What to Expect as an Extra/Background Actor!
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- čas přidán 6. 02. 2019
- What to Expect on set as an Extra/Background Actor for both large and small sets! Free Book Link: amzn.to/2Wy3FYk
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I was an extra on this new tv show and about 3 weeks in they offered me a contract to be a casual worker on the production crew helping the lighting department and it's safe to say i'm back for season 2! For both extra and production work 🙌🏽🙌🏽💯 so stoked!
Oh, that's great! Congrats! :) It's always nice to find a recurring gig.
How much do u get paid
czcams.com/video/nuF8R94ifzg/video.html
where did you get offered the position
that's what I'm hoping for myself, congrats!
Been a background actor in LA for almost a year. Got a scene with lead actress, Lucy Liu. Central Casting is very legit with payment.
Yes, I am signing up for central this weekend since I just moved to LA. Thanks 🤗
hello! may i ask if it’s necessary to have a headshot to be an extra?
@@danawin2616 depends on what company you're with! For Central casting in LA, no headshots are needed and when you register with them they take two pictures of you for their database :) That's how it's been for me as an extra with Central Casting LA
You don't have to have a professional headshot if you will be submitting as an extra in general 😊👍 as long as it is well lit and does not have any filters.
Yeah, that's true! For central casting this is true. It's honestly the only one I have seen that takes their own photos. 👍
One thing I’ve learned as a background actor is how dynamic the creative process on sets can be and how IMPORTANT on set communication is! My BG agency trained us to ALWAYS do what the 2nd assistant director tells us, but due to miscommunication on set this isn’t always a good idea. For example, on one BG job someone didn’t tell the 2nd assistant director (and he didn’t tell me) that they wanted to do a scene a different way, so as a result the 2nd assistant director didn’t tell me the NEW thing to do, so I just did what he had told me to do during the initial way the scene was done before lunch break, so after lunch when they started the scene the NEW way and on “Action” I did the scene the initial way…….it was a chaotic mess and made it look like I f*cked up the scene, which technically I did, even though I was just following the LAST direction I’d been given by the 2nd assistant director who hadn’t been informed (and neither was I) about the NEW way of doing the scene. However I got thrown under the bus anyway, because background actors are expendable in the grand theme of things. Whatever. I still get lots of BG calls (including calls for that show), so who cares!
I hope most of your experiences are good ones! Communication on set is very important.
Just went to my first extra role today it was pretty cool!
Terry how do you be a extra? What do I need to do in order to be an extra?
Hi Terry! I am so happy you enjoyed yourself!!!
Hi Jessica, I have a playlist on how to be an extra and what experience you need! czcams.com/play/PL6RchckIZyQfk4eIjJMCYGPJ6g8Vy_SCq.html
Jessica Morales I signed up to a website called casting collective I’m in London, uk
I’m thinking of signing up to casting collective, do you get a lot of opportunities and do you recommend it?
I just finished my first extra gig! It was a pretty big film, I can't say much else because of NDA but it was super exciting and fun. I made so many new friends and learned so much about how movies are made.
I had studied media and drama a lot in school so I knew some stuff already but seeing it irl was a whole new world. I think the social aspect of it is amazing and I definitely want to do it again. As for food, the film had a high budget so we got pretty nice food and regular. We did two days of filming 12+ hours each day and it was hard because we were literally doing the same scene over 110 times and had to show enthusiasm each take 😆 but making friends helps you get through.
110 times????? OMG! So glad you had a good time :)
To many takes is a pet peeve of mine
Its 1121pm my spouse and just them unfortunately has been there since 11am
Ya rhey dont write chequrs there
Anyway a ride is waiting to get my sppuse and thankful has gotten on dats and phone still able to be used but ya
Video was ending but ya whars with all the waiting tho ?? Just not swift and are picky I gusss
Makes rides home tricky plus people tired should have regular shifts and just do as many days needed within them
Its good money 🧧 nice to meet people good food but still
I was an extra in the Steve Jobs movie and an episode of Hawaii Five-0. So much fun! 🎥
I'm glad you had fun! I love crafty in big sets!!! Lol
@@BelgicaPaola LOL we had to walk past crafty and go to "our" lunch. But all was good, I was just thankful to be on set that day and who doesn't like catered Buca DiBepo anyway?
Yassssss lol
Was it stressful, like all of the people? Or no, I’m 12 and I might get to be an extra in stranger things but I have bad social anxiety.
