HOW TO BE AN EXTRA: Extras 101
How to Be An Extra and Simple RULES that EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW
EXTRAS 101: by Janel Bersabal
DEFINITION OF AN EXTRA: Movie extras are actors hired to populate a scene and give a brief performance. By definition, extras have few
(very rarely) to no spoken lines; however, the contribution they bring to the film is extremely valuable and absolutely necessary to make the
story believable.
Average filming days for ANY TV show, film, etc. are usually 12 hours. What time will you finish? We never know. So don't ask, because we
can't give you a specific time.
WHAT's A CALL TIME? : Time that the Assistant Director schedules you to show up. We don't just make up this time. Our bosses give us this
and then we relay this to you. And no, you can't come late or leave early.
WARDROBE: Always plan on coming to set wearing one outfit that we request and bring 2-3 changes to show, in case we don't like your
initial outfit or if we film more than one scene. Usually don't plan on wearing White, Red, limited on the Black and No Logos.
Ex. It can be a Nike shirt it just can't say NIKE in big letters.
If the costume department takes your voucher, that means that they have given you an item that you need to return. In order to get that back,
they take your voucher so you'll return that item (ex. belt, shirt).
WHAT TO BRING: Please bring a valid, government issued photo ID for admittance. A Driver's license or State ID.
LUNCH: Usually if you are there for a full 12-14 hour day, You will be fed lunch 6 hours after crew call. We suggest coming to set having
already eaten. Sometimes breakfast will be served, more time not. Please bring a book or magazine to keep you occupied in the downtime of
filming when you are not being used. Be prepared for a lot of hurry up and wait.
ETIQUETTE: Please remain professional at all times. Although this is the entertainment business, all talent and crew members are still at work.
We ask that you do not approach any of the talent and do not wander around the set. If you have a problem or emergency, please ask a P.A.
for assistance. Also don't go stuffing your head-shots down crew members throats. Or being annoying.
NO CAMERAS, NO VIDEO TAPING, NO CAMERA PHONES please. NO VISITORS on SET EITHER please. Do you bring your girlfriend or
boyfriend to your office? Just ask us, more often times than not, we need additional people and would love to have them join us.
EXTRAS HOLDING: This is the area where production has you sign in, sign out and stay when you are not being used. You will return here to
sign out and get your copy of your voucher. This is where you remain during the day, so PA's can find you when they need to place you in a
scene.
THROWING US UNDER THE BUS: "Well so and so told us this"...yeah we have friends on set who tell us things. Just because one of us isn't
there, doesn't mean we don't know about it. SO DON'T.
CANCELLATION: If you need to cancel your confirmation, please call us immediately. Your position is very important. It is difficult to find last
minute replacements, so we need to know ASAP or better yet, find someone that can replace you. Especially if there are not many extras. We
depend on you to show up. It's not easy finding someone last minute.
We get it...you have a flat tire, a stomach bug, "A family Emergency", your dog died, I couldn't find the place?...Everyone's got an excuse. And
trust me, after doing this for several years...we have heard it all.
WHAT TIME WILL WE GO HOME? We never know what time it will end. Basically just plan on being there until you are wrapped. I mean..who
wouldn't love to go home after a couple hours of work. If it's a short scene, consider yourself lucky. Remember this is a JOB too. It's important
that you stay the entire time, especially if you were placed near the camera for the sake of continuity.
WILL YOU GET SEEN?: Who knows...depending on where production places you in the scene or whether you end up on the cutting room
floor. Unfortunately we cast you and make sure you arrive, it is up to Production to place you and tell you where to go.
MEMORY: To be honest, we remember a lot of people and their actions. So if you bail, you better have a really good excuse. We understand
life happens and things can't be under your control. But If you leave because you have a really lame excuse, don't think we won't remember it.
If you have to leave, we get it. This is not prison and you are grown adults, just talk to us. Make prior arrangements to have your dog fed.
WHY DIDN'T I GET CAST?: Either because we are already booked or you don't fit the part of what Production has asked us to cast. Sorry
folks, this is the tough part of the business. We break hearts every day, even to little kids. (Ex. I'm Filipino- I can't be cast in a 1920's period
piece...probably didn't have a lot of Filipinos in the 1920's for a primarily Caucasian scene, bummer for me). Or you are too old or young....for
the scene...Not like for the EARTH.
CAN I GET A SPEAKING PART?: Are you kidding me? Usually this is already cast prior to when principal photography begins. Your agent if
you have one sends you on auditions. We have been fortunate to cast some lines or like winning the lottery, production has upgraded extras
and stand ins. But THIS IS FEW AND FAR BETWEEN, so don't expect anything like this to happen.
HOW TO BE A STAND IN?: First off you have to be the same skin tone, height and similar weight and hair as the main actor. Second: be
reliable. Third: Be on time.
So it really just depends if you fit the first qualification, then we'll judge if you can do the second and third part. You basically become a crew
member. This might be one of the coolest jobs and easiest too. You basically just "Stand" in for the actor doing the blocking and lighting.
LISTEN TO WHAT WE SAY: No explanation needed.
FUN: We just want everyone to have fun. Different movie, different crew, different environment. Life is about
what you make it, so make friends. And try to make the best out of the situation...And maybe you'll see your
mug...or elbow on the big screen.