Misunderstandings on Working As a Movie Extra

Entertainment and Media - Movies

By: Traqqer 19-Jan-2011

Introduction:

How would you like to be an extra in a movie or a TV show? There's a lot of misunderstandings about what it takes to do so. Here's a list of these misunderstandings.

It's Difficult Work to Find

It depends on where you live. Some cities and neighborhoods are very inviting to movie studios (e.g., tax incentives). I live in the Atlanta neighborhood and they have great tax incentives for movies studios, and as a result, they have lots of ads for extras.

You Need to Be Good-Looking

It will depend on the movie or show that is being made, but for the most part, directors and producers are looking for "real" people. They want people with varying looks and sizes with commmon everyday features.

You Need to Invest In a Photo Gallery

All you need are a couple of digital photos: a close-up of your face and a full body picture. Also makes sure you supply them with accurate height and weight measurements. You don't need anything fancy as an extra.

You Need to Pay an Agent

Chances are, if you need to pay to find work as an extra, it's likely a scam. Most ads for extras are open to the public and anyone can apply to them completely free of charge.

The Job Is Easy

Just because you are helping to make a movie or TV show doesn't mean you'll be treated like the stars. You are an extra to help fill-up the background. You need to come to work early and stay late. You will be paid minimal money or perhaps just given a pat on the back - it depends on your agreement with the studios. It's a thankless job. Therefore, you have to find the fun in doing so. A lot of people like meeting new people, and also like the possibility of appearing on film. Catching a glimpse of the stars is also fun (make sure you don't ask for autographs). It's generally not easy work, but could be exciting and fun depending on your mindset.

Final Thoughts

If you're thinking of trying to find work as an extra, I highly encourage you to pay attention to this list as many people don't really understand what they need or what they are getting into.

Give this list a high five!

Comments

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dptstretch 7/24/2012
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I think a lot of people think about doing this but don't have any practical advice for following up. Great list!
ElaineChastain 7/19/2012
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Really cool,so this means though the money isn't good it can be a lot of fun and quite a learning experience.
NancyHardin 1/25/2011
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Excellent list. Sometimes people only see the glamor and don't realize there's more to it. My daughter and her husband were extras in a movie shot in Oklahoma. Not a big name star in the batch, and to my knowledge, it hasn't been released. But they had fun and made a few bucks. I live in Vegas where there are constant casting calls and ads for extras, but none of them seem to be asking for an old lady with emphysema, DRAT! highfive!
ListingToTheLeft 1/25/2011
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Great list. This is all true. I was a movie extra in the movie "Imagine That" and I thought it was exciting just to see what happens behind the scenes. Fascinating!!!
dlcass 1/25/2011
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My husband was an extra in "What Lies Beneath" with Harrison Ford and Michelle Phiffer. They treated him very well, but it was the most boring day of his life. Most of the day was spent eating and waiting for the few moments he was required to actually do something. But the pay was good. He got $300 for doing nothing all day.
Ellie 1/22/2011
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Wow this was very interesting! Thanks for the great info!
ListMaker 1/20/2011
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Fun list. I live outside DC so see movie extra ads frequently but have no real interest in appearing in a movie or seeing a star. I see Obama out and about and it's just more hassle than anything to get the heck out of his way.
BonnieDossKnight 1/19/2011
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Thanks for the enlightenment, which I will need if ever in a movie! HI5
bestmommy 1/19/2011
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Interesting list. Have you appeared in any famous TV shows or movies?
clewand550 1/19/2011
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Nice list of 5.