by Anthony Megna

Created on: April 29, 2008   Last Updated: December 28, 2011

Being a movie extra can be a fun and rewarding way to earn extra money. It can also teach you what happens on a movie or television set. You get to witness the techniques actors use when preparing themselves to be filmed. If you are interested in the technical jobs of the set such as cinematographer or director being an extra can expose you to these all important roles right before your eyes. If you are looking for a future in film, then being an extra can get you on the set with a bit of preparation.

When my wife and I lived in Australia, Francis Ford Coppola's company was looking for Americans to be in his film Wind. Although the film came and went real quick, we got paid very good money to be extras in the film. It also helped that there weren't too many Americans down under, so we were in demand. I even got to act in a scene with Cliff Robertson, although it ended up on the cutting room floor.

To be an extra, it helps if you have a professional photo of yourself, although you don't really need one, as you are just going to be in the background. Register with an agency that specializes in movie extras. Watch the papers for films coming into town. Get a couple of trade journals that cover the movie business. One of the most productive things you can do is to contact your state film office. They can help you with what you need to pursue this rewarding sideline. I say sideline because it is very difficult to make a living doing this. It also requires long hours with nothing to do but sit there, so bring a book or magazine between the down times.

The pay can range from nothing for student films, to around $100 a day for professional companies and more if overtime is available. It can be pretty boring sometimes, but it can be exciting when the cameras roll, as you realize you are going to be in a motion picture. Even though you are in the background most of the time, at least you are part of the process.

Good luck, have fun, and say hi to the agents for me!

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