Has anyone done work as a extra?

Question

On a television show,in a movie,etc.? If so,any tips? Did it lead to steady work? Do you have to live in California in order to get steady work?

Answer 1

Los Angeles has the most work, but you can check with your state's film alliance for anything filming locally. Sometimes they pay and sometimes they offer you lunch and the experience of being there. It's does not often lead to steady work, but you can work quite often depending on how many productions are filming in your area. I wouldn't depend on it for my livelihood though! :-)

When you do it, you are supposed to be background. You aren't supposed to be noticed. So just go about your business and do whatever the Assistant Director tells you to do. If he/she tell you to sit on the grass and pretend you're picnicking, that's what you do (just without making noise). If they tell you to walk behind the main actors and pretend to be talking to a friend then that's what you do, but you also have to make sure you do not look at the camera and you pay attentino to the lead actor's dialogue so that you remember exactly where you were and what you were doing so you can repeat your actions for each take.

You also have to be ready whenever they need you. Most productions treat you as props. Some are very mindful of you as people, but not many. They herd you like cattle, but you will meet a lot of new people and hopefully you'll still have a great time!

If you prefer to do principle work, get an agent and go for it! Repost for more info on that :-)

Answer 2

I did it for a while. It's fun if you are only doing it for a lark. If you want to do it for a living it's horrible. The people who do it full time are almost invariably the dregs of humanity. The pay is pretty bad and you don't actually do anything which makes the day longer and it also makes you feel like a loser. And almost no one starts out as an extra and becomes something bigger and better. They may go on to better things but not because they were extras. It seldom leads to anything. On the upside, it can be fun. It's also a good way to learn your way around a set. You pretty much do have to live in C.A. to get work but I know some people in N.Y. who do it for a living. It's a lot better there from what I understand. Try it, you may like it. But don't expect it to launch your acting career.

Answer 3

I've done it. I live in California and finding work was relatively easy. Whether you could find steady work elsewhere would depend on the amount of filming going on.

Doing extra work did not lead to steady work for me, although I've heard stories of it happening. I found it incredibly boring and tedious. And competitive, too! Jockeying for more camera time is expected. The pay was minimal. Unless you get "bumped" to a role with specific duties (a featured extra) or the much coveted speaking role you can expect the pay to be shockingly low for a 10 or 12 hour work day.

Getting to eat Craft Services in a plus, though!

Answer 4

my friend has
u should just act natual