The length of a background actor's employment on a production largely depends on the needs of the director and the scenes being filmed. Some background actors are needed on the set only for a day or two and are paid on a daily basis, while others may remain with the film for an extended period.

How long do extras work on set?

Appear on the set on time, or other extras will take their place. Provide their own wardrobe for certain films and have them approved. Be aware of who they must report to and when other actors eat their meals. Work for at least eight hours , but as many as 12-16 hours on any given day of a shoot.

What to expect on set as an extra?

Being an extra means most of your day will involve waiting. Bringing a book, or phone/tablet is totally acceptable. Just make sure you are aware of what's going on- you could be called to set at any minute and should always be ready. And plan bathroom breaks accordingly!

How much do extras get paid on set?

How much do extras get paid? A common rate for a single day of background work is between $100 and $200, though extras are paid differently depending on their union status. Generally, nonunion talent will be hired for either a 10- or 12-hour day, with additional pay provided should production run overtime.

How are extras treated on set?

Some actors and crewmembers treat extras poorly, others treat them well, but most really don't interact with them much. Usually it is the Second Assistant Director who manages the extras, so the personality of the individual in that position will greatly influence how extras feel they are treated.

What to Expect as an Extra/Background Actor!

Do extras get food on set?

If the crew needs time to work out a complex set or scene, or the actors need a break, you'll also get one. If you have multiple scenes in one day, you'll be instructed to return to the extras' holding area until they're ready for you. On union gigs, production is required to provide meals every six hours.

What are the rules for extras on set?

Be quiet on set.

Never be late and never be rude. Never look at or in the direction of the camera when filming. Don't over act – act naturally. It is strictly not permitted to talk to the actors, ask for autographs, take photographs, or use recording equipment of any kind.

Who is the highest paid person on a movie set?

The Executive Producer tends to be the highest paying career in the film industry, as they typically control the project and oversee the financials of it.

Is being an extra worth it?

It can be a long, slow day with little activity and not much artistic reward. Despite the cons, I think it's a good idea for actors to work as an extra at least once, if for no other reason than to have the experience of being on set.

Can you be an extra with no experience?

No experience is needed to become a film and television extra, but any experience you can obtain acting in school or local theatre productions will be useful. Extras need to be punctual, attentive, and capable of following instructions closely.

Do extras bring their own clothes?

For most films, extras are asked to wear their own clothes. For a film set in another time period, they may have to report to the wardrobe department for a costume fitting. In some cases, a casting director for a film will be looking for specific types and talents.

Do extras get hair and makeup?

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.

How are extras chosen?

These individuals are chosen based on their physical appearance, age, gender, and background, ensuring that they fit the casting requirements for a specific scene or project.

Do actors hook up on set?

It also shouldn't come as much of a surprise when said co-stars hook up, even if just for a brief fling — hey, if regular people do it, obviously so do celebrities!

Do extras ever get speaking roles?

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.

Do extras get royalties?

Hence on many advertisements, which are often shown multiple times and distributed internationally, while the extra is paid a contracted day-rate, the largest payment is from ongoing royalties.

How much do extras get paid on average?

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.

Has anyone become famous from being an extra?

Ben Affleck

The Oscar-winning “Argo” director was an extra alongside his buddy Matt Damon in “Field of Dreams” and “The Good Mother.” After that, Affleck appeared as a basketball player in “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” the movie.

Do most actors start as extras?

Almost all actors and actresses start their career as extras in movies and later work their way up to the big time. Depending on the definition of “discovered”, the answer can be both yes and no. If “discovered” refers to breaking out and becoming the star of that very project, then typically no.

How much did Leonardo DiCaprio get paid for Titanic?

Titanic was the movie that turned DiCaprio into the star he is today, but his salary for the 1997 film was only $2.5 million. However, the actor also negotiated for a 1.8% share of the movie's backend points on gross revenue—and we all know how that story ended.

How much did Jim Carrey get paid for the Grinch?

Carrey reportedly made his usual $20 million salary for 2000's How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Are actors allowed to eat on set?

Production companies rely heavily on restaurant supply companies to give their kitchen and dining rooms a realistic look. Actors eat real food in the scenes, but they're not swallowing every bite. Since multiple takes are required to get the scene just right, actors spit the food into a bucket between takes.

Who manages extras on set?

The Extras Coordinator manages the extras on a film or TV set under the direction of senior members of the AD department. They must read and break down the script prior to production.

Do extras get fed on set?

The actors and crew go to the Catering Truck and order. The Extras wait until they have gone through the line, then we are allowed to eat. That is the pecking order on any set. Cast and Crew first, as they have less time to eat and are needed back on set before the extras.