Do you have to use a credit card or pay an agency to become a movie extra?

Question

Do anyone know the best website to go to to become a movie extra.

Answer 1

One of the rare times you pay someone in "the Biz" for something before they've gotten you work is the small sign up fee you pay an extra casting agency when you get entered into their database. For Central Casting (the biggest of these, and in my humble opinion, the best) it is currently 25.00, cash. This gets your photo entered into their database. You then call in to a hotline which lists the type of people they are looking for usually for the next day. If you fit the type (ie- "We are looking for people who are 5/5'' and have blonde hair) you call the casting agent and read them your last 5 of your social sec #. They then pull up your pic and if you fit what they need, they book you for the shoot. The 25. includes once a year picture re-takes and re-takes if you drastically change your look (like shave your head). You can pay another 10 or 20 bucks to add headshots or photos of a "different look" into the database (it might get you more diversified roles than just one shot). After you've worked, you get a voucher signed by the PA on the shoot, and that's how you get paid! Good luck

Answer 2

Granted the bulk of this information only applies to California but may apply elsewhere also.

The mainstay of extras casting in Hollywood is a place called Central Casting. They do a large majority of the shows and movies in town when they need background performers or extras. To apply you pay a small fee for enrollment (I think it's around 15 dollars or so), they will take a photograph of you and your vital information including measurements and contact info. From there you go into an electronic database that casting directors can search through. If they find you and like you, and of course if you're available they will call you to set up a call time or a fitting. And you're in!

There are other places such as HollywoodOS and quite a few casting offices in town that are now specializing in hiring extras. You can also check out the listings on web sites like LACasting and Now Casting for a list of projects that are looking for extras.

If there is a particular movie or show that you want to try to get work on you can find out who does their casting and get in touch directly with them.

The other way is to show up at lots, but this is not really recommended, and you will in all honesty find the work days few and far in between doing it this way. Generally speaking you don't need experience to do background work. They may give you a small action to perform (Though it will never be anything too demanding or physically stressfull) and rarely they may give you a line or two.

Background performers work long hours for relatively low pay (non union is around minimum wage or a little higher. Rates go up for union performers) as compared to their stand in, featured and day player brotheren. But if you're looking for something fun to do or want to try to find a way into the business it's a great place to start. Many a celebrity has started out in the back!

Answer 3

It depends on where you sign up. In Los Angeles there are about three or four main places. Mostly you have a registration fee that can be paid in cash or credit. If you do not have a credit card, get a bank card with a visa logo.

Most sign up places have a website that can tell you exactly what info you will need to bring and what payment methods they except.

I hope this helps and good luck to you.

:)

Answer 4

I would send them a debt validation letter within the 30 days return receipt requested. If you ignore the letter they may continue the collection process because you have not responded at all. They cannot read your mind and may ignore the fact that it is so old. Once you have sent them the debt validation letter, they cannot continue any type of collection activity or report it to the credit bureau's until they have valildated the debt. This is the law and if they violate it you can sue them. They will more than likely be unable to validate the debt and you will never hear back from them. If they do send you something and say it is validation, you then dispute the validation proof and point out to them that it is past the statue of limitations. Good Luck

Answer 5

You should not have to do so. If someone is promising you a bit part in a movie if you pay them, it is a scam. Legitimate extras either give their services free for the privilege of being in a movie, or they are paid by the producers. Under no circumstances should you ever give money to anyone when you are the one doing the work.

Answer 6

Most extras casting agencies will charge a small registration fee; it shouldn't be more than $25.

Here's some good info:
http://www.soyouwanna.com/site/syws/movieextra/movieextra.html

Answer 7

You NEVER to pay to work as a movie Extra.
The production company pays you to work as an Extra.

If anyone tries to get you to pay to work on a movie as an actor tell them to "get lost," as that is not how the industry works.

Answer 8

No reputable agency will ask you for money. They make their money by taking a small percentage of contracts they get you.
Web sites are no place to find acting opportunities, they only want to sell you something.

Answer 9

you should never pay for any performance opportunity. If you are asked to, it's a scam.

Check out backstage.com, centralcasting.com, playbill.com...all of those have extra opportunities.

Answer 10

You have to get a SAG card. SAG stands for Screen Actors Guild. It's basically a union for actors.