@@glowinqlu Not stressful at all, everyone was very welcoming and nice. I made a lot of friends that day! Don't worry, I bet you will have the best time!
I walked through a movie set once. The Sun is Also a Star. They were filming in Grand Central (NYC). They were all working so hard, but Grand Central is very crowded, so many people walked through. I didn't make the final cut. LOL.
Ah! Yeah, I don't understand how they film in super busy places because you need people's permission if they are recognizable. Well, you should sign up to be an extra if you want to make the final cut! lol :)
I saw them too lol. You and I were together and it was exciting.
@@lingeringquestions519 Twin sister.
@@TheSuburbanBase Haha
Thank you so much i have an extra part tomorrow
Oh, yay! I'm so happy for you. How did it go?
How did it go
How did it go?
How did it go??
I have been extra for almost 2 years in some movies like Terminator, Dune etc., series and commercials In the beginning I tought it would be a great step to realize my dream and be an actor but now I just accept reality it is really hard to get a role especially if you are not handsome !
Hi there! The last video I uploaded speaks about this if you want to check it out. 👍
We ugly people are meant to be on horror movies bro
Bro I thought the same, I'm just waiting for a movie that'll need an ugly girl lma9
@@kxfromga5359 or in the case of actors like Steve Bushemi be super ugly so that you are memorable and that’s the reason you get cast lol
@@kxfromga5359 and villains
I have my first extra role in a few hours so this video helped!!, THANK YOU!
I'm glad it helped! 😊
I'm going to be in my first film this month, so excited, and thank you for the tips, I was nervous, but now I got a great idea of what to expect!
Yay! I hope you have so much fun!
I was in a add for a theme park it was amazing we had to take and retake and the food was amazing
I am glad you had a great time! Are you still currently looking to work on more on camera work?
I just booked my first extras role so this video really helped :)
Have fun!
Great video! I will be working as an extra again soon and thought I'd get a refresher! I was an extra in Batman Vs Superman, as well as a Laurence Fishburne movie called Have A Llittle Faith. A good friend of mine also played an Extra in Scream 4 and even got to double as a Ghostface stand-in and chase Courtney Cox around!
Thanks so much 🤗 stay safe and I hope you pe you get some great opportunities.
I was asked to join a series as an extra and I just accepted the gig! So I am excited to see how it plays out. Thanks for the video!
Awesome, congrats!😊
I have my first background gig in a few days and it’s for a director i grew up watching and I’ve been nervous af since I heard I get to do it. this video helped a lot though!
Have fun! 🤗 I'm so happy this video helped!
Great video! I've just been selected for a role here in the UK, super helpful!
Thanks, and best of luck with the project!
THANK YOU so much!~ Practical advise. YAY!
You are so welcome!
Hello and thank you! I just found out I am an extra in a TV show. I’m nervous and EXCITED!
Have fun!
Thank you for this!
Thank you!
Just landed my first extra role. Scared but excited at the same time!
Yay! Have fun! :)
Super helpful, thank you! First time being a background actor for an upcoming commercial
Glad it was helpful!
I was an extra 6 years ago in a music video. I was only in the music video for a few seconds. And another time 5 years ago I was a background actor in a commercial and in a short film. The commercial one I was sitting around for a very long time, more sitting around than on camera. The short film one I wasn’t even in the short film so that scene I was in didn’t make the final cut. So what you said was accurate. Thanks for the tips I want to get back into it someday and now I know I should bring things to keep me occupied
😊💛 I hope you are able to get back to it! 👍
Belgica Paola Rodriguez Thanks! 😊❤️ I hope so too
Thank you for the great tips
Of course, thank you so much for watching!
Thank you! I’m going to be an extra for the first time tomorrow and needed advise!
Hi Cameron! I'm so glad this helped. I have a whole Playlist on being an extra, what to expect and what to bring. 😊
Doing my first extra job next week. I'm excited and nervous at the same time.
Have fun!
@@BelgicaPaola thanks and I did. Went back the next day as they needed more extras. And next month I'm going to do acting classes. Decided that's what I want to do.
nice!! Fellow BG'er here. So informative! Thanks :)
Awesome! Thank you!
Great tips 👌 👍 thnks 4 ur time. Plus advice 4 other s plus myself
Happy to help!
I’m 17 and I’m gonna be an extra for a tv show (if anyone knows about the new series of Waterloo road that’s coming out) I’m not getting paid because it was organised by my college and it’s work experience but I’m really excited because it’ll be a new experience, and I get to know what a actually TV set looks like. I’m so excited to see the sets and everything this is gonna be rlly fun.
