What is it like to be an extra in a movie set?

As a movie or TV extra, expect long days on set. You may be one of the first in and the last out. “You'll spend most of your time waiting to be called, so bring reading material or something to keep you occupied,” advises actor Amy Russ. But you're an actor, which means there is always work to be done.

What to expect being an extra in a movie?

What to do on set as an extra?

Auditions aren't very common within the film extra industry as you don't usually have lines on set. Film extras usually do an idle background activity, such as walking, dining or pretending to talk with another extra. There are some productions that necessitate film extras of a particular kind.

How much do extras get paid on set?

In very rare cases, a production might last for 16 or more hours, which necessitates that the Extra get paid their daily rate per hour. 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.

What to Expect as an Extra/Background Actor!

Do extras get food on set?

There is almost always food on set but you never know how much and how often you will eat so it's a good idea to have a snack just in case. Being an extra means most of your day will involve waiting. Bringing a book, or phone/tablet is totally acceptable.

How do you get noticed as an extra?

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.

Do extras have to audition?

There's no real audition to be an extra. You won't usually need to read sides or a script, perform special skills, or feel out your chemistry with other actors. Instead, actors interested in background work should seek out open casting calls for extras and attend look-sees.

Do extras do their own hair and makeup?

Sometimes you'll also be asked to wear a costume, in which case you'll be asked to change in the designated “background changing” area. And you might also be taken to the hair and makeup trailer to get your hair done if they need you to look a certain way.

Is being an extra hard?

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 wear 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 hard is it to be an extra?

Work as an extra performer can be demanding; standing, sitting, repeating the same motion for hours etc.. Be prepared to work hard and long. A typical day for a crew is 10 - 12 hours and if you have the unfortunate displeasure of working on a music video, be prepared to work up to 16 - 18 hours.

Is it worth being an extra in a movie?

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 ever get discovered?

What are your chances of getting upgraded to a speaking role as a background extra? A lot of actors have gotten their start as a background extra. In fact, Megan Fox was discovered working as a background actor on the movie Bad Boys 2. She would later land a leading role on Transformers launching our acting career.

Is being a movie extra fun?

Sure! I've only been an extra in one movie and I was with tons of my friends so it was loads of fun. Of course, a lot of it was sitting and waiting for things to start, and then sitting and waiting because the camera wasn't on us for a particular scene, or doing the same four-second scene a hundred times.

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.

What do you wear to an extra audition?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What do extras say in the background?

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.

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.