Movie-Extra Jobs in Films
Large Cities Offer Acting Opportunities for Amateurs
All types and ages groups are needed, so as to provide a realistic appearance to the film. Pay depends on the production budget and can be minimal, but the work is fascinating and meals are first-rate.
Sources for Work
Extra work is available through several sources. Search online for casting agencies in large cities such as San Francisco or Los Angeles. In smaller cities, check with local theaters or a Film Commission Board and watch newspapers for casting notices. When registering, a clear, recent snapshot must accompany the casting sheet, along with information on height, weight, hair and eye color, special abilities and availability.
Wardrobe
Unless extras will be used in a scene requiring a specific wardrobe such as a police officer’s uniform, they will need to bring two or three of their own outfits for the wardrobe department to choose from.
Hours
Call time can be any hour of the day or night. Pay is based on an eight-hour shift; anything beyond is overtime. A holding area for extras to pass the time between takes is provided. It is advisable to bring something to read, as it takes time for lights and cameras to be re-set when the shooting moves to another location. Extras must stay in this holding area, letting an assistant director know if a restroom visit is needed, since they can be summoned to the set on a moment’s notice.
Set Protocol
- Extras may not address actors, take photos, or ask for autographs
- No alcohol, drugs or smoking
- Don’t bring valuables
- If provided with wardrobe, protect it at lunch and return before signing out
- Turn in pay voucher at end of day. Extras leaving early will not be paid.
Set Language
- Call Time Time to report to work
- First Position #1 Starting position in scene
- Background Action Cue to begin
- Action Cue for principal actors to begin
- Back to 1 Return to first position and repeat scene
- First Team Actors
- Second Team Lighting stand-ins (can be extras receiving more pay)
- Wrap Shooting complete
Working actor Ralph Peduto, (Mrs. Doubtfire, The Rock) teaches classes on how to perform in front of the camera. He advises students who want to pursue a career in acting to learn all sides of the business by starting as an extra to learn on-set protocol and to experience first-hand what a working set is like.
Warner Bros. Movie Filmed at California's Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Over 2000 extras were hired for Lost Boys, starring Diane Wiest and Kiefer Sutherland and directed by Joel Schumacher. Most of the action took place at night on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Call times were 7:30 p.m. and one shift worked until 5:00 a.m. Numerous films have taken place in Santa Cruz County due to the scenic coastline and majestic redwood trees.
Monterey County Films
Over 200 movies have been filmed in Monterey County, reports Karen Nordstrand, Director of Marketing & Film Production of the Monterey County Film Commission. Two notable films were - 1989, Turner & Hooch starring Tom Hanks and directed by Roger Spottiswoode - and 1992, Basic Instinct starring Michael Douglas and Sharon Stone, directed by Paul Verhoeven.
Judith Bouley of Santa Cruz, a member of the Casting Society of America, started out her career in 1985 by casting extras for movies shot in Santa Cruz and Monterey. She has now done casting for major productions, including Evita. She says, “What held true then, holds true now....show up with a good attitude, an open heart and comfortable shoes…and be ready for anything.”
Related article:
Film-Making Trivia by June Smith
Lights on Set for for Monterey County Film Shoot
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Setting for Turner & Hooch
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