by Victoria Sullivan

Created on: April 30, 2008   Last Updated: May 07, 2008

Nearly every feature film requires "extras" or background actors. They are the people that you see walking down the street behind the featured actors, sitting in the cafe or strolling through the hotel lobby. These people weren't merely mulling around and happened to be caught in a movie scene. They are all paid actors, handpicked by casting agents. If you think you need to live in Los Angelos or New York to be a movie extra, think again. Movies are filmed on location virtually everywhere. New England, for example, has recently become a Mecca of Hollywood's finest.

Can anyone become a movie extra? Yes, but remember that this is a real job and as such you will be required to present yourself in a professional manner.

Tools of the Trade:

1. Get a good picture taken.
This doesn't have to be a professional headshot. Let a friend take a snapshot with a digital camera showing you from mid-chest up. You will email this picture as a small file or print it out as an 8x10 at the casting agency's request.

2. Resume
Any experience counts. High school theater, put it on there; Community Theater, put it on there; you and your friend made a vampire flick, (make it sound like a big deal and then) put it on there.

3. Casting Agents
Now that you have the tools you need, it's time to find casting agents. Don't limit yourself. Although the agency might not be in your backyard, they may cast there. (LDI casting for example is out of Rhode Island and is currently casting extras for feature films being shot in Massachusetts.) If your state has a film office, this is a great place for solid information. You can find agencies through a simple online search, but be careful of scam agencies.

Reputable agencies will allow you to sign up for their online database and email alerts without any fees. (They get paid by the film's production company.) Not all casting agencies work with extras casting, if you are unsure call or email and ask.

4. Auditions
In addition to getting your headshot and resume on the casting agency's database, you may need to attend an audition or "open call". Although it is referred to as an audition, it is unlikely that you will actually have to perform any kind of audition. You will be asked to wait in line (generally expect to be there for a few hours), fill out a few forms, handover your resume and headshot and possibly have a Polaroid taken. If you show up with the right attitude you can have a great time at an open call. This is a great place to start the networking process. Talk to the people that are standing next to you in line. True, you may meet a few characters, but this is a perfect opportunity to get casting information from people that already have experience.

What to expect when you get the call:

It's 10:00 PM, you're all cuddled in for the night and the phone rings. It's one of your casting agents telling you that you are wanted for a feature film. You must be on set by 6:00 AM tomorrow morning. Welcome to Hollywood! Find a pen and start taking notes, write down every detail of your phone conversation. You will be given you your "call time" or what time you are expected on set. (This time is very firm, NEVER show up late.) You will be told what kind of clothes to wear or bring, directions to the set, where to park, etc. You may also want to pack some music or reading material and snacks. Expect a solid twelve hour day and a great experience. Good Luck.

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