Q: How do I get work as an extra in film and television? How do I make sure I’m a good extra if I do get the job? —Imran K., L.A.
Being an extra, or “background actor,” is a fantastic way to make money, get on set, and learn a ton. It requires a certain skill set, patience, and endurance. I first started doing extra work back in the 1990s working on the original “Law & Order,” changing costumes so I could be both a cop and a skinhead in the same episode.
Though I no longer work as a background actor, I have many students who do and know how it all works these days. If you’re looking to get into extra work, here’s what you need to know.
First things first: Register with Backstage. Talk to every actor you know; ask if they’re doing background work and where they found it. If you ever pass a production on the street, kindly ask anyone with a headset if they know who they hired their extras from. I did this once, called the agency, and was on the set as an extra the next week. If you know any production people, ask them for a referral.
When registering on casting sites, you’ll have to provide your physical description and give a recent photo or headshot. Fill in all
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