Yay! I hope you have fun! 🥳🥳🥳
I’m going for my costume fitting tomorrow to be an extra for a spin off of grease
Have fun!
Thank you!
You're welcome 😊
What a great summary Belgica 🌻 all familiar :), love your channel btw. l've been doing BG in Vancouver BC for a few years, now looking for info about BG acting in Santa Barbara and Bewerly Hills, LA. Is there video for how to start?
I don't have one for the LA area since I haven't done much BG in LA but cental casting does a lot of the casting for BG.
www.centralcasting.com/la/
I’m eating my breakfast before going to work as an extra (supporting artist in the U.K.). I’ve been doing this work since 2017 and I’ve had some interesting days. It’s a great experience, even if the days are long. I’ve made many new friends as one can get to meet and know people on and off set. 12 hours is common, with lots of standing or sitting around between takes. I always take a book to read. 😊
I hope you had a great day on set!
I did, thank you. It was for a children's drama called The Dumping Ground. I met some lovely people and we exchanged details. I like to network with other actors as we can share different opportunities. @@BelgicaPaola
I was a extra in Murdock mysterys and it had the beeeesssst food ever
Hahaha Free food is the BEST food! lol
After being around a few large film sets in the past, my perception of filming was pretty negative. But I had the opportunity to be a background actor in a short film last Nov., alongside some friends, & it was actually pretty fun. The highlight was definitely watching the crew work; I wish I could've picked their brains a bit, but alas the time crunch! I probably won't go out of my way, but would definitely be open to being a background actor again if another opportunity surfaced. Great advice-thank you!
Thanks so much 😊
Yeah, next time your friends make a film ask if you can be a PA and learn on the job. 👍
@@BelgicaPaola I will certainly look into it; thanks again!
😊 Of course!
Gotta say, I'd rather be either background or a tech than an actor.
@@jainra I agree; working behind-the-scenes would be a lot more fun (at least for me).
I'm an extra too in Chicago and here for 2 shows I have been in they go all the way from locking your phone. As in you get bag with little lock and your have your phone in a lock bag.
Oh, that's a new one! I've had my phone taped and I've also had to drop it in an envelope and pick it up at the end of the day. I don't think tape is enough because a lot of people take it off and just get a new one.
@@BelgicaPaola yea that's true. They do it because is big show Empire and people have sold pictures to TMZ before. I did add to "what bring to set" advil my own makeup hair brush and hair ties, and mouth watch
I am going to be a "background" next week on one show and I am super excited. It is my first time so this video was super helpful. With the payment, will they send it to my bank account or how they usually go about it? Just wondering if you know what the "usual" is. thank you!
Have fun! So it really depends. I actually have a video coming about this! If it is for a bigger show, they should have you complete a W9 send you a check to your home. Or, if they offer it, you might be able to do direct deposit. When tax season comes, they might send you a 1099 or W2, depending on if they took taxes out or not. You can ask whoever cast you to see which one it will be. Make sure to read their instructions as they will also let you know if you need to take your social security card and or other ID.
I JUST got an email to be an extra. all the COVID stuff makes things crazy. Great video 🥰
Thanks! :)
Omg from what casting agency? Congrats
I just landed as an extra for a TV series, I always thought being an extra sucked, but seeing these comments make me feel better.
Have fun! It is really what you make of it. Being on a big set usually means lots of great food too! lol Let me know how it goes. 😊
@@BelgicaPaola Hahaha true! Thanks, il definitely let you know!
@@BelgicaPaola As promised, I would return with an update!
This one was a TV Movie set! So far, I had a fun time! I had the opportunity to play 2 kinds of characters a d th experience of holding a prop weapon on set was amazing as well! When they called me back for a 2nd round (continuity) I was thrilled!
It wasn't so bad after all 😁
I found a Amazon prime kinda small series looking for people exactly like me😁 but I kinda just want to be an xtra 😕
Do whatever you prefer 😊
Is it Modern Love?
Wow thankyou so much I might get a act
Thank you for watching! 😊❤️
Belgica Paola Rodriguez your welcome 😁😁
As an actor my self who was only on Ray Donovan season 7 episode 1 and a new tv show in 2020. (Background) You can’t talk to some of the famous actors you can see, because you are distracting them from their work.
Yeah, I totally agree. I mean in any job setting, you are there to get something done and side conversations and questions can be very distracting and keep you from your work.
