Extra Work: Is It Worth It?
Image by: Tyler Yvette
Apart from internships, becoming an extra was one of the main ways I got on SAG feature and television sets. It was the first time I got to relax and take in my surroundings without the pressure of doing an entry-level production job. As a general rule, you never sit. As an extra, I felt like all I did was sit.
It’s very easy work if you can submit a couple of pictures of yourself to local casting and get called in. I had some great experiences as an extra and if you’re considering jumping into the extra life, here are some do’s and don’ts.
DO:
Observe. You’re there to get a feel for how a film or television set works. Take note of what’s happening around you. Everyone has a role, including you.
Be alert. It can be easy to zone out when you’re sitting in holding for hours or going through what seems like an endless amount of rehearsal. Pay attention. Extras have to be mindful of safety as well as a general professionalism. No one likes the extra falling asleep on camera or goofing off just because. Get used to the idea that someone is always watching.
Talk to people. Get to know people around you. I’ve met some very interesting people who worked as extras and went on to collaborate with a few of them later on.
DON’T:
Speak to any of the cast/crew about any of your opinions on the project. Unless asked (Hint: no one will ask).
Join cliques that form on set. If you do enough extra work, you’ll start to notice how the extra world will get smaller and smaller. People form groups and some even become the “mean girls” of that sub-culture of filmmaking. Avoid this at all costs. All those obnoxious people I encountered on their high for being featured in some way have not moved on to anything more than that. Observe and don’t bother with any extra noise.
Expect to be “discovered.” I know this goes without saying, but let’s face it, I definitely had fantasies of walking on a set one day as an extra and the director would pull me out of the crowd to star in his next feature, thus sky-rocketing me to fame! ….Yeah.
Put extra work on your resume. Just don’t.
Stay too long. Get the lay of the land and get out. You want just enough to feel comfortable on set. Some people make careers out of being an extra, which is fine! However, if you’re looking to achieve more, push yourself to reach that next level.
Enjoy yourself! After all, getting to be on set should be a fun experience!
