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 Posted 8/11/2006 9:49:24 PM |
| | What is an EXTRA Extras are the people you see in the background of a movie or television show. You will see extras in most movies and television shows Extras are the people who lend atmosphere to a scene and do not have any lines. Extras are the people walking down the street, patrons in a bar or restaurant, crowds at a concert or the police officers in the background of your favorite crime shows. They are the people that you see but never hear speak. Movie Extras can be members of the union SAG (background extras) or non-union. Extra salaries range from free to more than 50.00 a day. Movie extra work does not require training. You just need to have the look or character type that is needed for a specific scene. If you are seeking to join SAG as an extra, visit their website for information on what you need to do to join. When you submit for an extra on a project for television or film below are tips you need to do a good job and questions or instructions you may get from the coordinator. - Wardrobe: Is the production company supplying wardrobe or do you need to come dressed in specific type of clothes
- Are there additional changes of clothing needed?
- If the production is supplying wardrobe, what time do you need to show up for fitting.
- Call sheet or time is what you will need to know to show up at the set. Generally it is earlier then when you will be needed so you can be fitted, get instructions and have the opportunity to see the set and learn what else will be expected of you. Always show up 30 minutes before your call time.
- Time on the set can last as long as 12 hours, you may be waiting around for them to use you. You may want to bring something to keep you busy while waiting.
- Keep attentive if you are on the set, when they are shooting a scene, you must be quiet. Do not bring cameras without specific permission or bring your cell phone on the set unless they are turned off. If your cell phone goes off while they are shooing a scene, you have just ruined the sound reel you risk begin be kicked off the set.
- An extra is atmosphere in a scene and most of the time must be oblivious of the camera. So do a good job, research your part, keep on your toes and you may be called back again for other projects that the casting coordinator needs in the future.
Headshots: This is a controversial subject. If you can afford professional photos, then do it. Professional photos are always good to have. But if you cannot afford to pay for a professional photographer, it is our opinion that when you are just beginning to delve into extra work, just have good clear headshots. Break out your camera or have a friend take some shots. Position yourself in an obtrusive background and fill the camera with you. Don’t take or submit photos in your bedroom, living room or have any type of cluttered background. Do not take your photo in your living room with pictures on the wall. Just a nice plain background will do the trick. If the pictures come out good select one and make a few of them 8x10 and or 3x5 color for the casting personnel that requests them. Becoming an extra for fun or profit can be rewarding. It can give you a taste of the industry and perhaps spark your interest in acting. Just know what is expected of you and do a good job. Extra work is just like any other career and you need to be professional and aware of the proper way to conduct yourself.
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