Known as background artists, movie extras play roles that do not require a lot of speaking but have to blend in with the rest of the other actors. Unlike actors or actresses, movie extras do not need any experience in acting. They can come from different backgrounds, different training, ethnicity and even of different age brackets. The only things extras need to do are to take direction as well as be reliable and arrive to the set on time.

Not everyone knows that movie extras are outsourced from agencies like the professional actors. This is because it makes it easier for a casting director to search for an extra who has the required specific look for the movie. When in casting, some casting directors also require a certain skill, such as dancing. If you get involved with a talent agency, you may find yourself cast as an extra in some kind of production. This is one of those conversations you’ll have to have with your agency. Honesty is a must, which is why you want to choose a reputable agency, one that’s not just looking for your money.

With regard to wardrobe, there are times that movie extras will have to bring what they need to wear, and this happens when the production budget is tight. Movie extras are also hired for different time periods. This means that they are needed for just a day while others are needed throughout the filming.

Most of the time, movie extras who are lucky enough to get called in basically just wait for things to happen. They sit down most of the time, just waiting. There are also some who get cast but are not needed as the filming progresses.

With regard to membership in an organization, movie extras are not required to be members of the Screen Actors Guild of the United States or the SAG. The reason for this is that, the SAG only has members who have speaking roles.

Most movie extras will say that movie life requires waiting for long periods. There are also instances when extras are not needed for that scheduled day.

Extras occasionally get discovered. Being one does also not mean that the climb up the acting ladder will be guaranteed. Movie extras are also separated from the professional actors and there are even rules about talking and mingling with the more senior extras. However, the advantage of being an extra provides you with the experience as well as learning how the industry works, the set rules, the technical terms, and how everything goes inside a set.

Perhaps what makes the life of a movie extra interesting is that it provides a way to look into what Hollywood life is all about. Movie extras are given chances into observing how and what the life of an actor really is. While it can be said that having a job as a movie extra is not hard, it’s also safe to say that it’s not easy either.

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