by Brunella Battista

Created on: May 01, 2008   Last Updated: May 07, 2008

Have you ever watched a movie and wondered how people get to work on movies? It is easier than you think.
The first step is to get a plain photo of you and a brief resume outlining your stats, like height and weight, plus your special skills, such as driving, skating, skiing etc.
Take them to a reputable Background Agency. For a list of Florida agencies you can visit http://www.actorsinfobooth.com/category/resources/ag ent-list/ or go to the SAG website if you are US based or ACTRA website if you are Canadian.

Be at your best when you meet with the agent and fill in an agency form (with details such as your shirt size and what kind of wardarobe you own).

Reputable agencies only take 10 to 15% commission once you work, never before. A reputable agency will also take a quick snapshot of you WITHOUT charging you any money.
As a background performer ( also called extra) you do not need a professional "headshot", although it cannot hurt. In any case, the photographer should not be associated to the agency.
The agent will submit you when they think you fit the breakdown received from the casting directors. There isn't usually an audition for extras, but you might be required to attend a GO SEE if you have to be a photo double, or any kind of double or a 'specific' extra.
They will call you and book you for a specific day and a specific time, as a background performer, photo-double, hand-double or 'special skills'.
The pay is anywhere from minimum wage to a flat negotiable fee for non unions, to union rates of about $150 per day or more depending how long you are working and whether it's movie or a commercial.
You can join the national union SAG (www.sag.org) in the US and ACTRA (www.actra.ca) in Canada .

While working on set as a background performer won't make you an actor, it is a great way to earn extra cash, get a sense of how movies are made and possibly glance at your favorite actor while chatting with new friends.

Original Research:
Brunella has been a full member of ACTRA for 10 years
She has worked on over 100 movies and tv shows, both as a principal and as an extra, stand in and double.
Websites reviewed for the research:
www.actra.ca; and handout how to become a member of Actra background.
www.sag.org
www.actionextra.com
www.extrata lentagency.com/questions/faq/
www.moviex.com

books:
get ting into the act: a practical guide to arts career trends in BC
confidence on camera a practical handbook for young actors
next: an actor's guide to auditioning

Spoke with two agency Local Color and Sterling Talent in Vancouver

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