Acting Extras

Being one of the numerous acting extras used everyday on Hollywood lots can be a very lucrative career as well as great way to get your foot in the studio door.

However, you do have to be careful. There are scams designed specifically to take advantage of those who long to work as an acting extra. The most common scam involves a high fee to sign on with an acting extras agency. This usually entitles you to a composite or a head shot that is unneccessary, or sometimes to a series of acting classes which are little benefit.

To avoid these scams, look for a well established, reputable agency. You'll likely to be asked for one time registration fee in the range of $20 or $30. But that's the extent of any payments you should be required to make. Just as with any other legitimate acting agency, they make their money by taking a small percentage of the money you earn acting. So their job is to find you auditions that suit your skills and physical type. If you're with an agent and not getting any work, you can move to another agency simply by giving your agent 30 days notice of the cancelation of the contract in writing.

On The Set

Be a professional. Arrive early on the set. Treat the case and crew with courtesy and respect. If a star initiates a conversation, then engage him or her. However, you're not there as a fan, you're there to do a job. Never bother the stars. If you are new, watch and learn from your more experienced colleagues.

Be patient. Sometimes being on the set means doing nothing for hours at a time. Bring along some reading material, and be prepared when asked to do something to do it immediately.

Food will be provided, but know your place in the pecking order - the bottom.

Get A SAG Card

There are two types of acting extras, those who have a Screen Actors Guild card (SAG) and those who don't. The Screen Actors Guild was set up to improve the working condition of actors. A SAG card means you get paid more and hopefully your career develops faster. An acting extra starts without a SAG card, builds up a body of work, then gets a card.

Look For Opportunities

Even though you have an agent, you should keep your eyes and ears open for potential work. Advertisements, films and television shows are filmed all over the country. When an outdoor scene is shot, locals are often used extras. You can often find leads in your local newspaper when a film is shot in your area. While the income is at the lower end of the pay-scale, every opportunity as an acting extra adds to your experience and potential other opportunities down the road.