how do i become an extra, and will it boost my cv for an acting career?

Answer 1

What extra work will do for you is put a little cash in your pocket and give you a lot more knowledge on how things work on set. It's valuable knowledge, but it's not something you put on your acting resume.

As for how you become one depends on your location. If you're in the UK you can use the sites put up by the first answerer. If you're in the US, try:
http://www.centralcasting.org/LA/actors/registration.html
http://billdancecasting.com/
http://extrasaccess.com/

Central Casting is Los Angeles and NY only I believe and Bill Dance is only in LA to my knowledge.

good luck!

Answer 2

If you are in the UK, you could try Phoenix Agency, based in Bristol. They provide for "Casualty" and "Holby" amongst others.

0117 973 1100

Being an extra (or "supporting artist" as it's now called) can make you some extra (no pun intended) money, but it's not really something to emphasise on your cv if you are going all out to be an actor. If you're going to do private parties or cabaret then it helps to be able to say "seen on tv".

If you get any work, make sure you take a small paperback book to read, which will slip out of sight into a back pocket, as you will spend most of your time waiting around.

Try to avoid getting "lines" or actually being seen in the camera shot! If you are seen more than fleetingly, you probably won't get any more work on that show for a while. When an agent calls you and says "have you done the .... show this year" you will be able to say "yes, but I wasn't seen in any shots" and you'll get another gig. If you do get lines, or specific instructions, make sure you are upgraded to "walk on 1,2, or 3" when you sign out at the end of the day.

You will find, in the UK, especially for BBC productions, that everyone is very polite and correct, and courteous. The food (yes, you usually get fed too!) is always good on OB or on the Bristol sets.

Also, don't count on finishing on time - more often than not you will do overtime (which helps the pay packet a bit too!)

Break a leg!

Answer 3

If you are in the NYC, Chicago, or LA metro area there are background services casting offices, you need to register with them.

I feel when your first starting out, its a great way to meet people, learn, and get some experience, however you can't really put too much on your resume, because then they only think of you as an "extra"

Most actors will extra for a bit, and after a while turn down extra work so they don't get pigeon holed into it except
In the case of union commercial work, do as much as possible... you have a chance of getting "bumped" to a featured, and then you can make a lot of money. I have had a lot of friends have this happen, and it can be like winning the lotto!

Good luck

Answer 4

Doing extra work will not boost your career, its good for meeting people and get some advice but thats it, agents frown upon it so don't put on your cv!
if you want to go into acting its best to do a credited drama course or do student films, low budget films to put on your cv

Answer 5

There are agencies for extras , but hang around the film or television studios . If you are a regular extra there are unions for extras , as there is equity for actors .
You cannot do both . I doubt that extra work will in any way enhance your CV for becoming an actor .

Answer 6

Go to cenex casting and sandy alessi. There are others but those two will give you a good start. As far as your career goes, extra work will give you a taste of what it's like on a set.
That's important to know. Beyond that it's a haven for losers.
You will meet some of the worst people around. Trust me, I did it. Do it a few times then quit.

Answer 7

a million.Vince Neil - Encino guy? 2.Gene Simmons - The robotic flick with Tom selleck, Trick of cope with and KISS Meet the Phantom of the Park 3.super White - Maid to order 4.Henry Rollins - The Chase, the recent youngster, Johnny Pneumonis...to call some 5.Sting - Dune and Quadriphinia(Typo for optimistic) 6.Mick Jagger - Ned Kelly and Freejack 7.Zak Wylde - Rockstar 8.David Bowie - The Labyrinth and The status 9.Aerosmith - The Sergeant Peppers action picture 10.Ozzy - Austin Powers and Goldmember 11.Ritchie Sambora - Brokeback Mountain(LOL) 12.Geddy Lee - ? it is without looking it up.

Answer 8

There are extra agencies - no I doubt if it will help on a cv (it might be the opposite).
Good luck.

Answer 9

Try www.extras.co.uk

Or www.thestage.co.uk