“EXTRAS NEEDED” or “MOVIE CASTING CALL FOR EXTRAS”… Ever seen one of these job listings and wondered how it applied to you? This post is about how to be an extra in a movie.
I wanted to share this information for those looking to monetize a YouTube channel with fun and related sidehustle jobs. This is a fun way to be on set and learn how film productions operate.
Can you be an extra with no experience?
Yes. Being a background extra in movie and television productions, requires no experience. Being an extra in a movie is an important job in helping a movie create a scene by realistic environment. I like to think of it as being wallpaper or moving ants.
You do not need acting talent and there is no talking. Your main job is to show up on time, follow directions and when you are called to set, react to the moment you are in.
Some folks make a career out of being background talent, while others just try it for fun or a side job.
Days can be short or long (8 -12 hours) and it is based on how many scenes they need you in. Your day will be spent waiting to be called to set. Pay can range from $100 to $287 based on whether you are non-union or union and your state.
Being a extra on a television or film set is one of the easiest and most fun jobs to get paid for. Some folks feel it is a glamorous job.
See tips on how to be a movie extra.
How to be an extra in a movie?
1. Find an extras talent agency in your city.
Google “extras casting + (your city)” and “background casting + (your city)” to locate the casting agencies in your city. If you really want work, research many. Central Casting is one of the popular agencies in large film cities like New York and Los Angeles.
Extras Casting Agencies only call on an as-needed basis and if your look fits a certain character profiles they are casting.
NOTE: Legit casting agencies DO NOT ask for payment. They are paid by the production to do the work in finding background talent to staff each work day. If you are signing up with a casting agency which asks you for money,
RUN!
2. Apply with a few agencies
Registering with a extras casting agency is a relatively short process.
They will likely ask you to submit:
- Two photos of yourself against a white background: 1) a headshot (chest and up so your face is visible) and 2) full body shot.
- The application
3. Wait for the call
Unless there are Extras Casting Notices posted, it may take time for you to get a call, especially if nothing is filming in your city.
4. Get booked and bring necessary documents
Arrive to your assignment on time, bring your necessary documents- usually a Driver’s License and Social Security card or a Passport. Fill in the paper work so you can get paid. Most of the time, the production will pay you and not your casting agency. Part of your paperwork on set is your time card. You will need to fill it out and get it signed off at the end of the day to get paid.
5. Do the work and have fun!
Be professional and follow set etiquette. Work on the movie/TV shoot assignment, make friends with other extras and listen to directions.
6. Get signed out
Get your work time card and tax information signed off before you leave. It’s rare but some extras leave before the job ends. If the production goes overtime and you are non-union, you may feel tempted. Some productions can treat non-union talent horrendously. But this is your only way to get paid.
You will get a copy of your timecard.