Acting Extras
To make a movie, television, or commercial production feel all the more real to the audience and give it that much more depth, it's always nice to have some of the main characters embody some of their own extras. Acting extras not only makes the film believable, but also gives the actors who are playing those roles something else going on in their lives while they're working.
Many different professions are available for acting extras. Most will ask for a submission with information about your experience and resume before accepting you into their cast- such as an acting school or department store in New York/Los Angeles/London where you may already work part-time. If nothing else, you might get a temporary job as a part of the extras.
The most common acting extras are background actors who fill the background with people who are watching another scene or working on a set. They may or may not have lines in the film, but they do need to be there to look normal while they're filming. Sometimes, they might be talking and laughing with some of the main characters too.
Another type of acting extra is a crowd scene extra. Most famous on of these scenes is the dance scene in the beginning of "They Shoot Horses, Don't They?" where all the people in the audience at a dance look like they're enjoying themselves. Because not everyone at the dance had lines, their names were never put in the credits, but they did get to be part of an Oscar-winning film.
Finally, there are glamour/headshot/fashion extras who work hard to be just that- glamorous and beautiful background decorators for photo shoots or advertisements. Many fashion models also work as extras during commercial shoots; however, some of them do have speaking parts too.
While the day-to-day duties of an acting extra can vary dramatically between any of these categories, they all work to make the film feel more real. The preparation and accuracy that goes into it make these extra roles an excellent way to get your foot in the door when you're ready to move on up to more "real" acting jobs.
Film Requirements/Requirements for Background Actors (crowd scenes)
Most films will require a 4x6 headshot and a current resume for background actors who will be seen close enough for people to recognize them. You'll also need to provide your type, height, weight and name along with any other information requested by the company. Some background extras will be asked to sign releases so the film can be on file with the union or guilds.
Acting Extras (Working Extras)
There are many different types of working extras that a production company might want to use. They might need to re-write parts for a theater production and need stand-ins for a play so they can get it right before it opens. During a wedding, most of the guests and even the bride and groom can play extras, but if they're not willing to work, they don't get paid either. Sometimes, you might even have to spend time cutting your hair or skinning up because the extra needs to look just right on camera.
Television and Commercial Extra
Television and commercial extra roles usually require a headshot to help you get the part; however, it's also vital to have a current resume. Most production companies will ask for recent credits on any television shows or commercials that you've been in, but if you don't have any, they might ask you to send them in a later date.
Some television shows and commercial roles may require a full body shot of your current resume as well as your headshot for submission. If you're interested in being an extra for the local news channel or a local radio station, you'll need to provide examples of your work with video and audio samples that they can use in their broadcasts.
Commercial extras will most likely be used to be part of a crowd scene as actors in a bar, restaurant or other normal business. Television extra roles can have you playing the role of either a guest in the audience at a talk show, game show or standup comedy routine. They might also ask you to have your own lines if they're getting ready to edit them into the actual production. Most television shows usually hire extra actors by contacting agents and casting directors who put out the word in both trade papers and on forums like Craigslist where interested parties can contact them directly.
Movie Extras
Film extras always seem to get more attention than television and commercial extra jobs because they are seen on the big screen when their movie is released. Most films will hire extras for a variety of reasons, so you can spend your time working as a movie extra in several different roles. Many times, you'll need to make your own costume for each of your characters.
Movie extras can be hired to fill the background of any scene in the movie, but most often they're used to create an atmosphere during the prom scene or as part of a crowd scene at a concert or ball game where you might only be seen briefly in the movie. Movie extra roles are one of the more popular ways for aspiring actors to get more experience and differentiate themselves from other people who might be trying out for the same role.
It's also not uncommon for movie extras to include celebrity impersonators. Special effects, digital and sound engineers sometimes use famous people's look-alikes, who they can dress like their famous friends/celebrities.
One of the most important aspects of movie extras is that you'll need to come up with a great character. Corporate sponsors will be more willing to pay more money if they know that the extra is being paid well for the job. The film company can get a lot of creative ideas from the actors in their cast who have so much experience and knowledge about how an actor will see things feel different in real life than it happens on screen.
Characters for movie extras should be very memorable. Remember when the lady in "Groundhog Day" had to stand her ground against Bill Murray? If you're lucky enough to get a commercial or a television extra role, you might want to emulate her and stand your ground in scenes where the actors are trying to get you to act like them by threatening you.
Voice-Over Artist
There are very few jobs in the movie extras industry that aren't related to acting at all. The most common type of job for voice-over actors is as a radio voice on commercials or infomercials.
Conclusion
Film extras are an important part of the entertainment industry and they play a significant role in any movie's success. If you're interested in hearing about the amount of money that some actors are receiving for their roles as extras, consider going to IMDbPro for more information on the top ten earners in this business.
As you can see from the different categories above, there are many different types of film extras that can help you get started in the business. It's best to consult with your administrative assistant or a Film Freelancer who can point you in the direction of good people to contact when you need help find job opportunities.
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Acting Extras