How to Become a Movie Extra

Acting Training

We all dream at some time about becoming a movie star, walking down the red carpet at premieres and being adored by millions of fans. Sadly, it's a daydream for most of us.

Fifteen Minutes of Acting Fame

There is a way however of getting in front of the camera, even if it's as part of a crowd. To become a movie extra is not an unrealistic ambition and many people manage to achieve it.

It may only mean one minute of celluloid glory or it could mean an enjoyable sideline that pays pretty well. You don't need to be drop dead gorgeous, in fact that could work against you. Producers want people who can blend into the background.

TV and Music Video Extras

It's not just the movies either, where extras are required. Extras, or as the industry sometimes prefer to call them, background artists are needed for TV shows, commercials and music videos too.

You can work as union or nonunion but there is a division for extras in the Screen Actors Guild.

So, how do you find out about these opportunities to become a movie extra? The best way is to look for open auditions and these are announced on websites and in classified advertisements in trade journals.

Regarding Casting Calls for Movie Extras

Be on the lookout for casting calls. When you become a movie extra, you may be in a background shot or in the foreground, in a crowd scene or you may be selected to appear in a small group or walking down the street by yourself. There are many possibilities!

Promote Youself as an Extra

There's nothing wrong with a bit of self-promotion to get ahead. Many people register with a casting agency, most of which are free. It's considered worthwhile to get some headshots done, by a professional modeling photographer if you can afford it. You could post your resume online.

There is a lot of competition out there to become a movie extra so you need to spread the net wide.

Start Local

Don't wait for Steven Spielberg to call you for his next blockbuster. A local performing arts school may require extras for graduate films. An independent filmmaker may be shooting a low budget film.

Acting Schools

Not necessary but if you plan to go further than just becoming a movie extra, one of the most popular acting schools in the USA is the New York High School for Performing Arts, based in Manhattan. The public is very familiar with this establishment through the fictionalized stories dramatized in the movie and TV series, Fame.

This school also provides scholarships and courses can be taken in theater production, dance, visual arts and music, in addition to drama.

Entry is secured through a good audition but academic levels and attendance are monitored during the student's studies. 'Nuff said about this subject!

After Getting Your Big Chance as a Movie Extra

Once you land that first job, try to create a good impression. Follow instructions carefully and don't impede anyone from doing their job. Resist the temptation to pester the stars and don't ask for any autographs.

It just isn't the done thing. Be prepared to work long hours with a lot of waiting around. It's not all glamorous.

One Line Could be All It Takes!!!

However, there is the very occasional story of an extra being given a line to say! English actor Jimmy Nail started out as an extra on the film, Get Carter and ended up with a big part in the movie version of Evita.

So, you don't have to sit around the house waiting for the phone to ring or go to the mall to get discovered. Make it happen by becoming a movie extra !!

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