Film and television extras use a color 4"x6" snapshot with a white background, from the waist up. On the back of the photos, you should have the following listed:
Name
Height
Weight
Hair Color
Eye Color
Contact Phone Number
Shirt Size
Pant Size/Dress Size
Coat Size
Shoe Size
Hat Size
On the vast majority of open casting calls for extras, they will take your photo at the casting call. But it is best to be prepared and bring your own photo with several different "looks". One wearing something upscale such as a tuxedo or suit & tie, one wearing something casual such as jeans & t-shirt, and something specialized such as a police uniform. Keep in mind that you should own whatever clothes you wear in the photos in case they want you to wear the same outfit on the shoot. Just make sure that your photos are updated and actually represent what you currently look like.
Click Here for sample photos used for extra work (photos courtesy of Rich Hogan Photography).
Note About Extra Work From Casting Director Lana Veenker:
This is one thing you can do without acting experience, but keep in mind that you can only work as an extra in the region where you live. If there's a movie you want to be in and it's shooting halfway across the world, you need to either move there or have a place to stay for a few weeks (and even then, there's no guarantee you'll definitely be needed). Also, you need to be able to legally work in the country where the film is shooting. The production company won't hire you without a valid work permit or proof of citizenship. Unfortunately, those are the breaks!
ABC Family Auditions has casting calls and talent search information for the networks' shows and movies.
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I have worked in the Entertainment Industry as long as I can remember. I have been a member of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists since 1985. I decided to create and maintain this blog in my spare time to help people who do not have an agent, who are interested in becoming a professional actor. I hope the information on this page can help you achieve your dream of working as an actor or extra on television shows and movies. I post this information absolutely free of charge, and try to verify all details as much as possible. I hope my websites continue to help talent obtain employment in the entertainment industry.
Note: All content on third-party advertisers' websites is the sole responsibility of the respective website publisher(s)/owner(s).
Sincerely,
Alan Baltes
Note: All content on third-party advertisers' websites is the sole responsibility of the respective website publisher(s)/owner(s).
Sincerely,
Alan Baltes
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Talent Agents and Managers
For beginners, the best thing is to send your photo and resume to as many agents as possible. It is very very difficult to get an agent without being in SAG and/or AFTRA. I recommend any legit agent that will sign you. I also recommend reading all of the information on the following blog:
Talent Agents
Do I have to pay money to audition?
NO! Never ever pay someone to audition. If they ask you to pay, then it is surely a scam. Legit casting directors, agents, and managers never charge any up-front fees whatsoever.
You should never be asked or required to attend any specific classes, use any specific photographers, or pay ANY upfront fees.
Agents typically get 10% of your paycheck AFTER you work. Managers typically get 15%. Casting Directors get paid by the studio or production company.
The only fee you should ever pay for is legit extras casting agencies, such as Central Casting in Burbank, CA. They may charge a small photo imaging fee of around $20, this is because they must take a digital photo of all extras for consistency in their files, and to make sure that they know what the extra looked like when they registered.
So the answer is NO! It costs absolutely nothing to audition for television shows and films.
You should never be asked or required to attend any specific classes, use any specific photographers, or pay ANY upfront fees.
Agents typically get 10% of your paycheck AFTER you work. Managers typically get 15%. Casting Directors get paid by the studio or production company.
The only fee you should ever pay for is legit extras casting agencies, such as Central Casting in Burbank, CA. They may charge a small photo imaging fee of around $20, this is because they must take a digital photo of all extras for consistency in their files, and to make sure that they know what the extra looked like when they registered.
So the answer is NO! It costs absolutely nothing to audition for television shows and films.
Important information about uploading audition videos
A large number of casting directors and studios are now using Cast It Systems' ActorCast to allow people to upload audition videos for specific projects and roles.
When uploading audition videos, make absolutely sure to follow the directions exactly as stated. If they want it done a specific way, then do not disregard the instructions and do whatever you want.
Not following the instructions is a sure way to NOT get a call back. If you can't follow simple directions on how to tape and submit an audition video, then the casting director will assume that you may not be able to take direction well on set during filming. And that is not a good thing. So be very careful and follow the directions exactly as they are explained. Remember that not following directions can cost you the part!
When uploading audition videos, make absolutely sure to follow the directions exactly as stated. If they want it done a specific way, then do not disregard the instructions and do whatever you want.
Not following the instructions is a sure way to NOT get a call back. If you can't follow simple directions on how to tape and submit an audition video, then the casting director will assume that you may not be able to take direction well on set during filming. And that is not a good thing. So be very careful and follow the directions exactly as they are explained. Remember that not following directions can cost you the part!
What To Expect at an Audition
When you are called to audition, you are given "sides" which is a few pages of script to read. You can usually download these lines a few days before the audition. Sometimes they have you do a "cold reading" where you are given the sides right there and then.
When you arrive, you sign in at the receptionists desk, wait in the front office usually with several other actors. When they call you in, you sit down and have a brief conversation with the CD. It is best to ask them a few questions about the script, project, role, etc., before they bring it up! And that is it. If they like you, they usually call you back within a day or two to come back and read for the director and maybe writer, etc.
When you arrive, you sign in at the receptionists desk, wait in the front office usually with several other actors. When they call you in, you sit down and have a brief conversation with the CD. It is best to ask them a few questions about the script, project, role, etc., before they bring it up! And that is it. If they like you, they usually call you back within a day or two to come back and read for the director and maybe writer, etc.
Getting experience as an Extra
I personally feel that if a person does not have experience, doing extra work is a fantastic way to get used to being on a film or TV set. It gives you an idea of how things work and allows you to become comfortable on a set without risking "burning bridges" if you get nervous and a little stage fright.
