What can being a movie Extra achieve?

Question

I have recently applied to be a movie Extra in a movie,As this is my first time,what can I achieve from this? What can being a movie extra achieve?
Will this be a start for me in movie business?
My dream is to be an actor,so what will this do for me? Please give me information on this,I will be pleased. Thank You's. X X X

Answer 1

At the very least, you will get to see how a film set operates and experience the set atmosphere.

Some people just getting into the business use Extra work as a means of Networking. Since there is so much downtime on sets, you mingle with other extras and probably PA's and Set wranglers and you can ask them questions and probably pick up some tips.

Seasoned extras try and collect SAG vouchers, which can be parlayed into admittance into the Screen Actors Guild. Competition the vouchers though is kinda fierce and there usually aren't many...if any.

Sometimes extras get bumped up to speaking parts! It does happen. And if thats the case you usually get a pay raise and sometimes SAG eligibility. (here is a tip, don't complain! Seem really eager to do whatever. AD's like that and would probably want to pick you over an extra with a diva attitude)

As an extra, your job is to do whatever they tell you to do. The hours are long (it ould be 16hr days at minimum wage). The conditions can suck (3am, 40degree weather on a mountain top) and there isn't alot of stuff to do on set. You will spend most of your time waiting for the Grips to adjust lighting or the AC to get a new battery. So bring a book.

Remember to turn off your phone. Biggest faux pas would be to have your phone ring on set. And please don't bother the stars on set. They can be neat to watch, but nothing sucks more than an extra pissing off an actor for a lock of his hair(Seriously that happened once and they kicked him off set). Also don't take pictures UNLESS someone said it was okay before hand. Depending on the film, that could get you kicked off set immediatly.

A lot of actors worked as extras. Tom Hanks, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Ian Somerholden was picked out of a crowd of extras. Some people in LA even are extras for a living. At the very least you get a taste of teh industry and see if it's something you would actually want to pursue. I hope you have fun.

Answer 2

Being an extra for any television show or movie can give you experience in what really goes on behind the scenes.

However, I regret to say that extras are ten a penny. Please don't take offence by this, but many people do it for their fifteen minutes of fame.

May I suggest that you talk to others while on set. Ask them how they got on in the business, and ensure you gain membership of the British Actors union Equity, assuming you are in the UK.

Entertainment is a hard business, and only a few make it to stardom. However, keep trying. Another way to introduce yourself to the movie business is to take on work backstage at any high profile venue.
You get to meet many celebrities, and they can often offer help and advice.

I have been in entertainment for thirty years, but enjoy writing and producing rather than acting. ( hate learning my script )

Hope this helps, and I wish you all the best.

Answer 3

I guess it will give you experience which can be included in your CV or portfolio.

I am not in the movie business myself so I cannot say if it will lead you to a career in the business, I guess that would depend on your own determination and disposition.

I do think it is hard work, so be prepared.

Have you thought about attending college re the performing arts etc. - also dance and even possibly local theatrical society.

Good Luck

Answer 4

1) You might be lucky enough that a scout or producer somewhere might see your face on camera and inquire about you.
2) Might get a very small amount of $$.
3) Just the satisfaction of helping out in some way.
4) Might give you some behind the scenes experience if your close enough to those people watch and learn!!!!

Answer 5

um not anything big my friend got 90 bucks for being an extra in Dreamer with Dakota Fanning. But that is mainly it. if the director watches you walk by or sit in the back of the set, he'll think ''Who Cares!'' So talk to the crew and be outgoing, then they will thinkyou are ready to acheive your goals.

Answer 6

Some of our greatest star`s started out as extra`s its who you meet and influence off set. On set be professional do your job and be lucky if nothing else its a good life!

Answer 7

They often serve an excellent boxed lunch or buffet supper!

Movie Catering rocks!!

Answer 8

Your 5 minutes and maybe a commercial.

Answer 9

you may get your face on the screen for a few seconds, but atleast you will be able to get your equaty card, and you can get a waiters job in a hollywood restraunt.

good luck i hope it works out for you

Answer 10

about £50 per hour.