Are you curious how do you become an extra in a movie? Do you have dreams of being in the movies? While there are relatively few big stars, there are a lot of background extras. Whether you want to become a background extra in movies to get your acting career started, to make extra money as a side hustle, or as a new creative outlet, this guide will show you how to be an extra in a movie.
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How Do You Become An Extra In a Movie?
And action!
On a whim a few months ago, I applied to an Instagram ad from an extras agency for background extras.
They were looking for people for a large crowd scene in a mall for an upcoming Christmas film.
I have never acted before and dropped drama class as soon as I could in high school.
But I like trying new things, and didn’t think much of the application.
Like what are the chances? It’ll probably take months or more before I get background work.
I got offered a gig the next week.
This guide will show you how to become an extra in a movie, T.V. shows, or commercials.
There are different ways to get started depending on where you live. We’ll talk about all this. Let’s go!
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What Do You Need to Know To Be An Extra In a Movie?
Cameras rolling!
Quiet on set!
Back to one!
Technically you don’t need to know anything to become an extra in a movie.
Directors and BG handlers will show you what to do.
But it is helpful to know a few terms before your first day on film sets. It will help you feel more comfortable and a bit less like a wide-eyed newbie. 🙂
I Just used four of the common terms you’ll hear on a film set.
Cameras rolling, and quiet on set are pretty self-explanatory.
BG stands for backgrounders, aka background extras.
You’ll hear “BG” a lot on set, and that is your cue to pay attention and listen carefully. They will be asking you to do something or go somewhere.
The background handler is the person to ask if you have questions – don’t bother the director (and not usually the assistant director either).
“Back to one” is an important term you will hear a lot. When you are a background actor, you will be told where to start in a scene, meaning where you are to stand on set to start.
Remember this spot!
This is your “one”.
You will be asked to return there and it’s your responsibility to remember where this is.
You might be in multiple scenes in the same room throughout the filming day, so make sure to pay attention to where your current “one” is.
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Do You Need Prior Acting Experience to Become An Extra In a Movie?
No you don’t. While there will for sure be extras on set that are very experienced, it’s not a requirement.
On big sets there will also be lots of beginners and many complete newbies.
You have to start somewhere.
A friend of mine was new to acting, but not new to trying new things. She applied to be a background extra in a commercial and got the part.
She got paid very well for a day of work and had no previous experience.
What I found helpful, especially my very first time on set was this:
Find a couple of experienced background actors and make friends with them.
I found they loved initiating the new BGs into the film world.
Even as a background extra there is a lot to know.
While you don’t need to know any of it ahead of time, it’s helpful to have some background acting mentors to show you the ropes right on set.
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Do You Need an Agent to Be an Extra In a Movie?
It depends.
Which might be an unsatisfying answer, but I’ll explain and it’ll make sense.
If you live in a major city with a big film scene you will need an agent to get background extra jobs.
New York or San Francisco or Los Angeles? Yes, get an agent.
Some film companies won’t even look at your application unless you have agent representation.
This is by no means always the case though.
I don’t have an agent and have been regularly getting background extra jobs.
I represent myself, I apply to film extra jobs on my own, and have never had issues. This is the standard for the film industry in my city.
If you need an agent in your city, they will do the work for you and tell you what you need.
If you are representing yourself, you need to get in to a background actors database. Search that term for your city.
Some cities you will only be allowed to join one background extras company. Other cities like mine, it is perfectly fine (and encouraged) to join more than one.
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What Are Background Actor Applications Like?
Applications to be a background extra are usually quite similar.
They will need your contact information, any previous experience, your physical stats, and photos.
You will need to put your physical measurements on the application: height, weight, dress size, shoe size, pant size, etc. Don’t shave 20 pounds off your actual weight or make yourself taller. This isn’t Tinder.
Put your true size so you’re accurately representing yourself.
Production companies often need all different kinds of body types and sizes for background extras.
They don’t need people to misrepresent themselves, particularly if they are providing wardrobe for movie extras – they need to know your size.
For photos, they will require a headshot and a full-body picture.
These need to be current and what you look like right now.
If you recently cropped your hair short, or dyed your hair a different color, you need pics of that for the casting company.
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How Much Do You Get Paid to Be an Extra In a Movie?
How much do extras get paid?
There are two main ways to get paid as a background extra:
- You can get an hourly pay, or
- Get paid a lump sum for the day of work.