I myself did extra work in the beginning of my career and it helped me tremendously. I had terrible stage fright, but I became very comfortable after doing background work for a while. It doesn't pay a whole lot, but the experience you get is valuable.
Acting is like any other job, the more training and experience a person has, the better chance of getting the job. But at the same time, we all have to start somewhere!
I myself did extra work in the beginning of my career and it helped me tremendously. I had terrible stage fright, but I became very comfortable after doing background work for a while. It doesn't pay a whole lot, but the experience you get is valuable.
Acting is like any other job, the more training and experience a person has, the better chance of getting the job. But at the same time, we all have to start somewhere!
Advice For Auditioning
1. Always know what you are auditioning for.
2. Arrive thirty minutes prior to the audition time. This will allow ample time to check in and warm up, check out your competition.
3. Bring at least 2 photos and resumes. Photos should reflect current physical likeness (should always be updated!).
4. Do not chew gum ( all directors hate it).
5. When attending callbacks, always wear the same attire worn at audition. Try to do everything you did the first time because it has already worked during the first audition.
6. Be confident, smile, always have a positive attitude.
7. Act excited about everything you asked to do.
Actors/Improvisation:
Be prepared for improvisation.
Different voices and dialects are a plus.
Prepare a dramatic and comedic monologue no more than 2 minutes in length.
Note if the audition is going to provide sides (a portion of the script).
Singers:
Bring 2 selections of sheet music, 1 up-tempo and 1 ballad, in legible condition.
Be prepared to sing the best 16 bars.
Know your vocal range.
Sheet music should have full musical notation and in the key in which you will perform.
If audition requires movement, dress appropriately.
Dancers:
Wear appropriate dance attire.
Bring appropriate dance shoes.
If the audition requires singing, bring at least 2 selections of sheet music, 1 up-tempo and 1 ballad. Be prepared to sing the best 16 bars.
2. Arrive thirty minutes prior to the audition time. This will allow ample time to check in and warm up, check out your competition.
3. Bring at least 2 photos and resumes. Photos should reflect current physical likeness (should always be updated!).
4. Do not chew gum ( all directors hate it).
5. When attending callbacks, always wear the same attire worn at audition. Try to do everything you did the first time because it has already worked during the first audition.
6. Be confident, smile, always have a positive attitude.
7. Act excited about everything you asked to do.
Actors/Improvisation:
Be prepared for improvisation.
Different voices and dialects are a plus.
Prepare a dramatic and comedic monologue no more than 2 minutes in length.
Note if the audition is going to provide sides (a portion of the script).
Singers:
Bring 2 selections of sheet music, 1 up-tempo and 1 ballad, in legible condition.
Be prepared to sing the best 16 bars.
Know your vocal range.
Sheet music should have full musical notation and in the key in which you will perform.
If audition requires movement, dress appropriately.
Dancers:
Wear appropriate dance attire.
Bring appropriate dance shoes.
If the audition requires singing, bring at least 2 selections of sheet music, 1 up-tempo and 1 ballad. Be prepared to sing the best 16 bars.
Brand Yourself With Headshots
You should have two good color headshots (not "airbrushed", unless only to clean up a loose hair, etc), one "serious" and one "smiling". But it doesn't hurt to have 3-4 "looks". Try to portray the best possible image of your "brand". In other words, the type of personality and look that you would best portray.
Sometimes it is best to ask several other people who know you, like teachers, friends, etc. Parents often do not correctly see their child as portraying the "type" that they really should be. Here are some of the primary "types" for young actors:
Young Females:
awkward/gawky
artist
brain
bully
girl-next-door
ingénue/innocent muse
jock
princess
trendsetter
Young Males:
bad boy
boy-next-door
brain
bully
jock
nerdy kid/future genius
paste-eater/super uncool
quirky/trendy
smart-ass
Sometimes it is best to ask several other people who know you, like teachers, friends, etc. Parents often do not correctly see their child as portraying the "type" that they really should be. Here are some of the primary "types" for young actors:
awkward/gawky
artist
brain
bully
girl-next-door
ingénue/innocent muse
jock
princess
trendsetter
Young Males:
bad boy
boy-next-door
brain
bully
jock
nerdy kid/future genius
paste-eater/super uncool
quirky/trendy
smart-ass
How long does it take for a casting director to contact you if you submit a photo and resume?
It is just a matter of waiting. There are no time frames as to when they might get in touch. Sometimes they will keep a photo and resume for future consideration, sometimes they do not. It is all timing. You just hope that they are casting for a specific type when the photo and resume lands on their desk. Casting Directors do NOT contact you to let you know that they are not interested, they ONLY call if they want you to come in for an audition.
Important Safety Guidelines
I always recommend using a PO BOX instead of your home address when submitting. This is another good reason that getting an agent as soon as possible is of utmost importance. Then your agents contact information is all that is listed on the resume, cover letter, and envelope. There is an earlier post about how to get an agent in my blog archives (or table of contents).
Also, NEVER meet someone outside of a professional environment such as a studio or casting/agents office. Do NOT meet someone at a restaurant, private residence, etc. You should ALWAYS let someone else know EXACTLY where you are going, WHO you are meeting, and WHEN you are going there.
And a parent or guardian must ALWAYS accompany minors. A parent or guardian should NEVER be out of eyesight of the minor, whether it be at auditions or on set.
Also, NEVER meet someone outside of a professional environment such as a studio or casting/agents office. Do NOT meet someone at a restaurant, private residence, etc. You should ALWAYS let someone else know EXACTLY where you are going, WHO you are meeting, and WHEN you are going there.
And a parent or guardian must ALWAYS accompany minors. A parent or guardian should NEVER be out of eyesight of the minor, whether it be at auditions or on set.
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