I just booked my first extra role coming up in a few days and I'm excited but also very nervous. thanks for this video! When it says the rate per hours, is that how many hours I will be working or just a measurement of payment? For example, it says $132/8. Would that likely mean I'll be there for 8 hours. Or just for every 8 hours, it will be $132?
Hey, congrats! It is $132 for up to 8 hours, if they didn't provide the over time rate, I would ask via an email so you can have it in writing incase it goes to OT. 😊
Gracia por el.video thank you for the video.. I was a security guard in the old Maury Porvich Studio in downtown NY call NEP Studio...and i found it fascinating...when the xtra came in, what they did.. the whole ensemble.
I met great peiple.. It was a show that Mrs Sherry Shephard was putting together a show.. she is Supercool.down to earth a real person... Also Sarah Jessica Parker.. wonderful personality.. And Theo .. From the cosby show Wonderful broda.. he invited me, and my co worker security guards to a poetry reading Mad cool...
Her Waldrobe manager was a wonderfull sista from California.. I really got along with her.. it was a worthwhile experience and great ppl...
Awesome! I am glad you had a positive experience. :)
I've been an extra for 2 commercials 1 Netflix show and 1 Netflix serie
The Netflix serie and one of the commercials updated me so we see my face and also I was paid more.
Really cool experience
Awesome, so happy you had a positive experience!
How it is i mean do u dtand at the back
Do they fly you out if it’s somewhere not near were you live? Do you get to see some actors sometimes? Great video :)
Hi Fatima, they don't fly you out, pay for travel, housing or anything. Extras usually make minimum wage and are hired as "locals" meaning they will only pay you for the time you are there. Sometimes you might get to see the actors from a distance depending on the project. I have a whole Playlist on being an extra is you're interested 😊 Thanks for watching 👍czcams.com/play/PL6RchckIZyQfk4eIjJMCYGPJ6g8Vy_SCq.html
So if you are just starting out, what are the first steps you would take? would being a background actor be the first step?
No, I would suggest taking an acting class if you are just starting out. You don't have to do background work ever if you don't want to.
Cool video
Thanks 😊
I think being an extra sounds really fun. I do have a question regarding meeting the talent. If there comes a time you get to be on location with a celebrity that you happen to be a fan of can you get an autograph or anything? (I collect autographs, so this would be like a really cool bonus for me lol). Love your channel, I just subscribed :)
Hi Karyn! Thanks so much for subscribing. I'm general set rules indicate that there are no photos or autogrphs on set because it can get out of hand and they are at work after all. I would say if you were to be invited to a wrap party, you could get an autograph then!
Thank you so much for responding! Yeah, I realize it would be rude and unprofessional to approach them. I guess I was curious about if they ever come around on their own to meet the extras like maybe after filming is done for the day or something. Idk lol I’ve seen people in forums say that they were on set with “so-and-so” and got an autograph. But then no one ever really talks about meeting people in their videos so I was curious how common it is to get to meet the main talent or whatever. Anyways, thank you again! 🥰
Karyn Zickafoose you will get blacklist
That's a big NO in my book. You're there to work as are they. It's not a press junket or a convention.
No autographs, yes some on the lead actors engage with the Background actors but you have to that in consideration that they are also working. Marvel productions do not allow phones, so no selfies unless you are at a wrapped up party
I’m in the Chicago Area, thinking about getting into Extra acting, but I don’t really know where to start.
My thoughts as of now is that I’ll be at a location for a very long time, and the time that I spend on camera might be very little.
That’s not an issue for me.
Although I’m wondering, say if you spend 6 hours at a filming location, but you’re only on camera, actually acting/working for 10 minutes, are you getting paid for all the time you spend at the location, or only the time u spend on camera?
Yes, you get paid for the entire time you are asked to be on set. :)
Great video! I know for a lot of background work no visible tattoos are allowed. I was wondering if you think it would be a good idea to coverup your own tattoos with makeup before hand? Or would they still not allow that? Any advice is appreciated :)
Hi 😊 typically, they will ask if you have tatooes before hand so that the makeup team knows they will have to cover some if that is something that is necessary. If you do have the ability to cover them, you can offer to do it yourself if you are really good at it. I'm sure they'd be super grateful if you can successfully do it but again, I would get approval from set. 😊
Belgica Paola Rodriguez thank you!!
