by Aaron Graham

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

So you wanna be a movie extra? You think you got the "stuff" to make the cut?
Probably you do since the only real job qualification is a healthy pulse. If you are
reading this, you should have that covered.

The most vivid memory I have of working as an extra was with an independent film
about a Minnesota Hockey player. Get that mental picture: Hockey, Minnesota, in

January. Oh yeah, and lots of EXT. NIGHT shots too, which means we shot from 10:00
P.M. until about 4:00 A.M. outside on a frozen lake with a wind chill around twenty degrees below zero. My job was to hold some of the lights. During one of these shoots the director came over to my post and said "I should put you in as a "heckler." Just yell out some insults at the team and I'll get a shot of the player's reaction."

One of the easiest ways to find a call for extras is simply to Google it. Craigslist.com has become one method of finding movie extras, but typically these are from students who are trying to produce low budget films for a class project. Some casting directors may call in this way, but always make sure you know exactly what the project is and who is producing the film.

If you want a more professional approach, you may want to submit a small profile
and headshot (an industry standard black and white picture) to a talent agency. Local
directors will typically go here for extras. If they like your face you may receive a call.
Don't be intimidated if an agency requires a small fee to process your profile, but
anything more than $50 should be avoided. Often times you can fill out a profile for free.

You may be required to audition for a part, which can be intimidating if you've
had little experience. Casting Directors sometimes audition thousands of actors, so an
audition can feel like a cattle auction at times. Just go with the flow and try to relax. The best advice I can give during an audition is to try and have fun. Take it seriously, of
course, but creativity flows when people are simply having fun.

Compensation should be looked on as a luxury. Typically, it is more of a
director's way of saying "thank you" than any serious attempt to compensate a day's
wage. The best compensations have come when I've been well fed during the shoot. Nothing is worse than being hungry, cold, and left standing alone for hours on end. Most good directors will try and find some way of recognizing your commitment with a token of their appreciation, but don't expect that to come in the form of a check. If it does, then you can be pleasantly surprised.

Perhaps the best place to find work as an extra is to start hanging out with those in
the entertainment industry. Most upcoming talent can be found in the local performing
arts schools. Begin to make yourself available to the actors, directors and even the
professors. A few well placed emails might open the door to a network of connections in
the industry that could lead to openings. Many extras are cast on the spot and are filled
by those who are available when the director is suddenly inspired to shoot the scene in a
fresh way. Those who are nearby will get those roles.

Especially when they are just holding the light on a frozen lake at 3 A.M.

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