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Lights, camera, action. Welcome everybody to the wonderful world of Show Biz. Being an EXTRA on a television show, music video, commercial or film is exciting and just about anyone can work in this business. Whether you’re 8 or 80, large, thin, black, white, tall, or short – you can do it. The only requirements necessary to make good money are flexibility, focus, and a great attitude. If you desire the fun job of EXTRA work, the following booklet will help you to begin. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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An EXTRA is anyone who fills out the background scene of a movie, television show or commercial shot. It could be a concert crowd, the non-specific apes in Planet of the Apes, or people on the street passing by the main actors or action. As an EXTRA, it is your job to make the scenes being filmed, look natural and as lifelike as possible. Extras are sometimes called Background, Atmosphere or Non-Principal performers.
You
could also be a specific character like a doctor or lawyer, or a face in
the crowd at a baseball game, rock concert, or rally. It is your job to
be present and service the “picture”, without getting in the way of
the “stars”. That is the general rule, unless you are “Directed”
to do something special by the Director of the film. This usually means
you would be given some dialogue. If given dialogue, you will make more
money and be allowed to join the Screen Actor Guild, (S.A.G.) the
largest actors Some extras make “extra work” a profession, and work steadily, going from project to project. This is a way to have an exciting, flexible career in the entertainment industry. Some people do “extra work” because it’s an interesting way to earn cash while going to school or pursuing other interests. Some people become EXTRAS, to earn the right to join SAG. For most EXTRA work is another way to pay the bills, while you are taking classes and learning to be a good actor, singer or dancer. It is definitely possible that EXTRA work can lead to other work as an actor. As a working EXTRA you will be exposed to a whole new and exciting world. It is also a great place to start if you have other showbiz ambitions, and no experience. You can get an overview of the entire industry and see if a career here is for you. As an extra you are on a “live” set and can check out all the different specialty jobs it takes to make a film, everything from camera operators to electricians, wardrobe, makeup, location scouting, producing, on and on. As an extra, you can more closely explore these possibilities. Being on the set also gives you an chance to make valuable connections with people already working in the film or tv industry. These experiences can help you find the best fit, and allow you to be an integral part of the entertainment industry. As
an EXTRA every day will come with a totally different schedule and
routine. Flexibility is key. Today you may have a “call
time” of
This helps insure you are in the right place at the right time, always
exactly where you’re supposed to be. Once
you have your voucher, you will report to the wardrobe department. Here
your wardrobe will be looked at and hopefully approved. This is usually
an outfit or two that you were required to bring. On occasion, you might
receive a costume from the Production Company to wear for the shoot. In
between paper work and wardrobe and sometimes hair/make-up you can often
expect to enjoy a free breakfast provided by craft services (catering). Hopefully, about an hour after the call time, filming is set to begin. The EXTRAS are called to the set and instructed on what to do for the current scene. These things can range from sitting or standing in a specific location, to walking behind or near the stars. If you are lucky you may get to interact with the stars of the film. Every EXTRA has a purpose and while some are more “seen” than others, all are important. Your instructions will almost always come from the 2nd AD. It is rare for the Director or 1st AD to instruct the EXTRAS personally. Although it does happen, don’t expect to interact with them very much. Once all the directions have been give out to cast and crew, there will be a couple of practice run throughs of the scene. This is called Rehearsal, whether it is for the actors, extras or cameras. Throughout this process, the Director checks that the actors have the right emotional intent, know their lines, and have their correct movements down, called Blocking. The Director of Photography, (called the DP), makes sure the lighting is right for the scene, and the cameras are set correctly. The Gaffer (electrician) makes sure that all the electrical gadgets are working, while the hair and make-up people attend to the “look” of the stars. The wardrobe and prop people are extremely busy, making sure the Actors and EXTRAS are perfect and have everything the scene requires. When
the Director is satisfied, the cameras will start rolling and actual
filming will begin. One scene can take as long as three to four hours to
complete, depending on how many angles the director wants to film from,
and how all the aspects come together. Some film directors may take days
with only one scene in order to get exactly what they want. It is a very
long process, and as an EXTRA, patience is a must. This is because
everything is repeated over and over again, until the Director decides
it’s time to move on. Not every EXTRA on the set will be used in all the scenes. Those not being used in the current scene must hang out in the “Holding Area.” This is the area away from the set, where the EXTRAS can read, play cards or try to line up work for the next day. It is your free time to do what ever you want until being needed in a scene. It is certainly a great time to “Network” with the other Extras. Get friendly with other folks who do what you do, find out who hires them, and how they go about getting consistent work. This is a wonderful opportunity to build a support system with other Extras. Other extras are also a great source to provide insider information on where to get the best deals on photos, coaches, and what other projects are coming up in town. Film and TV jobs usually last for a short amount of time. Everyone on the present Production will move on to other jobs when the project is completed. It is important to build friendships with as many of these people as you can. We cannot stress enough that Networking is an important thing to master in the entertainment industry. However, when you first start out you probably won’t know very many people in the industry, don’t worry. Build relationships with as many working industry people as you go along. Learn people’s names, exchange phone numbers and keep in contact. Talk to everyone and everybody. You never really know just who knows whom, and what will lead where. On
the set, remember you are not there to talk to stars, get their
autographs or take pictures with them. In some cases EXTRAS are asked
not to approach or talk to the stars on the set. Stars are people too,
and please understand that they are under a lot of stress trying to
memorize lines and get their scenes just right. Don’t take it
personally if they ignore you. They too are there to do a job, so just
be honored that you get to work along with them, and are part of this
exciting process. Lunch
is usually called within six hours of the Call time, because of Union
rules. Lunch will last for about an hour and is typically provided by
the Production Company. Sometimes you will be asked to provide your own
lunch or told to go off lot and buy your own lunch on smaller projects.
