How do you become an extra in a movie?

Question

I always wondered how to become an extra in a movie or show. Is there a website that posts it up? Do you have to audition for it??

Answer 1

There are calls for extras at various levels. The easiest access is checking with your local newspaper's entertainment editor and asking where they run calls for extras when they get them, then keep an eye on that location. This will involve largish crowds needed for basketball, football, etc., games, for background people needed for city scapes or park scenes.
You can see if you have a casting director operation in your area in the Yellow Pages and call them saying you would like to do extra work and giving the hours when you are free. This is more likely to get you work when a modest number of people are needed - like filling the background in a restaurant or mall scene where 20 or so people are needed.
Once you have worked a few and prove that you show up, behave, etc., then you may get on a list where they call for extra work that requires a costume (say a business suit, or cowboy dress) and being available for several days. You might even get a line in passing "Yes, Mr. Johnson" for which you are paid. According to an article I read some time ago, extras who are serious about "extraing" work hard to keep their faces showing, so they can to different things in the same movie and not get known - "Hey, that guy with the big nose, I saw him last week in ... "

Answer 2

My understanding is that you just hang out on the set and audition with all of the other extras.

Answer 3

I've seen ads in the newspapers in Los Angeles

Answer 4

audition