It’s not hard to be an Extra, but here are some quick tips that will turn you into a great extra.
Be Reliable
Reliability is key in this industry. If you agree to do a job, there is nothing worst than letting down a whole Film or TV set because you couldn’t make it on time or not at all. The best thing is to be honest and be sure that when you say you are going to do something, you follow through with it. If you change your mind about something, best to let us know as quickly as possible.
Be Available
So many productions need people at short notice. Having flexibility in your work/study arrangements is a big positive when it comes to getting extras work.
Keep Your Talent Profile up to Date
It’s important to come in for a free photo update whenever your look changes. Casting Consultants book you based on your look in the photos so if your hairstyle, tattoos, body shape or anything else changes the way you look, you should come in for an update. It’s a good idea to get your measurements re-done at the same time.
If you change your contact details, it’s really important to let us know. We can’t book you if we can’t contact you.
If you’ve done a new acting course or learnt a new skill, let us know. We will add it to your profile. It is quite common for briefs to come through requesting a specific skill. We will only find your profile if it has the skill listed. It’s important not to exaggerate your skills because you will need to perform the skill on set if chosen.
Listen Carefully on Set
Try to relax when on set and listen carefully to the instructions. Do your best to understand what the Director or Assistant Director is asking you to do and do it without causing a fuss. The best extras are quiet, patient and respectful of everyone’s time and responsibilities.
Try not to attract attention
As a background extra, your job is to help create a realistic and consistent background for a particular scene. If you do things that attract attention, you will be distracting the viewer from the real action so you will either end up being cut out of the scene or asked to move somewhere where you are less distracting.
