Wednesday, January 26, 2011

how to get call backs for modeling extra work

By Renee Garcia


Movie extras are those whose roles do not require lots of speaking. Also known as background artists, movie extras are expected to blend in with the rest of the other actors while filming. However, compared to professional actors, acting experience is not required. Movie extras can be anyone from different backgrounds, trainings, ethnicity or of a different age group. What extras need to take note of is that they should be able to take direction, they should be reliable, and they should arrive on the set early.

Not many people know that extras also come from agencies. Most of the time, a film will require a certain look, and the director will have to cast an extra based on that look. Requirements like this will almost always include requiring an extra to have a specific skill such as dancing. These are discussions you'd have with your agency, so it's really important that you develop a good relationship with an honest agency, rather than one that is out to take your money. There are many of those out there, so do your research beforehand and get ready for some honest conversations.

With regard to wardrobe, there are times that movie extras will have to bring what they need to wear, and this happens when the production budget is tight. Movie extras are also hired for different time periods. This means that they are needed for just a day while others are needed throughout the filming.

Most of the time, movie extras who are lucky enough to get called in basically just wait for things to happen. They sit down most of the time, just waiting. There are also some who get cast but are not needed as the filming progresses.

On the other hand, extras are also protected and are given the same working conditions as the professional actors. However, for extras who are members of the SAG, they receive union scale payments with an extra compensation for overtime work, special assignments, and costumes. Movie extras who are not members, however, are hired only when a specific number of SEC extras have been hired and the production needs more. Generally speaking, extras who do not have a union are paid less than those who are members of a union.

Most movie extras will say that movie life requires waiting for long periods. There are also instances when extras are not needed for that scheduled day.

Being a movie extra does not mean that the climb up to stardom is guaranteed. Movie extras occasionally get discovered cause anything can happen. Casting directors can recognize you from the last movie and give you a shot. It happens all the time.

Perhaps what makes the life of a movie extra interesting is that it provides a way to look into what Hollywood life is all about. Movie extras are given chances into observing how and what the life of an actor really is. While it can be said that having a job as a movie extra is not hard, it's also safe to say that it's not easy either.




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