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If you are the sort of person who likes to name-drop and rub shoulders with famous
people, working as a 'movie extra' could be a great way to supplement your teaching
income.
A movie extra is an actor or actress in a movie/TV commercial/corporate
documentary, etc, who has no lines to deliver. He might be the person walking
past in a crowded street scene, or someone chatting in the background as the main
actor sips cocktails in the foreground. You need no prior acting experience to
become an extra, and you certainly don't need movie-star looks.
Admittedly,
very few countries - with the notable exception of India - have anything like
the number of opportunities for movie extra work as the USA. But most countries
have a film industry, even a small one. And most films need extras.
A typical day's work will require an early start, plus 4-8
hours on the movie set (much of which will involve standing
around doing nothing). For what it actually entails, extra
work generally pays very well (US$100-$200 per day, sometimes
much more). It can also open all sorts of doors and create
opportunities for meeting people from disparate backgrounds.
So how do you pick up movie extra work?
1.
Register with a casting agent.
Casting
for extras is usually subcontracted to local casting agencies. Approaching such
casting agencies with a recent photo (8 x 10cm) of yourself is all that is required.
Make sure your name and contact details are clearly marked on the back of the
photo. Note: Many casting agencies charge a small registration fee, in return
for which they will put your photo in a directory and will usually make phone
calls to secure you work. Although casting agencies will tell you it is ethically
unsound, there is nothing to stop you from enrolling with different casting agencies. 2.
Call the casting agent...
...regularly,
to find out about about forthcoming shoots and to update them
on your availability.
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