Sometimes they want people with tattoos. I was cast as an extra as a "clean-skin introvert" in a conversation with a guy with complete tattoo arm coverage. Full day, take after take of me pointing at his ink and laughing while he gestured. :p
Been a background talent and a friend role of lead actor sometimes
im from the Philippines
How have you liked it? 😊
I’m in Monday for the first time. I’ll be an extra. This helped, thank you.
I’ll just say Cincinnati.
I hope you had a lot of fun!
I was an extra for about 2 years when I lived in NM. Eventually had to quit because it was too much of a time commitment. Plus, my husband was too insecure to handle it. Anyways, you are super talented! I really like your voice.
Thanks for your kind words, I really appreciate it, Amanda! :)
I am 15 and I want to get into acting but I’m not sure if it’s to late for me to start. Would you recommend being an extra first and slowing building up on the ladder? I’m aware it isn’t easy but I’m willing to put in the work.
Here's a video I made on this. 😊czcams.com/video/4g8LkO22Mhk/video.html
I got booked for a disney + 3 day shoot this weekend so thanks for the tips! also is it worth going into the union if background work wont be your full time job?
Awesome! The union is pretty expensive to join, so I would advise looking into it more and seeing if it is a good fit for your exact situation. It can be beneficial but also a pain if you live in a smaller town where there is mostly non-union work. I have a few videos on it here: czcams.com/video/yL800Tvlc7Q/video.html
@@BelgicaPaola thanks!
Hi thanks for this video, I was planning to be an extra when this whole Covid-19 business dies down. While we are on set, do we leave our stuff in the holding room? Also do you recommend bringing a small backpack or a medium sized one?
Bring as little as possible but enough to keep you entertained and busy. You most likely will have to leave it in a separate holding area if it is a big set.
@@BelgicaPaola okay thank you so much!
My cousin’s cousin (on the other side of the family) was an extra on Outer Banks
Fun 😊 I hope they had a good time!
What did they go through? I’m going to be an extra on the show as well
Hi! Thank you for this video. I was wondering do you know any legit casting agencies in/around Los Angeles, CA I can join to hopefully be a background extra? Like Central Casting? Also, when you join an agency do they charge any type of fee?
For LA, yeah, central casting, and casting networks for BG work. A talent agency in LA cannot legally charge you anything, they must only take commission when you book a job. You don't need an agent to be BG, you can self-submit for that.
I wanted to start out by being an extra in this industry. Do you think I should start out doing non union work or immediately sign to sag-aftra?
I would say to just do as much as you can, and if you can become SAG and want to be mostly an extra, then go ahead and join and make more money. Really depends on you long term goals. What do you want to be doing in 5 years?
Belgica Paola Rodriguez as a fresh high school graduate I was planning & doing my research on what website would be the right 1 to sign up to (I have somewhat of a low budget). I’ve so far seen: centralcasting, allcasting, & backstage but I’m still not sure which is the best for me. As of right now my plan was to do extra acting as a side job for around 1-3 yrs & to make cash. My long term goal in this field is to really just gain some experience, perhaps get a few roles where I have dialogue, make connections, & understand what the atmosphere is like working on set with everyone who plays a part to make the show, movie, music video, or commercial happen.
I think that is a great idea, you should definitely also look into acting classes or workshops. Learning on the job us great but having discipline in acting and training is also very important.
That's great! Not many people can make enough to live from acting. How do you like being SAG so far?
@@BelgicaPaola can you get background roles in other cities or can you only be an extra when you're in the area the film or show is filming in?
Having my first day as extra today from 11 am to 11.30 pm
That's a pretty long one. 👍
@@BelgicaPaola yea and its my first thank you for making this video thought its helping me make expectations and prepare better.
@@nashwagemakers why do you need to be there so fucking long
I'm going to do my first background, I'm excited yet terrified 😅
It's going to be fine! :) Have fun!
Omg u sign up what you do ?
@@Gorgeousbaebeauty it was for the 4400 in a bar. I noticed they used me for a lot of the background, my husband said it looked like I teleported 😆
@@spongecake94 that's awesome congrats 👏🏾 but how u get the job did you email them or go to an audition?
@@Gorgeousbaebeauty I live in the suburbs of Chicago, so I look up background extra sites to sign up
Thanks for all this info! I’m going on my first extra call today for a dicks sporting goods commercial in Austin I’ll keep you posted 🎬🎥📸🙌
Oh, yay! Yes, let me know how it goes. 😊
hi i have two questions!
can i have natural looking nails when filming, like for example could i get a french tip? or do they not want you to have nail polish at all?
what should i wear when arriving to set, pretty much anything? or should i show up wearing one of the outfits they want?
