Whats an extra in a film?

A background actor or extra, is a performer in a film, television show, stage, musical, opera or ballet production, who appears in a nonspeaking or nonsinging (silent) capacity, usually in the background (for example, in an audience or busy street scene).

What to wear as an extra in a movie?

No matter what you’re required to wear, your clothes should be clean and wrinkle-free; all garments should be free of logos; and generally the color white should not be worn. Despite the current styles, jeans you wear on set should not have rips in them.

Can extras have lines?

Extras don’t get film credits or lines. But they can get union wages, meals and perks — such as getting to read novels on the job. Being an extra requires no experience, no acting talent and no talking. Although you can sometimes parlay being an extra into an acting career, that’s neither required nor expected.

What is a featured extra?

A Featured Extra is someone who is still considered a background performer, but is potentially recognizable in the final product. They are recorded but they are NOT speaking, NOT featured in individual shots, and NOT interacting with product being shown (unless specifically stated).

How do you become a film extra?

How to become a movie extra

1. Research talent agencies. Visit casting websites to vet various talent agencies.
2. Take a high-quality headshot.
3. Sign with a casting agency.
4. Submit your work authorization documentation.
5. Begin work as a non-union extra.
6. Become a SAG-AFTRA member.

How do I start acting as a extra?

If you would like to become a movie extra and possibly advance your acting career through this path, these are the general steps you can take:

1. Research talent agencies.
2. Take a high-quality headshot.
3. Sign with a casting agency.
4. Submit your work authorization documentation.
5. Begin work as a non-union extra.

Can being an extra lead to acting?

Whether you’ve been waitressing for the last few years, in drama school, never thought of acting before or even been an extra, it would be unlikely to affect your chances of being selected for a lead role. Extras are vital to a film set.

What is an extraordinary actor?

An extra (also called Background Actor, background talent, and atmosphere) is someone who performs in a production in a nonspeaking role, usually in the background. Extras help make scenes look and feel more authentic. After all, restaurants, football games, and city streets would just look like movie sets without extras to give them life.

What is an extra in a movie?

Why do so many actors do extra work?

There are lots of good reasons to do extra work (just ask Bruce Willis and Brad Pitt, to name but two actors who started off that way), including making money, being on set, seeing how different departments operate, potentially get upgraded to principal status, and, maybe, acquire the vouchers needed to join SAG.

Should I put being an extra on my acting resume?

Answer: Extra work and background work can lead to many things: cash to support yourself, a potential to be upgraded, even union eligibility. But being an extra is never something you should put on an acting resume – and not just for reasons of truth.