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.

Is being an extra in a movie fun?

Even if you aren't interested in acting on screen, being an extra in a film or TV show can be fun, and it's a great way to feel like you're a part of the Hollywood so many people fantasize about—even if the real thing is a little disappointing.

Is it hard to be a movie extra?

Although background actors provide an important service to the entertainment industry , movie extra jobs are demanding. Extras must: Appear on the set on time, or other extras will take their place. Provide their own wardrobe for certain films and have them approved.

What is it like to be a film extra?

None the less, they are an extremely important part of film-making, helping to set the scene and making it feel believable. Being an extra is a bit like being an actor or actress, getting to experience many different lives and situations – but with less responsibility, less screen-time and of course, less money…

Do movie 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.

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Can extras make a living?

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 wear their own clothes?

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.

Are extras allowed to talk?

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. This can result in you being dismissed immediately without pay.

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.

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.

Which movie hired the most extras?

The Guinness World Record for the most extras ever used in a film is held by “Gandhi.” The film included roughly 300,000 extras in a funeral scene. 300,000 extras appeared in the funeral sequence. About 200,000 were volunteers and 94,560 were paid a small fee (under contract).

How can I be an extra with no experience?

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.

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.

Why being extra is a good thing?

Authenticity — Being extra, in most cases, means being yourself. I think we call it extra because it is so out of the norm to do so. Being your authentic self is not going to look like anyone else; because of this, others will think of your deviating behavior as extra. Do it anyways.

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.

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 do you dress as an extra?

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!

How are extras treated?

You'll usually be treated politely by the principal actors and the crew (everyone but the casting director). But it's the kind of politeness the upstairs people show the downstairs people on Downton Abbey. As an extra, you'd better know your place. And you'd better not try to sneak upstairs.

What are extras told to say?

“Walking background” and “human props” are two of the gentle and tired jokes used to describe the role of the film and television extra, usually by extras themselves, but the description is entirely appropriate. Extras aren't supposed to say anything during a take, for as the saying goes, you aren't being paid to talk.

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 word do extras say?

Most of the time they are pantomiming, which means that not a vocal word is coming from their mouth at all, rather, they are simply mouthing words while matching them with physical movement. And nine times out of ten, it's gibberish, random, and unplanned.

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 get fed on set?

The food isn't that great either

In addition to the gruelling hours, extras aren't fed all that well on set. Kutner also mentioned that, while extras do get fed breakfast on set, it's far from being the heartiest meal of the day. A small, cold scoop of oatmeal is all they offered to get her through the morning.

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 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.