Nothing or nudes on nails are usually best unless otherwise stated by them. Again, it depends on what they want, but usually yes, arrive to set with what you think they will like for you to wear on set.
@@BelgicaPaola thanks so much!
me and my sis are gonna be extras in a crowd scene in a tv series. this is the first time either of us has done this so im kinda nervoussss. also its set in the 70's and ive got no idea how to dress. advice would be appreciated
Hello! Check the casting call and the emails they have sent as they should have asked if they want you to bring your own wardrobe and what type of person from the 70's. A great way to do wardrobe research for specific decade is to look at commercials or photos of real people from that era. Good luck and let me know how it goes!
@@BelgicaPaola thank you so much
I just want to be an extra in a bunch of movies/tv shows so that I can make myself an Easter egg
HahaHa I love that.
As an extra, for the last 5 years in Atlanta, the best advice I can give is to be at least an hour early.
An hour? Why is that?
@@BelgicaPaola Many reasons. For one, if you've never been to the location before, it can be confusing, regarding parking and where you need to go- Especially if it's downtown. So, if you're early, you find parking, get a good spot in holding, eat breakfast, make the casting agents happy, and have a reputation for dependability.
Oh, I see what you mean. 😊 Yes, if you haven't done this/not familiar with the location or this kind of thing for sure be very early.
@@BelgicaPaola Besides, you never know what the traffic will be- A director made the famous saying about, "You can be many things in this industry- An alcoholic, drug addict, etc., but the one thing that you can never be is LATE". I'm currently watching your video, "What to bring to set as an extra", and, so far, it is spot on.
Thanks! 😊
Yeah, I usually aim to be on set 20 minutes early and familiarize myself with the traffic at the time I'll be traveling.
If you bring stuff to read or your laptop (especially) and a purse --- will those items be safe (not stolen) in the holding area when you are called to go on set?
Unfortunately, it's never a guarantee... but I've never had issues. It really depends on the location, how much security they have and who is there. You never know. I'd say to be safe, just being stuff you wouldn't be super upset if it was stolen like a book.
@@BelgicaPaola Thank you so much !!!
What specific scenes were you in 13 reasons why? Were you a background student or just a random person in the streets?
I was an extra in a couple of seasons. Some at the school hall ways, the coffee shop and some on the street.
Is their a book that I could buy that has many information on a acting career?
Here is a great book about what it is like to be an actor and has some great tips too. czcams.com/video/J5mkI5FxHp8/video.html
How do you know when they need extras when and where?
Hi 😊 by checking on the casting websites and simply googleing what shows are filming, where and who is casting them.
It’s so boring waiting to see if you’ve been booked and waiting for that confirmation email😂 (me at the minute) 😅
Omg, yes! That's why I just try to send it and forget it lol on to the next one. 😊 but it's also on my calendar so I know not to be too far from home
@@BelgicaPaola I’m still awaiting the confirmation email and I emailed them asking where it’s going and they told me nobody has actually been selected yet sooo I just have to wait and see🤣 I hate the waiting part more than anything 🤣🤣🤣
I used to be an actor & have done plenty of background performances plenty of times. I had chased that type of dream to be an actor for 10 years,...and unfortunately nothing at all great came out of it.
I'm sure perhaps if I had lived in California or Miami,..my chances may increased but there's no way for sure to tell that.
I'm Canadian, not an American, so I can't just simply go there.
In Canada, I'm sure I would have to travel to either British Columbia or Ontario to get some very, active, acting work within those 2 provinces. Since I live within a different & separate Canadian province which is not that highly well known within the media & this province that I live in is no where near BC nor Ontario,.....well my chances are still extremely low to nothing.
US is the place with the most acting opportunities, for sure.
Oh believe me,...I know. lol
hi! i am 14, almost 15 soon and i really wanna become an extra. i have no experience with acting or anything but being an actress has always been my dream. i wouldn't want a full on career as an actor but i wanna become a extra to get used to being on set, etc. i have no idea where to start tho! could you give me a little help to start me off ? :)
Hey! For some reason CZcams JUST decided to send me this notification. Since you are under 18, you need of course have your parent's permission, look up labor laws in your state and get the worker's permit they require, and finally depending on where you live you can sign up for a background/extras online database and wait until a show/film is filming near you. It is not work it to travel very far, especially since your parents will most likely be driving you.
not just an extra back in the day when their where no such thing as a cell phone in fact I remember the fist one on the set, we had fun that day laughing playing like children with the toys of the future,. tech guys had small cameras. We all where rioting in the streets burning cars that type of goofy stull entertainers do. I had culinary experience from one of the most prestigious rock & roll hotel in the world. I gain lots of friends face to face not fb, just hanging out doing small things for big people.
