Is "extra's" work as in acting rewarding?

Question

I want to join a casting agency but only want to do "walk on parts" or maybe adverts.

Answer 1

It depends what you meanby rewarding, it most certainly won't be financially rewarding but if you want to do it for the experience, and the laughs, and the dressing up then go for it. The rule is don't take yourself too seriously, don't go into it if you're only going to resent the actors and suck up to the directors to try and land yourself speaking parts.If you do it you'll meet a load of wonderful people, have a great time with good stories to tell, be able to look for yourself on the TV and then be glad its only for 3 seconds.
It's great banter, I highly reccomend it!

Answer 2

If you don't want speaking parts, you don't need money, and you just want to hang around movie and TV sets all day then sure, why not? But this isn't the way to go if you think you're going to be 'discovered'. It can certainly give you an insight as to how things work on set on a daily basis. You will certainly get to see 'stars' but will be expected not to talk to them unless they talk to you first. You are generally treated like cattle and are expected to act as such... happily. Expect long and either grueling or boring hours for not much if any compensation and sometimes they don't even feed you. Make nice nice with an AD (assistant director) and you might be able to work your way into a slightly better position and I don't mean a compromising one. Just one where you won't be on the cutting room floor, but possibly seated on the bus behind Sandra Bullock or at a table in the restaurant behind another star, get the picture? Also, do not where 'brand' clothing across your chest or obviously visible. They'll never use you in a main shot because it would be considered product placement and free advertising for that brand.

Answer 3

Oh God it's very depressing. You hang around for ages while they do all the takes and some don't even pay you!

However most give you free food, drink etc. and some do pay quite well (films pay up to £100+ a day) but you'll need to arrange and pay for your own transport.

It is good for a bit of extra cash and seeing your mug on screen though! If you want a few names of RELIABLE casting agencies then you can email me from my profile page if you like.

Hope that helped and good luck :)

Answer 4

Working as an extra is mainly standing around waiting for someone to tell you where to stand around. There is also a good chance you'll end up on the cutting room floor instead of the film. People don't go to the movies to see the extras; they want to see the leading players.

Answer 5

Absolutely! You are still part of the cast, and those interactions can be wonderful. Also, you are helping the play along visually if nothing else, and there is a lot of truth to the saying that a chain is only as strong as the weakest link. Best wishes.

Answer 6

Extra work, while sometimes tedious and usually low-paid, can be rewarding (of course, that depends on your definition of same).

If you just enjoy being around the process, and meeting new people, sometimes wearing interesting costumes, then you might have a good time.

Answer 7

picture the scene.

you are "woman in background" as the priest in "the exorcist" is walking.

a decade later you want to be in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows as the new minister for magic.

maybe i havent got the time-scale quite right, but it'll go down well if u tell the casters u were in the exorcist!

Answer 8

also wear darkish clothing, nothing that stands out, they'll have you in shot then rather than someone who decided to wear white or fusia pink etc

Answer 9

only finacially its hardley shakespeare!