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!

What is the set etiquette for extras?

Be quiet on set.

The film crew need to work and communicate without interruption. 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.

How do you prepare to be an extra in a movie?

Do I need anything to be an extra?

Becoming an extra is much simpler than becoming an actor: you need a recent headshot, and that alone will enable you to apply for gigs, though an acting résumé with any background work you've done can help you land a part.

How much do extras make on movie sets?

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.

What to Bring to Set as an Extra/Background Actor

What to bring to set as an extra?

Is being an extra worth it?

Extra work might prepare you for life on a set, but it won't otherwise get you a leg up because, almost by definition, it's going to be distracting if you're showing off your acting chops. No, but working as a “background artist” can be a valuable classroom for on-set etiquette among tons of other learning experiences.

Do extras ever become actors?

Some of the biggest names in Hollywood started as extras before becoming famous. So, if you've wondered if you'll ever move from the background into the limelight, let these actors who started out as extras be your inspiration.

What do I need to know before being an extra?

Are extras credited in movies?

Extras don't get film credits or lines. But they can get union wages, meals and perks — such as getting to read novels on the job.

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?

Wardrobe, hair, and makeup

Sometimes, the production will request that you arrive “camera ready,” meaning you should arrive dressed in wardrobe with your hair and makeup already done; other times, you'll get ready on set.

How to stand out as an extra?

Can extras talk in shows?

A background actor or extra is a performer in a film, television show, stage, musical, opera, or ballet production who appears in a nonspeaking or nonsinging (silent) capacity, usually in the background (for example, in an audience or busy street scene).

Do extras need agents?

First you must understand the point of having an agent… someone to help promote you beyond your ego for actor work which requires complex and precise skills. “Extra” work is 100% separate non-speaking roles “on the other side of the tracks” from Actor work and thus REQUIRES no Agent bargaining for ...

Do actors get food 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.

How to be a film extra with no experience?

What do extras mouth in background?

Pantomiming simply means moving your mouth as if you were actually talking. You won't actually be talking! Many people silently say “watermelon ruder baker” over and over again.

Do extras make a living?

While often a fun job, it would be extremely difficult to make a full-time living as an extra. That's because there's quite a pay range in this role. In fact, many smaller, low-budget films seek volunteers as extras (meaning no pay at all, but likely a good lunch).

What famous actor started as an extra?

A young Matt Damon and Ben Affleck were extras on the 1989 film "Field of Dreams." The future Oscar winners were among the crowd of people watching a baseball game at Fenway Park, though they're not visible in the film.

Which movie hired the most extras?

Who got famous off backstage?

Do extras ever get speaking roles?

Most recently, HBO's new series 'Vice Principals' just upgraded three background actors to speaking roles. A few weeks before that, Tyler Perry upgraded several actors to speaking roles for his TV series 'The Haves and The Have Nots'.

Is being an extra a good side hustle?

Extras don't get film credits or lines. But they can get union wages, meals and plenty of perks — like getting to read novels on the job. Dean says being a movie extra is a great part-time job for retirees, college students, and anyone else who has a highly flexible schedule.