Do you want to be a successful Hollywood actor, but do you have little acting experience? If so, you should take steps to gain that experience. You do have several different approaches, but one of the easiest to take is working as an extra. Extras are needed on the sets of both movies and television shows.
Before outlining how you can become an extra in Hollywood, it is important to familiarize yourself with the part. You may already know that an extra is just that, an extra person in the background. But did you know that extras come in several different formats? They do.
For starters, there are short-term extras and day extras. Day extras are those who are needed on the set for the entire day. Multiple scenes are filmed in which those in the background are needed. Working as a day extra in nice, as you get to spend the day on the set. This allows you to learn a lot; however, you may not be pleased with the pay. When compared to other extra work, day extras tend to make the least money.
In addition to short-term extras, which are only needed for a short period, there are specialty extras. These extras have a special talent. For example, a movie may take place in a dance club. In that scene, extras will need to dance, drink, bartend, and DJ. Specialty extras are paid a higher rate if a special talent is required for the part.
If you are interested in working as a Hollywood extra, you need to contact a casting agency. These agencies can be found through networking, trade magazines, and the internet. You will want to use caution. Many Hollywood scams involve fake casting agencies, where your personal information or money is stolen. You can avoid these scams by using the internet to research casting agencies first.
Once you find a reputable casting agency, you need to follow all directions provided to you. This should include forms to fill out. These forms will include a small amount of personal information, such as your contact information. Questions about your acting experience or appearance are common too. Most importantly, photographs are needed. Headshots and full body photographs are usually requested.
Unlike acting, working as an extra relies heavily on chance. A casting agency will pull your file and consider you for the role of an extra based solely on their needs and your looks. For example, if a role calls for a blonde-haired woman, you will be bypassed if you are male or have red hair. The good news is that Hollywood studios need extras of all body types, including both large and small.
Hollywood is your best place to gain work as an extra, but you honestly never know. For example, Transformers 2, a Michael Bay film, shot scenes in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. In May of 2008, open casting calls were sent out. People thousands of miles away from Hollywood had the opportunity to work as an extra on this big budget Hollywood film.
In addition to working as an extra, stand-ins are needed. Stand-ins temporarily replace main characters, often to mark a spot on the set. For example, if the lighting or camera angles need adjustment, a stand-in will take the place of the leading star. What is nice about working as a stand-in is you are needed longer than an extra. In fact, you may have guaranteed work for the length of the television show’s season or the filming length of a movie.
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