Thanks for sharing, Curtis! Hope all is well.
So I’m 16 and I really want to get into it and was wondering if you need prior experience or any at all to do it
Nope, you don't. But if you are under 18, you'll need a work permit depending on the state you are in.
Hey! I don't know if you are still answering comments, but I have a few questions
1. Is work as a BG actor generally for a single day, or are you called back everyday for week, etc?
2. How does it work being a BG actor if you have another (part time or full time) job?
Hi there 😊
Depending on how much they need you, you can be there for one day or 20 days. Really depends on the project as well as how long the scene takes to make and if they do a re-shoot.
Generally, if you are not a core extra, you don't have an obligation to always go to set. You can submit for the days you want to be there and decline the dates you can't before you are confirmed. Try not to ever cancel unless you don't want to be called back again.
Im being interviewed tomorrow on a being an extra in outer banks do you half to live in there state? Do they help you get there if you don’t ?
Hey! 😊 If they didn't already say that in the casting call, that usually means that they are hiring locals only. Most likely, you would have to get there on your own.
I rely on public transportation or a family member dropping me off to places, would I still be able to be a background actor or it doesn't matter as long I arrive at the location at the call time for check in?
As long as you are able to reliably get there on time, you should be fine but sometimes sets are far from where you live or away from public transit. Sometimes you don't have the address until the night before, they will just tell you the city or general are like "Bay Area". So keep that in mind. :)
Oh, and you won't know your actual release time as it depends on production.
do you need much experience to be an extra or can you just sign up or whatever and act?
Almost every BG job is open to having people come in with no experience 😊
what if you are a minor, and are trying to become an extra, and you might have to go to a different state. how would you prove that you can legally work in that area?
Hi Marina, you would have to get permission from the state you will be working at. I wouldn't recommend this for extra work as it pays very little. I would def encourage it if you are looking to pursue acting though!
Hi, I live in Arizona and want to be an extra for certain films. How do I get notified when the casting calls get released and everything? Can I be casted as an extra/background person even though I live in another state? I can easily fly there and stay forever how long! Just curious
Hi there! If you would like to be an extra, it's usually within a few days and you would have to be able to work as a local because the pay is minimum wage unless you are in the union. Take a look at my Playlist about being an extra, I talk about lots of sites and how it all works 😊
czcams.com/play/PL6RchckIZyQfk4eIjJMCYGPJ6g8Vy_SCq.html
Thanks for sharing 😊 I agree that it's not worth all the time and money if you are far from where it is being filmed.
Should we show up in our wardrobe or in a different set of clothes?
You should wear what you think will work best unless otherwise noted. :)
@@BelgicaPaola Okay, thank you! 🤍
So I have just applied to my first film as a 16 year old. I don’t know if I’ll get the part but I’m super excited and nervous. Is there more specific things I need to know before going? 🎥
Hey! I never worked when I was under 18 so I really don't know. What I do know is that it is harder for people under 18 to get book (not saying you won't) because they are legally not allowed to treat you as an adult. These are the basic things to know. 😊 I also have a video series on how to get started in acting from the very beginning. czcams.com/video/EwNMVGq6Q4g/video.html&si=EnSIkaIECMiOmarE
@@BelgicaPaola thank you so much for the quick reply, im just trying to start young by applying and preparing ahead. that makes total sense about the ages but still worth a shot haha
For sure worth a shot! I was just referring to your question, "Is there more specific things I need to know before going?". I covered all the basics I could think of. 😊
shes pretty
😊😁 Thanks!
how did you become an extra? and do you want to become an actor for characters that are important in the film or show?
Hi there! I mainly act in speaking roles. I only do background work for extra cash 😊 I have a full Playlist on how to get booked as an extra and what it is like. If you want to start acting, short films and theatre is Def the best way to go. Being a background actor will teach you very little companared to being in a play.
@@BelgicaPaola thank you for replying, and I have a question. do you recommend agencies, and if so, I live in a small town so what do you suggest I should do
Yes, agencies are the best way to go. You really just have to search whatever is the closest to you.
