How do you get into being an extra for a movie? Do you have to know people? It's actually quite easy, and i'll get to that later. The hardest part of it all is jumping into something you have no idea what to expect. The first time I went, I actually felt sick to my stomach to where I had diarrhea, but I like to push myself out of my comfort zone.
I think everyone should do it once, just for the experience and to see how things are really done in the entertainment industry. It's crazy to see how little we really know when we are watching something on TV. Like, tons of camera people everywhere, extras all on the sidelines watching the main actors, and lines being repeated time and time again.
(This picture of me is from the set of the first episode of MacGyver. Location was The Swan House in Atlanta.)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What even is an movie extra?
You are hired to be a background actor.
What is a stand-in?
A stand-in for film and television is a person who substitutes for the actor before filming, for technical purposes such as lighting and camera setup. Stand-ins are helpful in the initial processes of film and television production. You get to meet the actor most of the times when you are hired to be a stand-in. Pretty cool.
What are you required to do?
Directors will assign you to a spot to pantomime, or pretend talk with someone, or assign you to block. Blocking is when you have a walking pattern and every time the scene is reset, you do the same thing over and over until the scene is complete. It is very simple, and directors are very patient and kind with all actors. At least from what I've experienced.
How long are you on set for?
You never know. The shortest one I've done was five hours and the longest was 15 hours long. They tell you to make sure you have open availability for the day. Going over 15 hours is rare when you are an extra though.
Do you get paid, and how much?
Most companies pay $68 for 8 hours and $12.00 an hour for overtime. That is standard. Others pay more. It depends what company, and what the specific casting is. If you are a stand-in you can get anywhere from $120 for 8 hours or $140. If it only lasts 4 hours, you still get paid in full when you are a stand-in.
How do you sign up to be an extra?
I signed up through a company in Atlanta called, Central Casting. I went in one day for 20 minutes. They took photos of me to put in their database and you fill out paperwork to have a license with them. It was all free to do, and you work whenever you want. If there isn't a Central Casting where you live there is a website called Project Casting where they post jobs everyday from casting companies all over the country and some international jobs that, all you have to do is send an email to the casting company listed on the job post. Simple, no?
What does a job post look like?
EX:
LOOKING FOR:
African Americans and Caucasian men 18 to 30 years old to be business men for MacGyver
Sunday with a call time of 8:00 a.m. September 24th.
Please send us a picture of you, your name, location, age.
Subject line of email put: Black Panther male
(You email the company and they will get back to you whether you have been chosen.)
So, what if I get picked?
They will call or email you details on what to wear, location, and specific call time. When you get there you fill out a voucher (your payment sheet) in which you hand to the casting team before you leave.
When you are not in a scene what do you do?
Mostly talking with other extras. Most people are very friendly who do this often. Definitely bring something to occupy your time. A book, drawing pad, cards. Always bring a phone charger.
Is food provided?
Yes, two meals depending how long you are there for. There is always snacks and drinks during the job.
What have you been in?
MacGyver (3x), Sleepy Hallow (4x), and Pitch Perfect 3 (2x).'
Rich Italian, entrepreneur, IT, stand-in, charity patron, etc.
What was your favorite experience?
I would have to say being in Pitch Perfect 3. We got to see the main actors perform. I even got to walk an inch behind Rebel Wilson and Anna Kendrick's. This one scene Rebel had to punch an inflatable shark over and over again, and it kept flying at people. It was hilarious. So many scene cuts on that one.
What is the worst experience?
Being delirious after 14 hours on the set of MacGyver. It was a night shoot, so everyone already worked all day. Then we get to set and find out we are going to be there from 6:00 p.m.to 8:00 a.m, but altogether it was a really fun experience. Just threw off my sleep schedule. Ha-ha.
Why should I take the plunge and try it once to be an extra?
You won't regret it. You meet awesome people, you eat a lot, you see famous people, and you get to be behind the scenes in a movie on screen. If you are shy like me, it is a little more difficult to make the decision, but life is short. Just do it. You will always wonder if you hadn't done it.
Any questions? Email me.
Thanks for reading.
