Q&A for How to Become an Extra in a Movie

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  • Question
    Can extras talk to actors?
    Lesly Kahn, MFA
    Acting Teacher & Coach
    Lesly Kahn is an acting teacher and coach based in Los Angeles, California. She is the founder and owner of Lesly Kahn & Company, Actor Training, which focuses on preparing actors for employment in film, television and theatre. With well over 30 years of experience, Ms. Kahn has coached hundreds of actors who have become household names. She also ran the BFA Program in Acting at Marymount Manhattan College, and worked in television as well as New York and regional theatre. Lesly holds a BFA from New York University and an MFA from The Yale School of Drama.
    Acting Teacher & Coach
    Expert Answer
    Sometimes you'll need to be quiet on the set. However, when talking is permitted, you can network and chat with other extras and actors. You may find new work or at least make new agency contacts.
  • Question
    How do I make the most professionally out of my time as an extra?
    Lesly Kahn, MFA
    Acting Teacher & Coach
    Lesly Kahn is an acting teacher and coach based in Los Angeles, California. She is the founder and owner of Lesly Kahn & Company, Actor Training, which focuses on preparing actors for employment in film, television and theatre. With well over 30 years of experience, Ms. Kahn has coached hundreds of actors who have become household names. She also ran the BFA Program in Acting at Marymount Manhattan College, and worked in television as well as New York and regional theatre. Lesly holds a BFA from New York University and an MFA from The Yale School of Drama.
    Acting Teacher & Coach
    Expert Answer
    Watch the actors on set, do not sit when you aren't required to, do not sit back with the extras shooting the breeze. Be out there on set watching the actors, watching the camera operators, watching the ADs, watching wardrobe. watching what most of the professionals are doing, soak it in and learn.
  • Question
    At what age can I become an extra in a movie?
    Community Answer
    There are usually casting calls for extras of all ages, including babies and toddlers.
  • Question
    Do they use many elderly people?
    Community Answer
    Extras of all age groups are needed. Some pictures require a certain age group to fit the scene, but elderly people should have no more (or less) trouble finding work.
  • Question
    Is there classes you can take to become a better extra?
    Community Answer
    No. An extra does not do much; they are usually just in the background and the focus of the scene is not on them, so if you can stand, walk, sit, etc., you'll be fine.
  • Question
    Can I apply to more than one extras agency?
    Community Answer
    Yes. The more you apply to, the more chances of getting a job you will have!
  • Question
    Is it important to have acting experience if you want to be an extra?
    Community Answer
    No, not at all. When I was called as an extra in World War Z, all they needed was someone who looked Russian.
  • Question
    Do I get to travel as a movie extra?
    Community Answer
    No, extras are not a part of the regular cast and are just chosen from people who show up to the set.
  • Question
    How much does a movie extra usually get paid?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the agency, but it is generally between 60 and 100 dollars for the first 8 hours and overtime pay after that.
  • Question
    If one has never been an extra before, what info should be included in one's resume? Will they hire someone without any experience?
    Christopher Taylor
    Community Answer
    It depends what you apply for. It is usually specified whether they want experience or not. Typically, on a resume, you should have any previous acting/extra work, a headshot, your age, weight, height and where you live.
  • Question
    If my daughter has braces, will she still have a chance to be an extra?
    Community Answer
    Unless the movie is a period piece that pre-dates orthodontics, braces should not be a deterrent for work as an extra.
  • Question
    How much do extras typically get paid?
    Community Answer
    Non-union extras are typically paid $8 per hour. High-end extras can earn $100 in an 8-hour day.
  • Question
    Can I be an extra without having a resume?
    Community Answer
    No, they will need to see your experience. You should treat this like any other job.
  • Question
    Can I do this if I have a disability?
    Community Answer
    Yes, as long as you can maneuver by yourself.
  • Question
    How does having long hair as a man affect my chances of being cast?
    Community Answer
    It shouldn't affect your chances too much. If a director likes everything but your hair, they'll most likely ask you to cut it. However, there are plenty of roles out there for men with long hair. Be aware though that your chances will be much more limited if you're unwilling to cut your hair for a role.
  • Question
    How difficult is it to be an extra?
    Community Answer
    It's not all that difficult depending on what is being filmed. Being an extra is basically being scenery so most of the time, you're just walking or sitting or doing something simple, not to draw attention away from the actors.
  • Question
    Will having an alternative look (colored hair/tattoos/piercings) hurt my chances of being hired as an extra?
    Community Answer
    It depends on the part, but you might find yourself more limited in the extra roles that you would be qualified to do.
  • Question
    What agencies can I apply to?
    Community Answer
    Look for talent agencies. Look at central casting. Check newspapers. Check online to find agencies and be prepared to send your headshots.
  • Question
    How do I get to be a voice over?
    Community Answer
    You can take a class on voice over. And you can take acting lessons or get an acting coach to help you develop more. Create a demo reel and resume to send to the studios when you are applying. After you do these things then you are off to a great start!
  • Question
    Do extras have to be on call if they are hired?
    Community Answer
    Yes, they do.
  • Question
    How do I get a child into a movie once they have been an extra?
    Community Answer
    Talk to the makers of the film to seek to persuade the person to let your child in. Be nice about it! No yelling or fighting or your child will be at the bottom of the extras.
  • Question
    What should I do if I apply to multiple places and more than one hires me?
    VermontGal
    Top Answerer
    You'll have to pick one, if there is a conflict of scheduling. If there is not an scheduling issue, you do both.
  • Question
    Are individuals with sleeve/chest tattoos acceptable?
    Community Answer
    Sure - they look for all types of people. If there is a 1970s show being put together and they want hippies or if it's a show about badasses or bikers or tattoos, you'll fit right in!
  • Question
    Can you be an extra if you have no acting experience?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you are able to be a extra without experience. However, some movies and TV shows may require you to have experience.
  • Question
    Can I still be chosen as an extra if I have acne?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You definitely don't have to look perfect to be an extra.
  • Question
    How much do extras make in movies?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    How much an extra makes can vary widely depending on the production you're working on. Additionally, extras usually get paid by the day rather than by the hour. The average daily pay for an extra is right around $170 USD. But the range can span from $100-$185 a day. It can be tough to make a living as an extra because they're considered freelance workers. So in order to earn enough money to make a decent living, you'll have to organize your own schedule, and pay for your own benefits such as health insurance and taxes. But if it's just a side gig, it can be a great way to make some decent cash and hang out on a movie set all day!
  • Question
    Is it easy to become an extra?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    It takes a little bit of work, but it's not as tough as you might think to become an extra. One of the easiest ways is to look online for casting calls in your area. Reply to the email address included in the listing. Typically, you’ll need to email a photograph of your head and shoulders and another of your full body. Additionally, you’ll need to include your contact info, age, height, weight, and measurements. You can also register with a casting agency to land regular gigs as an extra. Upload your photographs and fill out the registration form, which will ask for details including your contact information, age, height, weight, and measurements. Register with as many agencies as possible to maximize your chances of getting booked. Then, just wait to hear from them whenever there's extra work you can do!
  • Question
    Do extras have to audition?
    Drew Hawkins1
    Community Answer
    Usually not. Because extras are often cast as background actors, casting directors are usually looking for people who "look" the part. That means if you match the look of the characters they want for a scene, then you're all set. No audition necessary. That's part of the reason why signing up a casting agency is a great idea. You'll upload your photos and fill out forms that include a description of what you look like. If your details match what a casting director is looking for, the agency can contact you about the gig to see if you're interested!
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