While watching a movie or TV show, you may have noticed people other than the principal and secondary actors that appear in the scenes, but don't have any lines. These are known as background artists or extras. So how does one get cast in such a role?
Background Actors
While actors with speaking roles generally go through an audition process, background people, particularly in the Los Angeles and New York areas, come from casting agencies that specialize in extras. One of the most popular ones is Central Casting, although numerous others exist.
For the most part, people looking for work call into an agency to see what work is available. Occasionally, when an agency is in need of a particular look, the agency will call you. Otherwise, it's up to the background actors to pursue work.
Although the above two mentioned locations are the most prominent when it comes to background work, as location filming takes place all over the world, check with your nearest big cities to see if they have any agencies that handle this type of work.
Film Extra Jobs
Don't expect to hobnob with the stars, get autographs or take photos to share on Facebook. Outside of the actual filming, actors and extras are usually separated. In addition, it is frowned upon to try to fraternize with the celebrities on the set.
While most filming is done during the day, sometimes extras are cast for nighttime scenes. This can literally mean filming all night long. Some filming takes place at movie and TV studios. Others are on location. Although television series are more seasonal with their filming, movies are filmed throughout the year.
Extra Acting
Generally, an extra is paid a flat fee for up to eight hours of work. After the initial eight hours, a background artist receives overtime pay. This is where earnings can start to come into play as the average work day is twelve hours. Don't worry about bringing food. Meals and snacks are included, although it is usually customary that extras are the last ones to receive their meals.
For someone who is interested in the film industry, working as a background performer provides the opportunity to see what really happens on a live set. It's a great way to learn film terminology as well as getting a real taste as to how long filming a scene can actually take.
Keep in mind that often a lot of time is spent waiting around. It is advised to bring something to do to help kill time such as a book or a crossword puzzle magazine. For the most part, people in this field of work are quite friendly. Many are happy to share their knowledge about additional background acting possibilities.
Becoming a background extra is a great way to get the feel of how movies and television programs are made. Generally casting is done through agencies, although this is not always the rule. Be prepared for a long day, bring something to do and don't disturb the principal actors as this can get you thrown off the set.
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