@@BelgicaPaola thank you again for the advise, I will subscribe to your channel for your because you have been so nice to me
Thanks so much 😊 I have lots of videos that might be helpful. Check out the Playlists and see if anything looks interesting!
im a kid and i wanna be an extra but im scared it a bad idea 😬because of how long everyone has to stay there
Hi there! Yeah, it is very long. Maybe wait until you are up for it. It can get very boring.
@@BelgicaPaola oh okay thank you
Hello, Where does one register in San Francisco? Thank You
Hello Armand, I have a playlist on extra casting, there you can find a few of the sites I used to get casting calls from in the bay specifically for being an extra. czcams.com/video/CTV5weMAu5w/video.html
I also have another playlist for sites I used for acting jobs :)
I'm in Texas, we'll see what comes up😄🙃😁😊😉✌🤪
Best of luck!!!
Great tips #BelgicaPaola Thnks, take cares🙂🙃😄✌
Silly question 😂💗🤦♀️
Do I pay for my own Accommodations on long books 📚 ???!!
Nope, not unless it is included in the casting call. But for background, they book locally.
@@BelgicaPaola thanks 😊
Sorry, but here's the dark side: I found the mostly 16-hour days of mainly sitting in a holding area in a folding chair for hours until called for a scene, long stretches between meals, being shuttled around to different locations and waiting for a paycheck for nearly a month due to the pandemic to be grueling. Sometimes I wasn't notified until midnight the night before of the location and time I was expected. It was very anxiety provoking, so I had trouble sleeping. The result is utter exhaustion the end of the next day.
Some locations are quite a distance, so if you drive, you have parking and that expense to worry about, and once I had to drive home after 16 hours in a hurricane for nearly 2 hours after midnight. There was also all the COVID testing and concerns about it when people were testing positive, and then the masks come off when rolling. .. It's not for everyone. Definitely not a glamorous job. You can bring devices to keep you busy, but don't count on plugging in, and there's no guarantee you'll have wifi or a signal.
No, don't be sorry. This video was filmed before COVID and I know that everyone has different experiences and most of mine have been pretty okay. Thanks for sharing yours!
I want to be an extra for alot of movies commercials TV shows etc ❤
You can do it, just takes some research on what is around you. I am in CA, so I don't know about your acting market but with some googling, you will be able to see what is around you.
Can I ask do u need to have any experience to be an extra like go to an acting class to be an extra or can u just apply bc I have no experience but I wanna experience to be an extra and see like what the do on tack
I have a whole Playlist on this 😊 but no, you don't need experience.
@@BelgicaPaola okay thx u so much for replying x😊
Of course 😊👍❤️
Don't they not give you clothes to wear when you go? I don't know anything about being an extra but I've always wanted to be one but my brother and my friend have been an extra
They used to give you some pieces if what you brought was not usable but because of COVID-19, I see them requiring you to wear your own clothes for your safety and the safety of others.
You know about being extra is it true that you cant talk to the main cast during filming?
Yes, for the most part that is the case.
I was an extra in The Batman Dark Night
Fun!
You say that you can be onset for 12-16 hours. How do you spend that time? Like is most of it spent on camera, or getting ready to be on camera, or waiting for them to film your scene, etc
Most of the time it is spent just waiting.
Belgica Paola Rodriguez ohhh ok
Belgica Paola Rodriguez can I ask a few more questions?
Belgica Paola Rodriguez when I’m waiting, would I be able to walk around the set, walk around a smaller general area, or do I stay in one room the whole time
Depends on the set. Usually one room.
What do u need to become a extra
No experience needed! You just need to be 18 or have a work permit, live near set and apply on a casting site like backstage,Casting Networks, my casting file, POP casting... Or others.
Oh wait I have one more question what is a good app to find extra work
It really depends on where you live, but I mention some here czcams.com/video/TLce3HiIkg4/video.html
Those are the ones I used in the SF Bay Are
Here's a whole Playlist on extra/background acting videos! czcams.com/play/PL6RchckIZyQfk4eIjJMCYGPJ6g8Vy_SCq.html
I live near la
Can 12 year olds be extras? And also what website could I use for being in the Bay Area for my age?
Hi there! You can but only if they are looking for minors and you have a work permit. For the bay, I would suggest mycasting file, backstage, POP Casting and sf casting. I have videos on these on my channel :) check them out!
Belgica Paola Rodriguez I sure will tyyy (: