by Kasondra Morin

Created on: April 28, 2008   Last Updated: May 07, 2008

Becoming a movie extra can be a new actor or actresses foot in the door. Acting in a major motion picture or commercial is a great addition to any resume. There are many things that one must do to prepare to take this step.

First, an actor should be positive that this is the field he wishes to enter. Actors are, literally, less than a dime a dozen. Many actors are unemployed most of the time. So, having a back up job is useful if one wants to be able to pay bills and eat regularly.

The best step an actor can take is to get into a good school. This not only pumps up a resume, but allows an actor to take classes and learn about his chosen trade. Even taking stage acting classes is useful for a future film actor because the basics are the same throughout any field.

Speaking of resumes, an actor's resume is different from a business resume. Some samples and tips for writing a proper resume can be found here: http://www.bestsampleresume.com/acting-resumes.html or during the course of any upper level acting class. The other thing any actor needs is a proper headshot. These should be done by a trained professional; not a friend with a digital camera. An actor's headshot is usually a picture of the person from the shoulders up and is done in black and white. Wear simple, solid colors and a natural hairstyle. An actor should not hide or edit his flaws in the headshot; directors need to know what he looks like. Also, every time an update is made to his appearance the actor should get a new headshot made.

After the actor has accomplished the above steps and properly prepared for his future in film and/or theater the fun has only just begun.

Many websites will offer open auditions. These are occasionally referred to as "cattle calls" because it involves a mass of people being glanced over by casting directors and "herded" into yes and no groups. If the actor does not get chosen he shouldn't let that keep him from trying again! Many times the casting director wants a specific "look" and will only select individuals that fit in that category. Most of the time, this is the type of audition an actor can expect to attend.

Compensation varies from job to job. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that the average compensation for a movie extra is about $13 an hour. Remember, this is just the average. Some jobs will pay more and some will pay less. Do not plan to make being a movie extra a career.

The good news for those that don't live in California or New York is that many movies are made in suburbs or other small towns. So, an actor may be able to land a job in his own hometown.

These are just a few of the basics that can help land that job. Be sure and do plenty of research and planning before jumping into this career field. Good luck!

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