Do You Dream of Being a Television/Movie Extra?

So you want to be a film and television extra? Being an extra can be very exciting and fun but like all jobs there are good aspects as well as negative aspects. Here are some pros and cons for you to consider before making your decision.

Pro: Everyday is different
As an extra you'll never know what you're going to be working on, a movie, television show, commercial or industrial video. You also never know what you'll be doing or who you might see. Everyday is different and that can be quite exciting. It's a spontaneous world you're entering and you never know what can or will happen.

Con: Long hours
The hours are extremely long. Sometimes you might work fourteen or sixteen hours. While you'll receive overtime pay which is nice it doesn't always make up for your time. You might be tired, bored and want to go home because you're just sitting around waiting for the next shot but that is your job.

Pro: You might get bumped up
Working as an extra you always have the chance of getting "bumped up" to a principle where you face will be clearly seen on camera or you'll be given a line to speak and your pay will be raised significantly. Who knows, you could always be "discovered" as well, although don't count on it. Those sorts of Cinderella stories are extremely rare. However, you might get someone to see you, instantly like you and then bring you in for an audition later for a role in something else.

Con: Low pay
You won't make much money working as an extra, especially considering the long hours. And it might not always be consistent work. You might work three days in one week and then not get called for a job for another two weeks. It's all a matter of what's filming in your area and what "type" they need in the background.

Pro: You can learn a lot about the process
Working as an extra you really don't do much "work" but if you pay attention during all your down time you can learn a great deal about the filmmaking process. Observe each person perform their roles for the camera as well as every behind the camera. By watching you might learn what the second assistant director does and what the best boy grip is responsible for. It's an educational process.

Con: No benefits and non-union is unprotected
If you work on non-union productions you're not protected meaning they can keep you as long as they want, feed you whenever they want and other things because they aren't bound by laws to protect your best interest. There are also no medical benefits or other benefits for that matter. It's solely a "here's your check" type of job.