Find Out How To Work In Hollywood As An Extra

Become A Hollywood Movie Mini Star

Have you ever dreamed of becoming a successful Hollywood actor? Do you have little or no acting experience? If so, you should take steps to gain that experience.

Gaining Experience By Working As A Hollywood Extra

You do have a number of different approaches, but one of the easiest to take is working as an extra. Extras are needed on the sets of both movies and television shows.

Before outlining how you can become an extra in Hollywood, it is important to familiarize yourself with the part. You may already know that an extra is just that, an extra person in the background.

But, did you know that extras come in a number of different formats? They do.

Full Day And Short Term Movie Extras

For starters, there are short-term extras and day extras. Day extras are those who are needed on the set for the entire day. Multiple scenes are filmed in which those in the background are needed. Working as a day extra in nice, as you get to spend the day on the set.

This allows you to learn a lot; however, you may not be pleased with the pay. When compared to other extra work, day extras tend to make the least money.

Specialty Extras

In addition to short-term extras, which are only needed for a short period, there are specialty extras. These extras have a special talent. For example, a movie may take place in a dance club. In that scene, extras will need to dance, drink, bar tend, and DJ. Specialty extras are paid a higher rate if a special talent is required for the part.

Using Agencies To Work In Hollywood As An Extra

If you are interested in working as a Hollywood extra, you need to contact a casting agency. These agencies can be found through networking, trade magazines, and the Internet. You will want to use caution.

Hollywood Acting Scams

Many Hollywood scams involve fake casting agencies, where your personal information or money is stolen. You can avoid these scams by using the Internet to research casting agencies first.

Once you find a reputable casting agency, you need to follow all directions provided to you. This should include forms to fill out.

These forms will include a small amount of personal information, such as your contact information. Questions about your acting experience or appearance are common too. Most importantly, photographs are needed. Headshots and full body photographs are usually requested.

Is Acting As An Extra Pot Luck?

Unlike acting, working as an extra relies heavily on chance. A casting agency will pull your file and consider you for the role of an extra based solely on their needs and your looks. For example, if a role calls for a blonde haired woman, you will be bypassed if you are male or have red hair. The good news is that Hollywood studios need extras of all body types, including both large and small.

Do I Have To Move To Hollywood To Act As A Movie Extra?

Hollywood is your best place to gain work as an extra, but you honestly never know. For example, Transformers 2, a Michael Bay film, shot scenes in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. In May of 2008, open casting calls were sent out. People thousands of miles away from Hollywood had the opportunity to work as an extra on this big budget Hollywood film.

The Stand In On The TV Or Movie Set

In addition to working as an extra, stand-ins are needed. Stand-ins temporarily replace main characters, often to mark a spot on the set. For example, if the lighting or camera angles need adjustment, a stand-in will take the place of the leading star.

What is nice about working as a stand-in is you are needed longer than an extra. In fact, you may have guaranteed work for the length of the television show’s season or the filming length of a movie.

Remember that this article is only a starting point. To find work as a Hollywood extra you need to do as much research on the subject as possible, network to get contacts and go to the auditions. Now, get started in your acting career today!

Bob Pardue Photography