How To Find Movie Extra Jobs (With Tips)
Updated March 10, 2023
What is a movie extra?
A movie extra (also called a "background actor," "background talent" or "atmosphere") is a person who appears in a film or television show but has no lines. Movie extras usually appear in the background, but a director can place them anywhere in a scene as needed.Movie extras appear in films or television scenes to give the viewer a sense of realism while watching the scenes. If the scene calls for the featured characters to be in a crowded restaurant, for example, there will naturally be other people doing things and holding conversations in the background and all around the featured characters, as they would do in real life.Although background actors provide an important service to the entertainment industry, movie extra jobs are demanding. Extras must:- Appear on the set on time, or other extras will take their place.
- Provide their own wardrobe for certain films and have them approved.
- Be aware of who they must report to and when other actors eat their meals.
- Work for at least eight hours, but as many as 12-16 hours on any given day of a shoot.
- Carry vouchers, which act as collateral when extras wear wardrobes provided by the production team. Extras can only receive payment with their vouchers.
- The budget for the film
- Whether the extra is a union or non-union worker
- The availability of union background actors
- How long the extra must work each day while on set
- The types of scenes the extra is required to be in
How to become a movie extra
If you would like to become a movie extra and possibly advance your acting career through this path, these are the general steps you can take:- Research talent agencies: Visit casting websites to vet various talent agencies. Make sure the agency you choose has an excellent casting record. If you can talk to someone affiliated with the agency, ask which films their clients have appeared in.
- Take a high-quality headshot: You'll need a headshot to continue with this process. Many producers cast extras based on how their look matches what the film needs, so your appearance will determine how you're initially cast.
- Sign with a casting agency: Sign up with an agency that has an excellent record with clients. This process will likely be free, but you'll have to pay your agency to process the paperwork. You might also be able to sign with multiple agencies in your area if you feel that will increase the number of opportunities available to you.
- Submit your work authorization documentation: You will need to submit certain forms of documentation to complete the I-9 tax form and be eligible for work. All the documentation you present must be original.
- Begin work as a non-union extra: When you begin working as a movie extra, you automatically have non-union status. The only union you can join in this profession is SAG-AFTRA.
How do you become a SAG-AFTRA member?
There is one way you can become a member of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists as a movie extra: Apply to the organization and show proof that you completed three days' work on a production that is covered by the organization's collective bargaining agreement.Until you join a union, you could also find an opportunity to get a SAG-AFTRA voucher on a set even as a non-union member. On many productions that are covered by the union, there is a set quota for union background actors. If one union background actor does not show up, that leaves an open spot for a non-union extra to receive a SAG-AFTRA voucher for the day.Related: How To Become an Actor With No ExperienceExample of a movie extra's workday
The following is an example of a typical day's schedule as a movie extra:The evening before work starts: If you are required to bring your own wardrobe, prepare your own wardrobe ahead of time.Related: How To Introduce Yourself To Coworkers (With 8 Tips)
7:00 a.m.: If your call time starts at 8:00 a.m., arrive early to give yourself extra time to find the set or stage where you will be working.
8:00 a.m.: Meet with the assistant director or extras casting director. Find your check-in area and fill in your paperwork, which is called a voucher.
8:30 a.m.: Meet with the wardrobe department. If you have brought your own wardrobe, the department may either approve your wardrobe or provide you with one. If you wear clothes that are loaned to you, the wardrobe department will take your voucher as collateral.9:00 a.m.: You may eat at this time, but only eat where non-union extras may eat.
9:20 a.m.: Wait in the holding area for extras.
10:00 a.m.: Go to the scene where a director has placed you. You may have to repeat your actions many times until the scene is finished.
12:00 p.m.: Wait until all the main and supporting actors have taken their lunch before you get yours.
8:00 p.m.: At the end of your workday, turn in your wardrobe if you are wearing loaned clothes and check in with the person you met at the beginning of your day. That person will provide you with a copy of your voucher.
Tips for finding movie extra jobs
If you decide to pursue this career path, you must be alert and diligent. Here are some tips for making the most of being a movie extra and finding more movie extra jobs:- Look for classified ads in newspapers. They may mention movies that need background talent.
- Visit your state's tourism office. It may have news about movie shoots in the area.
- Check entertainment and industry websites. You can find information about new developments in the entertainment industry online, including upcoming movie extra jobs, directors and casting agencies.
- Contact directors. Research which directors have open casting calls for extras, and reach out to them.
- Find reputable casting agencies by investigating their fees. Most casting services for extras are free, but some services charge $10-$20 to process your headshot and paperwork. Avoid services that charge you more to process your information or that try to sell you acting lessons.
Prepare for interviews with practice questions and tips
Jobs similar to movie extra
If you're interested in finding jobs as a movie extra or working in other supporting roles in the film industry, there are several options to consider. Here's a list of 10 jobs that are similar to movie extra roles:1. Acting instructor2. Stunt double3. Theme park actor4. Set designer5. Stagehand6. Voice actor7. Combat choreographer8. Comedian9. Cinematographer10. Costume designer
Actors, models & performers
Explore more articles
- 32 High-Paying Jobs Nobody Knows About (With Salaries and Duties)
- How To Become a Travel Doctor (Plus Duties and Work Environment)
- 10 Best States To Be a Teacher (With Salaries and Benefits)
- 16 Wall Street Jobs (With Salaries and Duties)
- 12 Careers in Agriculture To Explore (With Salaries)
- FAQ: What Are the Different Electrician Levels?
- 20 Great Jobs You Can Get With a Marketing Degree
- What Is Direct Hiring?
- 22 Jobs for People With a Master's in Nutrition
- The Best 25 Liberal Studies (Arts) Jobs That Pay
- How To Become a Hair Stylist in 5 Steps (With Tips)
- What Is an Onboarding Specialist? (With Duties and Salary)