Prolonged Work Hours and Protracted Waiting: Anticipated Experiences on Film Sets
In the world of entertainment, being an extra can offer a unique opportunity to step into the spotlight and be a part of the action. Whether it's a feature film, a series, or a theatrical production, the role of an extra is crucial in creating the overall atmosphere and ambiance. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the exciting world of becoming an extra.
**1. Utilising Casting Websites and Specialist Extras Agencies**
Websites like Backstage regularly list background and extra roles in current productions. These listings include details about role requirements, locations, dates, and pay rates. For instance, recent openings for extras in Netflix features and Discovery Channel recreations specify age, location, and pay information, allowing applicants to apply directly online.
Agencies dedicated to extras, such as Uni-versal Extras in the UK and Ireland, provide professional casting services. You can register anytime by building a profile through their app. They offer flexible, part-time paid work and maintain transparency about payment and union rates.
**2. Staying Informed About Industry Casting Calls and Open Auditions**
Platforms like Auditions Free post daily updated casting calls, including background roles for commercials, feature films, and series. These notices often give detailed information about who qualifies and how to attend open casting calls or submit applications.
**3. Expanding Your Search with Entertainment Job Boards and Agencies Worldwide**
Entertainment Worldwide Jobs aggregates casting calls for extras among other roles globally. They sometimes require specific experience, such as theater or cruise ship acting, and accept online submissions. This can be useful to find work beyond traditional film and TV studios.
**4. Understanding Typical Requirements for Extras**
Extras usually need no formal acting experience, especially for non-speaking background roles. However, some productions may request specific age ranges, physical characteristics, or location proximity. For theater, cruise ships, or specialized venues, more experience might be required, along with language proficiency or skills like singing and dancing, depending on the production.
**5. Applying and Getting Prepared**
Create a simple profile including recent photos and some basic personal details on casting websites or agency portals. Be ready to commit to certain dates, provide your own transportation if required, and accept variable pay rates, often per day or per hour. Stay proactive by regularly checking for new postings or subscribing to newsletters from casting platforms.
**A Summary of Resources**
| Resource | Focus | How to Use | Location Focus | |---------------------------|------------------------|-----------------------------------------------|-----------------------| | Backstage | Extras and background roles | Apply for listed jobs with clear details | US (e.g., LA, NYC) | | Uni-versal Extras Agency | UK & Ireland extras | Register via app, flexible paid work | UK & Ireland | | Auditions Free | Casting calls updated daily | Search for open calls, submit applications | Various locations | | Entertainment Worldwide Jobs | Actor/extra/model/voice gigs worldwide | Online submissions, some specialized roles | Worldwide |
By regularly exploring these platforms, registering with casting agencies, and preparing your basic profile, you can find many opportunities and understand the requirements for becoming an extra in film, theater, and series productions.
Remember, anyone can become an extra, with no legal admission restrictions. Special provisions apply for children and young people who want to become extras. Outdoor shoots may take place at night or in the early morning. The application process may require personal details such as hair color, body size, shoe size, or head circumference. It's important for extras to read contracts carefully and pay attention to fair conditions.
Finally, be wary of unprofessional agencies that may demand money for small film fame or inclusion in an extra portfolio. Theater extras participate in rehearsals during the day and perform in the evenings. Shooting days for extras can be long and flexible, with dates and hours often changing at short notice. Travel expenses and parking fees are often not reimbursed for extras. For the prequel to "The Hunger Games," a daily basic fee of 129 euros gross (per person per shooting day for 10 hours + 45 min break) was called out. Earning opportunities for extras vary and are often based on a daily rate. Extras may wear their own clothes or be dressed by the costume department, depending on the scene.
- To complement your new career as an extra, you can enhance your personal style by exploring fashion-and-beauty trends that align with the lifestyle typically portrayed in entertainment productions. This could help you stand out during casting sessions and contribute to a more authentic on-screen appearance.
- Once you've secured several extra roles, you might want to upgrade your living space to better suit your new lifestyle. Home-and-garden stores offer a variety of decor items that can create an inviting atmosphere for hosting friends or even small gatherings related to your experiences in the entertainment industry.
