DO’S & DONT’S

To Being An Extra

… DO arrive early (max.15min). If you you are on time, you are late. You have not arrived until you Check In with the person in charge and they know you are there.

Give yourself some extra time to park and find this person. Double check your call time. Triple check the driving directions.

Also, make sure you know what you are supposed to bring to set-wardrobe is a common one, and always have a few options in your car even if they don’t tell you to.

**CALL YOUR AGENT AND EXTRAS CASTING IF YOU ARE GOING TO BE LATE!**

DON’T try to stand out. Extras are also known as background actors. You are meant to be in the background. Extras are there to help make the location come Alive. Also, if you stand out as an extra, the chances of booking a speaking role on the same show later on will be zero. Just try to blend in, and never ever look at camera.

DO bring snacks and something to pass the time. There is almost always food on set but you never know how much and how often you will eat so it’s a good idea to have a snack just in case.

Being an extra means most of your day will involve waiting. Bringing a book, or phone/tablet is totally acceptable – BUT NOT ON SET. Just make sure you are aware of what’s going on - you could be called to set at any minute and should always be ready. And plan bathroom breaks accordingly!

Time is money, and an idle production costs money. Don’t be the reason they can’t yell ‘Action!’ Always be ready and use the bathroom in between scenes instead of in between takes.

Check in with the PA or AD that is in charge of the extras. It’s their job to know where you are at all times, so be the one that helps make their life easier.

DON’T talk to crew or cast. Most actors are very focused when on set and asking them a question or making small talk (even if it seems like a good moment) could break their concentration. Follow this rule of thumb - speak only when spoken to. If a crew member is bored and strikes up conversation, feel free to speak to them. But be mindful that at any moment production could be ready to roll camera again and that is your main priority.

Also, part of the fun of being an extra is getting to work on sets of Movies, and TV shows and you may even work with your favourite actor. But remember, while working on set, you are a professional and not a fan. Don’t take pictures or ask for an autograph.

Be professional and maybe one day you will be acting alongside them.

DO be positive. Days can be long and breaks can be minimal. But even in extreme working conditions it is better to stay positive and have an upbeat mood. Never complain or talk bad about anyone on set. People will remember if you are ungrateful or negative and you won’t be hired again. It’s a small industry so be positive and remember why you are there - to gain experience on set and make a good impression with people who may be able to give you future opportunities.

DON’T be inconsiderate. Taking photos on set is not allowed. Unless your AD or PA specifically says it’s okay. Also, turn your phone off or on silent (a vibrating phone can be picked up by sensitive microphones so silence that bad boy).

Also, take note of what food you are supposed to eat. Sometimes extras will have separate tables of food set up so make sure you know what’s up for grabs.

When you are done eating the tasty free food, make sure to throw your trash away. No one likes a messy person, and it is someone’s job to pick up trash at the end of the day, so do your part to help them out.

And most of All….

DO have fun. You have the opportunity to work on a movie or television set, something that thousands of people would LOVE to do!