What You Need to Know to Be an Extra in a Movie or TV Program

I've been doing extra's work off-and-on now for the past two years. Most recently this included multiple days in March on the set of College, due out in theaters September 2007. Many people consider being an atmosphere or background actor as a great way to get into the movies. However many aren't prepared for the reality of film making (long hours, low pay, etc) and subsequently are disappointed, or worse, end up being removed from the set due to inappropriate behavior or failure to follow directions. The following is a guide on how to not be that extra.

-The needs of the Casting Director (Person in-charge of hiring all the cast) for a film will often change daily depending on what's being filmed. For a graduation scene, they'll need people who can portray teachers, students, and parents. This determines the type (age, gender, etc) they call, and for which day(s). Some films require such a specific look that specialty talent (actors with very specific look or skill set) might be hired--like the Bikers/Truckers in From Dusk till Dawn.

-Expect to be on set anywhere from 10-14 hrs a day. This means that you can't just show up and leave whenever you want. If you're asked to do background you need to be free for the entire day or night. Don't forget to bring your meds!

-Depending on the when and where the a scene is shot will determine your call time (arrival time on set). You're expected to arrive shortly before your call time in order to park in extra's parking (crew & extra's parking is often separated), get into extra's holding (basically your waiting room), and check-in with either the A.D.(Assistant Director), P.A.(Production Assistant), or Casting Director/Assistant to let them know you've arrived on set and to receive, and fill-out, your voucher (time card/payment receipt).

-In order to check-in on your first day on set you'll need two valid forms of ID (driver's license, passport, military ID, etc). You will also need to have/know your social security number as all this information is required for your I-9 on the back of the voucher. You will need to fill your voucher out as instructed, and keep it with you or in a safe place at all times as it insures that you get paid at the proper rate and for the right amount of time.

-Eventually you will either go to wardrobe, or wardrobe will come to you. They will either approve what you're wearing, instruct you to change into whatever clothes you've brought with you, or give you something to put on. If wardrobe/prop department gives you something then they will take your voucher from you to insure you return the item at the end of the shoot.

-Leave your purse and valuables at home. There's nobody to watch your stuff at all times, and the production company isn't liable if your laptop, etc is stolen. You will however want to bring a book, homework, headphones, or something to quiet amuse yourself with as you may end up waiting in holding for most of the day. (I've sat in holding before for 9 hrs.) Also, if you bring your cellphone with you, you must turn it off or put it on vibrate on set. Failure to do so will often result in automatic dismissal.

-Pay rate depends on whether or not you're doing a Non-Union or Union, Film or TV, Role, and the budget. Pay scale will start at around $55/8 and go up. You will however receive "time and a half" after 8 hrs on set.

-Don't talk to the principal actors (the film's stars) or ask them for autographs. If they talk to you, it's one thing, but actors on set are working, and you could distract them from "getting into character".

-Snacks will often be provided by Craft Services (catering) will on set, and sometimes Lunch (day or night) which is usually served after 6 hrs into the shoot. It's highly advised to eat before you come. Also keep in mind that the Crew will either eat before the extras do, or eat off a separate table--which ever table looks better is the Crews.

-Camera phones, camcorders, and cameras aren't allowed on set, and I shouldn't have to explain why.

-When you arrive on set you will be placed by an A.D. or P.A. and told what to do (pretend to talk to the person next to you). This will be your action for the scene until they tell you to do something else or move you. While they're filming it's imperative that you do not look at the camera as that will ruin the realism of the scene. Also, do not adjust/remove items of your clothing or accessories in between filming, or during filming as this will disrupt the continuity of the film.

-When you're on set you might be asked to do one of the following: Quiet on the set/all around (quiet, filming is about to begin), Pictures Up (filming is about to start), Rolling (sound and cameras are rolling), Action (Principal Actors start), Background/Action (Background Actors start), Cut (end rolling), Back to one (return to original position at shot), Pantomime (Mime talking, etc), and It's a wrap (done for the day).