How to Become an Extra in Movies and

Television
BY 

PHIL BREMAN
 
Updated November 12, 2018

All of those people you see wandering around the background of your favorite movies
and television shows are called "extras." Extras are actors and actresses who serve as
"dressed background." They help to sell the idea that a scene is filled with real people
just going about their daily business.

Extras aren't always professional actors. In fact, most extras are just regular folk who
wanted to be a part of the film and television industry. Extras are paid a fairly small
wage for their participation and they are usually expected to stay on set from the
beginning of production until wrap (the end of production).

Depending on the type, size and budget of the production, the extras may or may not
take part in makeup, wardrobe, hair, etc. Often many period pieces will entail that the
extras are "fully dressed and fitted" which means that they are provided with costuming
by the wardrobe department. But more often than not, extras are simply informed
beforehand of the type of clothing they will need to bring and asked to furnish it
themselves.

So, none of this seems all that glamorous, right? Well, the fact is that being an extra
really isn't all that glamorous. In fact, it's probably one of the least glamorous positions
on a set. That said, why would anyone in their right mind want to do such a job?

Networking
Probably the best reason to take a job working as an extra is it gives you the ability to
network with dozens of fellow people who are all trying to break into the industry in one
capacity or another. The contacts you make here might lead to a number of other
opportunities down the line as many of the people you come across could perhaps find
success in their niche and thus be able to help you in your own career endeavors.

Understanding the Industry

If you're new to the industry, no matter how many books you read or classes you take,
you can never fully understand the inner workings of a film or television set unless you
spend a great deal of time on one. There is a reason Hollywood is called a "factory."
The main reason is because much of the work that is done on a set is manual labor.
From lugging cable and camera dollies to adjusting lights, props, etc., a movie set is a
factory churning out film and television as its product. Being an extra on a set will
expose you to this reality, as well as let you see first hand what these people do.

You might find that there are particular jobs you never even thought of that are
appealing to you.

Opportunity
It's not likely, but it has certainly been known to happen that someone may spot you and
realize that you are meant for much more than just background. From casting
directors to writers to agents wandering the set, you never know who has their eyes on
you. So, being on a set in this capacity might just open up a few doors you never
thought possible.

How to Get the Job

Extras are hired either as individuals for a particular scene or in groups for a series of
shots. There are "Extras Wrangling" companies which are those companies that
specialize in finding extras of a particular age, appearance or ethnic background. By
registering with these companies, they simply contact you when an opportunity with
criteria that matches your particular physical description comes up. You are then given
a call sheet by the production office and told when to report to work.
On most sets, your "boss" will either be the Second Assistant Director or Extras Captain
(or Wrangler—or it could even be under a different name—it depends on the production
company). Make things easy on yourself and on them by doing exactly as you're told.
They will be very specific about things like when to come out, where to go and whom
you should and should not speak to on a set. This directive will be made very clear to
you by the way as it's distinctly possible you could be made an extra on a production
that has a major star roaming around and the last thing they want you doing is
approaching them uninvited. 

More often than not, you'll simply be replaced if you ignore this directive.

That said, it's an easy, yet tiring and thankless job. However, if you're simply looking for
any way to be a part of a Hollywood movie or television set than becoming an extra
might just be your ticket in.