After lunch, if you are still needed on set, you may spend the rest of
the day doing the same thing as before. This will last until the
director calls a “Wrap” (end of filming), or you are no longer
needed in the scene. There are no normal days in Show Biz,
so your day could last anywhere from Training: THE
GREAT THING
is that there is no special training or experience required for you to
become an EXTRA. What you need is the right “look” and wardrobe for
the current projects available. Also, the more skills you have, the more
projects you may qualify for. For example, if you are trained in “ Telephone/Answering Machine/Pager/Cell: When they want you they need a phone number on your picture and resume. When they call you, they want to be able to leave a message, and hear back from you within one hour. That is professional and that is what are expected. You must be reachable. A pager is good on set because you can still feel it on Vibrating mode if you’re working and you get a call during filming. Public phone booths are harder to come by these days, so we recommend a cell phone as well. Headshot: In
the beginning you may not need a head shot to get some work.
If the person needed is someone that is going to be in a Star
Wars outfit or in a crowd scene you will probably be able to get work
with out the expense of having pictures taken.
Also be aware that there are a lot of cons out there.
Check with someone in the industry for a good recommendation.
If
you are really serious though about acting, you will need a photo that
looks just like you do, on a great day. These 8 by 10 calling cards are
called Headshots. Postcard size photos with your phone number on it are
also very popular in addition, as reminders to Casting Directors. You are the product you are selling, and the only way for people to know you is through your picture. It’s best to go to a professional photographer for an actor’s headshot, usually taken in Black and White film. Color is sometimes seen around town, but definitely not necessary and quite costly. You will then take the photo you like the best and duplicate it at a quantity reproduction house. Now that you have the required headshot it’s time to make a resume for yourself. This will be attached to the back of your 8 by 10. Resume: This
will include your name, all current contact numbers, hair color, eye
color, height, weight, age range (no more then 8 years, like Age range
22-30 years old), and any acting experience you may have.
If you are chunky that’s fine, just be truthful. There is work
for overweight folks too. Be honest. Education and any acting training
are important to list, although not necessary. Special skills like
skiing, football, tap dancing etc, are to be listed here as well.
Staple securely your resume to the back of your 8 by 10. You can
also get your resume printed directly on the back of your headshot. Wardrobe: The most important thing to have as an EXTRA is an extensive wardrobe. The more outfits you own or can borrow, the more projects you will eligible for. As an EXTRA you will almost always be required to bring your own wardrobe. This saves the production companies lots of money and helps the casting directors decide which EXTRAS they will hire. The best things for you to own are a tux or formal gown, three to four types of business suits, and several styles of casual wear. It is smart to have both typical and unusual colors. It’s great if you to have several outfits from different time periods like the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Hospital clothes, like a nurse or doctor uniform is good as well. Alternative or unusual outfits are useful on those off the wall projects that come up from time to time. The more extensive and varied your wardrobe, the more you will work you will be ready for. Equipment: It
is not necessary to have any type of equipment to be an EXTRA. But like
the wardrobe, the more things you have the more you will work. It is a
good idea to have a usable bike, roller-blades, and other sports
equipment you know how to use. These can help you get work on projects
that have major outdoor scenes in parks, beaches or schools. Another way
to increase your job potential is to have a unique or odd colored car.
Sometimes production companies don’t want you as the EXTRA; they just
want your car. If you’re lucky they’ll use both and you will make
even more money. Pay-Rates:
For Film There are two types of EXTRAS in the industry, Union EXTRAS and Non-Union EXTRAS. Both have their own pay-rates based on the same work (see the next section for more information on unions). Just starting out you will be a Non-Union EXTRA. Union EXTRAS are members of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). Pay-rates are based on several factors. These include a base rate for the first eight hours of work, overtime pay for work between eight and twelve hours, double time pay for anything over 12 hours of work, meal penalties, bonuses called “Bumps” for wardrobe changes, working around smoke, and mileage driven to special locations. The following is a more detailed description of each:
Base
Rates-Overtime-Double Time The
base rate is the amount of money that an EXTRA will make for any work
done during the first eight hours of being on set. It is also the figure
that is used to determine overtime and double time rates. The base rate
for Non-Union EXTRAS is $54.00 and the rate for Union Extras is $110. To
get overtime and double time rates, you will divide the base rate by 8.
