Being a Movie Extra is an Easy Deal

The role of being an extra for television and film can sound exciting. The extra actors have a big responsibility to let the scene and the plot mold into the writer's and director's ideas for the production. Seeing the results of controlled crowds can bring out a tremendous difference when showing off the main character's role. I've worked a little on film. I've been an extra no-name in the middle of a camera shot that is showed for no less than 5 seconds. I know it may not be the job market your considering, but you too could be an extra.

When a production crew calls for extras several long term plans are already under way. Shooting films requires granted permission from the city or region where the scene will be. This usually involves permits, just like a grocery will have and a legal process. By the time the crew is set up and prepared to take images of non-famous actors, most of the hiring for this job has transpired through agents and sometimes personal friends. Although not every film pays for it's audience to be there.

A major part of my work on film has been voluntary. Believe it or not, I just want to look good on film. I was in several well known major motion films just by being informed of how and where the filming would take place. Films such as "Pure Country," and "Looney Tunes" were both shot with open crowds needed. Therefore, whoever was there was used for the film. It is that easy. Of course living some place like Las Vegas, NV or Los Angelas, CA may be a given for the industry. However, if you want to be paid for doing all the standing around and looking unaware of what is going, trust an agency. This also can be an additional expense, a good place will put you right to work, and will not cost more than a thousand dollars.

Friends have returned with small extra acting careers from certain agencies. The main part of the film industry takes someone to know someone and so forth and so on. One agency to work with nationwide is Explore Talent. Real extras will be taking a joy ride. Free catering, a sit in the make-up chair, nice wardrobe play clothes, possibly free airfare or other transportation will all be added benefits on top of payments. Of course those paid over a hundred dollars an hour for merely standing around are doing allot of work. Recently I had to turn down one job working with Tom Cruise on the "Mission: Impossible" set, due to the timely length of days. This offer, I wish I had not had to refuse it, was huge in my extra career. I was told I would work for only a month, but, be in character for 12 hours a day, seven days a week. This was too much for me, being a single parent and all leaves me with other activities of need.

Being an extra doesn't take an extensive amount of knowledge of acting. While my classes and workshops have helped, I'm still not pointing out my image at any red carpet affairs recently. I encourage those interested in learning more to find some free on-line advertisements, and agree to an agency that is affordable. One office I work with was given to me by a friend, and listed in the phone book. So, do your research and be prepared to be surprised and be apart of big things.