You won’t get to pick which way you get paid.
When you get sent the offer of work email (or sometimes in the posting) they will let you know the pay before you accept the background acting job.
I found that the pay really varies a lot depending on the film’s budget.
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Before I started background acting I assumed background actors were volunteers. I thought they did it for the love of film and for the experience of being part of a movie!
Anyways, you do get paid as a background extra.
Some productions paid their background extras a few dollars more per hour than minimum wage, so not much money.
Others paid a daily rate ranging between $250 and $1000. The high end of the pay scale was for featured background roles, not big crowd scenes.
Being a background performer can be a great part-time job!
Next you’ll learn what else you should know to become an extra in a movie…
Here are 10 Tips for How to Be an Extra In a Movie:
1. Bring Something Non-Electronic to Set
You will have a lot of extra time waiting around on movie sets.
Expect long hours on filming days and plan for that.
Bring a book or knitting or something non-electronic to do when you’re in holding.
My new hobby is chess so I like to bring a travel chess set with me.
There is usually someone there who knows how to play chess, and it’s a good way to get to know fellow background actors.
Sudoku, crossword puzzles, magazines, etc. are all good options.
2. Quiet on Set (and Beyond)
Keep the noise level down when you’re in holding.
Often they will be filming fairly close to where you are waiting with the other extras. You will get shushed if you are talking or laughing too loudly.
You don’t want to get canceled from the film industry before your big break.
3. Bring your Phone Charger
Bring your phone charger.
You will likely have hours of downtime.
When you first get to the BG holding area, scout out wall outlets. There probably won’t be that many.
This is why tip #1 is about bringing something non-electronic so you are not hooped if your phone dies and you can’t charge it.
This goes without saying but never unplug anything plugged into a wall outlet when you are anywhere on or near a set.
You could also bring your own portable charger if you have one to make sure your phone stays charged the entire day.
4. Bring a Travel Toothbrush Set
You will likely be there for many hours and you will be eating.
You don’t want anything stuck in your teeth when you are on camera.
Brush and floss after lunch or dinner.
This travel toothbrush set has everything you need.
5. Pee Breaks on Set
You won’t have the luxury of peeing whenever you want during the filming process.
Take that into account when you’re going for your fourth cup of coffee.
Sometimes you will be given a warning that you will be going on set in 5 minutes.
This is your chance to use the washroom – use it.
But you won’t always be given notice ahead of being needed on set.
What this means is take quick pee breaks when you can. You might have to hold it when you are on set.
When you have wrapped up a scene and are back in BG holding, go to the washroom.
While you don’t want to dehydrate yourself on filming days, I wouldn’t go crazy on the liquids either.
6. Remember Your ID
Bring ID and proof of address.
You’ll need this to fill out your form to get paid.
7. You Will Likely Be Fed Well
You will likely be fed well.
Hot breakfasts, soups and sandwiches for lunch, and buffet dinners are common.
Snacks and drinks are plentiful.
As a mom who always has my mom purse fully stocked with snacks (for her and me – Suchot can get hangry), even I found all my extra snacks unnecessary.
8. Don’t Get In The Way
Pay attention to where the cameras are and where the main actors are, if you are in a scene with them.
You do not want to get in between the cameras and the main characters if you are in a scene with a lot of movement, like a walking scene.
You don’t need to majorly stress about this but be mindful of the cameras and the main focus of the scene (hint, it will most likely not be you lol).
Not about me:
9. Follow Social Media to Hear About Background Extra Gigs
Follow the social media accounts of the casting extras agencies in your city.
Casting agencies will often post their latest background extra job openings on their socials before they look through their database.
If you feel like you are a match for any of their casting calls, apply right away.
If they like you, it could save the casting directors tons of time searching their database of background artists for a perfect fit.
You get the gig, and they save time…win-win!
10. Dress the Part
Pay attention to the specific clothing, hair, and makeup requirements for your role.
Yes you are in the background, but your role is important.
You need to look the part for the film, otherwise it would throw off the look of the scene.
For one production I did my own hair and makeup at home (there were a huge number of background actors).
The other films I was in I had my hair and makeup done there. That was extra fun, it made me feel more like an actor. 🙂
If you’re curious, here are some of the films and productions I have been in. Don’t blink too slowly or you might miss me! Lol
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Good luck with becoming an extra in a movie! It’s really fun and rewarding. 🙂