This number is then times by 1.5 to get the hourly rate of pay for
overtime hours and by 2 to get the hourly rate of pay for double time
hours. Therefore the rates
for Non-union EXTRAS are $10.13 per hour for overtime (hours 9, 10, 11,
12 worked) and $13.50 per hour for double time (all hours after 12th
hour worked). Rates for Union EXTRAS are $20.63 for overtime and $27.50
for double time.
Meal
Penalties Meal penalties are bonus payments added to your check when Extras are not given their mandatory meal breaks in accordance of state and Union laws. They rule is extras must be given a meal break every six hours or the production company has to pay you bonus money for every 30 minutes they make you wait. The rates per meal penalty for Non-Union EXTRAS vary by production, and have no set rate. They are usually around $2.50 each. The rates for Union EXTRAS are $7.50 for the 1st, $10 for the 2nd and $12.50 for all others. Bumps: Every time you change your wardrobe in the same day, OR are required to work around fire or smoke, OR are made to drive to a special location, you will be paid extra money called bumps. The rates are as follows:
As
a Non-Union EXTRA you will not always be eligible for “Bumps.” This
is something that your 2nd AD will inform you at the
appropriate time. If in the For
the most money, the two best days to do Extra work will be the really
long days, OR the quick short ones. On the long days you have more
chances to earn overtime pay and “Bumps” making you check bigger. On
the really short days you will get paid the full base rate for only 1 or
2 hours of work. Then you are free to play the rest of your day, having
made a full days pay! Unions: The
main The second way to become a member is to
earn three union vouchers, while working as a non-union EXTRA.
Every union project requires a certain number of union EXTRAS be
present on the set. For TV shows this is 15 and for movies it is 45.
When not enough union EXTRAS are on a set, for whatever reason, the
Production Company must now pay a non-union EXTRA; the union pay for
each one not present. Each time you get paid as a union EXTRA you will
receive a union voucher. If you earn three of these vouchers, you are
eligible to join the union. To become a member of SAG at this time you
must pay the initiation dues of $1,310.00 plus dues. You can learn more
about the Screen Actors Guild by going directly to their web site at http://www.sag.org/ Register with your local Extra Casting
companies. Call them up; find out their hiring policies and when they
see new people. Almost every major Here in our booklet, we
will go into greater detail for the
SAN FRANCISCO
Bay Area Agencies:
NEW YORK
Casting Directors Here
is a list of the most active casting directors that work with both Donald
Case Casting The
Casting Connection Byron
Crystal Extras
Casting by Booked Jimmy
Hank Productions Tuffy
Questell Rossmon
Casting and Talent Relations Winsome
Sinclair & Associates Sirius
Casting Skyrme,
Lewis, & Fox Casting Stark
Naked Productions Todd
Thaler Casting LOS ANGELES Casting In
They
handle a majority of the work in the LA area. This is the best place for
all newcomers to start. There is a one-time registration fee of $20.
This is a fee that is well worth paying because of the work they will
get you. You should expect to pay some small fee at many casting
companies in When
registering at any Casting company remember dress to impress.
Be ready to supply all the necessary information regarding your
wardrobe, skills or training. The more skills you have the more valuable
you are. Once registered, it
is up to you to call the casting company every day to book your own
work. This is a long process, but it’s the best way to get work. You
call a work hotline that describes the projects that are available and
what they are looking for. If you fit the qualifications, you will then
be instructed to call a specific casting director. Call that person, who
will pull up your file, and decide if you are right to work for the
project. If they hire you, they will give you all the info you need,
usually for work the next day. If they don’t, you can keep calling the
hotline until you are booked on a project. In
If
you hire a great booking agent, then you will work 3-4 days per week. Be
cautious here, as some booking agents can only get you work 1 day a
week. You can find the best booking agents through references from the
casting companies you are registered with. Television Extra Work Television Extra Work in As
The World Turns Guiding
Light One
Life to Live Saturday
Night Live Read,
Read and Read More Know
what is going on in your industry. Keep up with the latest projects.
It’s a good idea to read the Daily Trade Papers, Variety and/or
Hollywood Reporter. It is a must to get Backstage (weekly), and the Ross
Reports. For
all your theatrical needs in New York
: Drama
Book Shop
Now
just get started. You are now on your way to being part of the greatest,
and most thrilling industry in the world. Remember always to be kind,
professional, and have fun!
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