Many people are drawn to moviemaking and consider becoming a movie extra. These roles, also known as background actors, are accessible to those without industry experience and offer a unique opportunity to be on a film or television set. This guide outlines the necessary first steps, what to expect from the process, and the realities of working in the background of a production.
What is a Movie Extra
A movie extra, or background actor, performs in a nonspeaking role to make a film or television show’s environment feel authentic and populated. Their purpose is to fill out a scene, whether as patrons in a coffee shop, pedestrians on a city street, or fans in a stadium. The role is about blending into the scenery to add realism.
This may involve walking from one point to another, pantomiming conversations, or reacting to on-screen events, all without making a sound. A significant portion of the job involves waiting in a designated holding area until needed on set.
Essential Materials for Getting Started
The first material you need is a current headshot. An expensive, professional photograph is not necessary; a clear, well-lit digital picture taken against a plain background with a smartphone is sufficient. The photo must accurately represent your current appearance so casting directors know who they are considering for a role.
You will also need a resume that differs from a standard professional one. For background work, your resume should prioritize contact information and physical statistics, including height, weight, and a full set of clothing measurements like chest, waist, inseam, and shoe size. This information is important for the wardrobe department.
Your resume is also the place to list any special skills you possess. These can range from playing a musical instrument or a sport to having military or law enforcement experience. Casting directors often search for extras with specific abilities, so including these details can increase your opportunities. Noting unique wardrobe pieces, like formal wear, is also a valuable asset.
Finding Background Acting Opportunities
Dedicated casting agencies are a reliable way to find work. Central Casting is one of the most well-known, placing extras in major production hubs like Los Angeles and New York. These agencies require you to register, which may involve an in-person visit to have your photo taken and details entered into their database.
Online casting platforms like Actors Access, Backstage, and Casting Networks post casting calls for extras daily. On these platforms, you can create a profile with your headshot, resume, and measurements, allowing you to submit directly for roles. Many of these sites offer both free and paid membership tiers, with premium options often providing more features and exposure.
Social media is another source for background work. Casting directors and agencies frequently post calls on Facebook and other platforms, often in groups for specific regions. When using any online source, it is important to be cautious and use legitimate services, avoiding any that require large upfront fees for representation as an extra.
The Casting and Booking Process
The first communication you receive after submitting for a role is often an “availability check.” This is a message from the casting company asking if you are free to work on specific dates. This check is not a guarantee of work but helps casting create a pool of potential candidates for the production team.
If the production team selects you based on your look and availability, you will receive a “booking,” which is a firm offer of work for a particular day and role. This confirmation will come via email or text and include preliminary details.
The booking confirmation will contain information for the workday, including initial wardrobe instructions like “business casual” or “upscale evening wear.” Final details, such as the specific call time and location, are often not sent until the evening before the shoot, as production schedules are subject to constant change.
What to Expect on a Film Set
A day on set involves long hours and structure. Your first stop is the “holding area,” where you will check in, fill out paperwork, and spend a significant amount of time waiting. Bring items to keep yourself occupied, like a book, headphones, or a portable charger.
Professionalism is paramount on set. Arrive on time, and once there, the primary rule is to be quiet, especially when cameras are rolling. All directions will come from Assistant Directors (ADs) or Production Assistants (PAs), and you must listen carefully and follow their instructions.
There are rules regarding interaction with principal actors and the use of personal devices. Do not speak to the main actors unless they initiate conversation, and taking photos or recording videos is strictly prohibited. You will likely sign a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) to protect the production’s confidentiality.
Understanding Pay and Union Status
Compensation for non-union background work is based on an hourly rate, often at or slightly above the local minimum wage. Pay is guaranteed for a set number of hours, like eight or ten, with overtime paid after that. A common non-union day rate might fall between $100 and $200, depending on the production and location.
The primary union for actors is SAG-AFTRA. Union extras receive significantly higher pay rates, better working conditions, and contributions to health and pension plans. For example, a SAG-AFTRA extra may earn a base rate of around $187 for an eight-hour day, with overtime rates increasing substantially.
Joining the union is a longer-term goal for many who pursue background work consistently. To become eligible to join SAG-AFTRA as a background actor, you need to acquire three union vouchers. These vouchers are given when you work on a union production in a union-covered background role.