Movie Extra Resume Example & Writing Guide
Use this Movie Extra resume example and guide to improve your career and write a powerful resume that will separate you from the competition.
As an extra, you’ll play a small role in a big production. Maybe you’ll appear in the background of a scene, or you might have a line or two. But no matter what your role is, you’ll definitely have an opportunity to show off your acting chops.
If you’re interested in breaking into the acting world or just looking for a new challenge, becoming an extra is one way to get your foot in the door. And unlike some other acting gigs, there are plenty of opportunities out there for newbies and veterans alike.
Here are some tips and a resume example to help you write a movie extra resume that hiring managers will love.
How to Write a Movie Extra Resume
Here’s how to write a resume of your own.
Write Compelling Bullet Points
Bullet points are the most effective way to showcase your experience and qualifications. But rather than simply listing your responsibilities, you can use them to tell a story about your work.
For example, rather than saying you “assisted director with set logistics,” you could say that you “worked with director to coordinate on-set activities for 10-hour day shoot, ensuring smooth flow of cast, crew, and equipment during busy lunch hour.”
The second bullet point paints a clearer picture of what was involved in the role and how you contributed to the project. It also provides specific details about the project itself and the outcome of your work.
Identify and Include Relevant Keywords
When you submit your resume for an movie extra role, it’s likely that it will be scanned by an applicant tracking system (ATS) for certain keywords. ATS programs scan resumes for specific terms related to the job opening, like “acting” or “cinematography.” If your resume doesn’t have enough of the right keywords, the ATS might automatically reject your application.
To increase your chances of getting an audition, use this list of common movie extra keywords as a starting point. You can also add other relevant terms that are specific to your work history.
- Film
- Television
- Acting
- Video Production
- Camera Operation
- Video Editing
- Video
- Film Production
- Documentaries
- Studio Recording
- Television Production
- Film Acting
- Short Films
- Voiceover
- Photography
- On-camera
- West Coast
- Final Cut Pro
- Studio
- Screenwriting
- Rehearsals
- Improvisation
- Theater
- Character Development
- Auditioning
- Writing
- Stage Acting
- Television Acting
- Public Speaking
- Social Media
Showcase Your Technical Skills
As a movie extra, you will be working with a variety of people and equipment. It is important to have a strong understanding of the technical aspects of the job, such as how to set up and operate the camera, sound, and lighting equipment. Additionally, you should be familiar with the different types of software used in the industry, such as video editing software and special effects software.