Each year, thousands of wide-eyed 20-somethings hop off a plane at LAX with a dream and a cardigan, welcomed by the land of fame and excess. But if “Party in the USA” sounds anything like your dreams, calm down! Barring that you are Miley Cyrus, your chances of landing a part in a major studio feature film right off the bat are marginal. But for every actor with top billing, there are hundreds of anonymous people in the background. And great news: thanks to the glamour of Hollywood, that unidentified person in the corner of the screen could be you!
Even if you aren’t interested in acting on screen, being an extra in a film or TV show can be fun, and it’s a great way to feel like you’re a part of the Hollywood so many people fantasize about—even if the real thing is a little disappointing. Plus, you can impress your friends and family without actually having to work too hard.
Based on personal experience and research, here are a few things that you should know about the process of becoming an extra on TV or in a film.
1. Prepare a headshot and resume
No need to spend a lot of money on this. Ideally, you can just have a friend take a professional looking photo that you can resize to fit an 8x10 sheet of paper. Check out this handy article for more info on how to format your headshot and resume.
2. Check listings or sign up with a casting agency
A good place to start is Central Casting, but it’s not your only option—there are plenty on online listings, like the one on Backstage. However, don't make the mistake of paying for extra services that a casting or talent agency might offer such as classes or additional headshots. You should be able to get in front of the camera without paying up.
3. Be prepared to complete an I-9
Once you get a gig, you’ll want to come prepared to fill out an I-9. That means having multiple forms of ID ready to go.
4. Days are long
Being an extra demands that you remain flexible. A typical shoot lasts 12 hours, but there’s a good chance it’ll run even longer. On the bright side, they feed you!
5. Pay is not great
Non-union workers, especially, aren’t paid very much—usually around $8 an hour—but let’s face it, you’re not in it for the money. If you want to turn background acting into a career (some people do) you should consider trying to join the actors' union, which will lead to higher pay.
6. Bring a few change of clothes
Whether you’re in the club, or in a hospital, bringing a second option is really helpful for the costuming department, which works with a ton of people to create a realistic looking scene.
7. Bring entertainment
Call times are usually at least an hour before production starts, and being an extra involves a lot of downtime and standing around while the people in charge decide what to do next. Unless you’re immune to boredom, don’t come empty-handed.
8. The chances of you actually being visible in the movie are slim
There are background actors who get screen time, but they’re usually selected separately because featured extras tend to be union workers. At best you’ll probably be a blurry dot, and at worst you'll be left on the cutting room floor altogether. But at least you'll have those bragging rights!