak?

Typically, extras do not receive speaking roles.

If you do get a line to speak, even after coming onto the set as a background artist, then after you deliver that line – you are no longer an extra. You're an actor now, and you'll be credited accordingly, provided that it's a professional film set.

What not to do as an extra?

DON'T try to stand out.

You are meant to be in the background. Think of an extra as furniture, moveable furniture helping to set the scene. Also, if you stand out as an extra, the chances of booking a speaking role on the same show later on will be zero. Just try to blend in, and never ever look at camera.

How do you get noticed as an extra?

How long are extras on set?

Working on film sets is fun, however, it is often a lengthy process, and there are some crew members who will work 12-15 hour days. Some first-time extras/background artists don't realize how long a day on set can be, so just by preparing yourself for the potential of a long day will give you an advantage.

What to expect at an open casting call for extras?

There's no audition.

Don't worry, they won't ask you to sing or dance, or even read a script. That's because being an extra doesn't require too much skill. What do the people in the background do? Stand there, pretend to talk, and act natural.

Do extras get to meet actors?

Whether or not background performers get to meet a celebrity or not is mostly dependent upon the celebrity. Some stars are friendly and interactive and will take a little time (when it's available) to chat with others on set or take a pic.

Can actors sleep on set?

Actors don't usually sleep on the set although I have nodded off on set when there is a comfortable place to do so and I have seen other actors do so on many occasions, but it is not unusual for actors, who may have hours to wait between setups and scenes that they are in, to nap in their dressing rooms or trailers.

Do movie extras have to audition?

Do Film Extras Have to Audition? This very much depends on the production in question. However, it's quite rare for extras to audition for parts. This is because there isn't really any acting or speaking required – you're just asked to stand there or go about what looks like your normal business.

What do casting directors look for in extras?

Skills for Background Extras

Also, background actors with cars, bicycles, and pets are often sought after in casting calls. While someone looking for extra work may not be able to anticipate casting calls, have a wide range of looks and skills will help increase their odds of getting hired by a production.

Do extras have to be silent?

Background actors, also known as extras, are usually required to mouth the words silently in the background of a scene. If you're background, that means you have no lines. You may be seen but not heard.

Do extras make good money?

How much do Film Extras get paid? Film Extras tend to be hired by the day, so they can generally expect between $100 and $200 for their work. However, individuals with union status may earn more for background acting.

Is it hard to become an extra?

Becoming an extra (sometimes referred to as a Background Artist) is fairly simple if you live in any city but it is much easier if you live in Los Angeles or New York. All you do is contact an extras casting service or director, and sign up with their service.

Do extras ever get discovered?

Extra work doesn't necessarily get an actor noticed by casting directors or agents, but it can be a valuable way of gaining experience on set. It can sometimes result in being upgraded to a speaking role, or helping an actor get his union card.

What is the most extras ever?

Richard Attenborough's film Gandhi holds the record for the most film extras, with approximately 300,000 people.

How much can extras make a year?

The national average salary for a background actor is $38,537 per year , and a common rate for a day of work is between $60 and $356, with an average wage of $122 per day.

Do you need to be attractive to be an extra?

Looking good might be an added advantage but it is not mandatory. Looking appropriate for the character being played and acting skills are more important. There are many actors who played deglamorized roles and looked ugly for the characters they have played.

How long does it take to get paid as an extra?

The industry standard is approximately 4-6 weeks from the day you worked, but it can sometimes take up to 3 months. Commercials and corporate jobs often don't pay until after 90 days from the invoice. All payments will be made by BACS directly into your bank account.

Do extras make royalties?

“Extras don't usually earn residuals." Most members of the production crew on TV shows and films don't receive residuals directly, but some have residuals paid into their retirement pension funds.