BASICS ON EXTRAS

If you think the world of extras is all about riding in a limo, walking on the red-carpet, staying in hotel suites and glamming it up–you might want to rethink that image!

 However, it’s fun and an exciting way to participate in the TV and Movie industry and make a little money on the side.

I recently came across this wonderful story by T. R. Locke, screenwriter, sometimes actor, speaker and author of the insider book on the entertainment business. So, enjoy!

Extras in Movies and TV

The thought of being in TV or movies might be too unrealistic a dream for many people but it’s actually easier than you may think, especially in the world of Extras. If you live in any city with a significant amount of filmed production, chances are there is a casting office dedicated to casting Extras for movies, TV and commercials.

Extras, also known as background talent, perform as part of the setting of any production. In any movie, TV show or commercial set in a public place, there are people in the backgrounds of those scenes that are being paid to be there. If they are doing their jobs well, you may not even realize they are present but the person who passes in front of camera in such a way that you can barely make out the color of their coat is an extra.

The great thing about extras is the main requirement that you look like you belong in the scene and you don’t have to act, sing, dance or speak any lines. If your scene takes place in a park, all this is required is that you look like someone who might be in a park.

Most extra’s faces never appear on camera. If your face appears on camera, you are considered a “featured extra”  and will earn more money-as well as a Screen Actor’s Guild voucher for your work that day. Receiving three vouchers (or being asked to speak even a single line of dialog) grants you the right to join the Screen Actors Guild under Taft-Hartley. Membership in the guild doubles your pay as an extra. There are however, more jobs for non-union extras than union extras. So being in the union, although it has perks such as health insurance and higher pay, doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll work more.

In general, you bring your own clothes. You stand where they tell you to stand, called your “mark”. You do what they tell you to do, it’s called your “blocking”. And you keep quiet. In a few days you’ll receive a check that represents at least $8 per hour. The minimum salary you can be paid for up to an eight hour day is $64. That means even if you only work three hours, you still get $64. The base salary for extras who are members of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) is currently $134 for up to eight hours of work. And the base salary for the association of film, Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) extras is currently $99 to $134 for up to eight hours of work and varies depending on the show. In addition to your day salary, you will also be paid overtime should you work more than eight hours. An average workday for extras is twelve hours.

Qualifications of Extras

If you’re over 18 but you have the ability to look 18 or younger, you can make some serious money as an extra. Many movies, TV shows and commercials revolve around high school aged kids. The problem with working with people under 18 is that their parents must also be on set and special permissions must be signed. So teenagers in film are usually portrayed by adult actors. The same goes for extras. Extras who are able to portray 18 years or younger can earn over $50,000 a year.

When the camera is not on, you enjoy the same free craft services of prepared meals and refreshments as other known actors on the set. Besides enjoying the craft services, you may get a chance to mingle with the director and get to know the producer or other actors and maybe even get invited to a party at one of the star’s homes. But make sure you don’t initiate any of these conversations with the stars. Speak if you’re spoken to, but otherwise, keep quiet and stay out of the way.

The job of the casting agency is to announce jobs that are available for actors. Generally your job is to call the agency’s line in the evening and listen through a host of positions or call the agency to let them know you’re available to work. The agency will let you know if they have work for you. If so, your “call time” is the time you are due on the set. They will also let you know what type of clothes to bring and who to see once you arrive.

Once on the set, you will check in with the Assistant Director and he or she will explain what they want you to do, where to wait, and any other directions you will need.

Contrary to what you might expect from being around movie or TV stars, working on a production set has been described as the most unglamorous job there is. Long periods of downtime are best spent with a book or in quiet conversation with other waiting extras and actors. And most times, if a big star is on the set he or she is surrounded by their own people all the time so it’s not quite hobnobbing.

You might have what it takes for the Extras industry if you possess the ability to be on time, endure long periods of waiting and do what you’re told–and who knows what could happen along the way!