My acting coach Cliff Osmond (see link below, he is the bomb, and no, I am not saying you should study with him because he only takes advanced students on audition. I am using this as an example ONLY that you should find a teacher at your level in your area and study), told me once that a student came walking into one of his classes and had such a huge level of confidence, that everyone in the room looked up and noticed it. He was not cocky, but was just so confident in himself and who he was, that when he was performing a scene, he was a true "natural". This guy took 3 weeks of acting lessons and then landed a contract role on a tv show. He is now a huge celebrity actor. But Cliff told me he has seen that happen only twice in his career as an acting teacher.
So don't fool yourself into believing that you are one of those rare people. Just go with the odds and study study, perform, practice, and study some more. Why wouldn't you want an edge on the competition when you are getting that rare audition before a great casting director for a great role in a great film? Those doors do NOT open very often, so BE PREPARED for when God (or whatever you want to call that "greater power that be") gives you that chance!! There is no worse feeling in the whole world as when you go in and audition for something really big, and all the casting director says is, "thank you". And you walk out the door and realize that you just stunk up the joint. I have been there and done that. You DO NOT want to go there. The casting directors remember those stinky auditions and you end up burning bridges.
I eventually got smart and took acting lessons, cold-reading workshops, private coaching. And finally when I was in my late 20's I finally became a "successful" actor. So just skip all of that trial-and-error crap and just learn as much as you can before you get those chances to audition for big roles. You can't go wrong, and you will have that special extra edge on the competition.
Be smart, and be prepared. Even the Boy Scouts know that motto!!
http://www.cliffosmond.com
Background Extras Photos
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!
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!
Advice for working as a Background Extra
* Buy a Thomas Brothers Map Book. The casting people will give you these map coordinates when giving you your call time and location.
* Bring a small folding chair, something to read, sunscreen, a couple of light snacks, a notepad, and two pens.
* Follow the wardrobe instructions and requirements, as you will be checked by the wardrobe department when you arrive on the set. Bring an extra jacket (even if it’s summertime). It's always cold on a sound stage, where you might be working. Ladies, take a pair of flats to wear when not on the set (your feet will thank you).
* ALWAYS show up at least 1/2 hour early. NEVER be late. Allow plenty of time for traffic, etc.
* When arriving at the location, immediately check in with the AD (assistant director), or whoever you were told to check in with. Fill in your name and address on the payment voucher. Make sure to fill in the hours worked and have the AD sign it at the end of the day.
* Never bring cameras or pets unless asked to do so. Also do not bring friends.
* NEVER take photos on the set with your cell phone. If caught, you will be fired and will most likely never work for that casting director again.
* NEVER ask for autographs or bother the actors. This is a professional work environment and not an appearance.
* Network with other background actors. If you obtain one good tip or referral, it could lead to a lot more background acting jobs. More work gives you more opportunities to get the necessary vouchers (three) to qualify to join SAG (Screen Actors Guild). Being a member of SAG gives you benefits you would not have as a non-union extra, e.g. double your pay and medical, dental and vision benefits.
* Always remain alert and ready to go to the set when asked. Do not leave the set unless you are given specific permission from the AD. Do not listen to headphones, as you will not be able to hear the AD when calling you to the set.
* ALWAYS be prepared to stay and work long hours (unless you are a minor, there are child labor laws which prevent minors from working too many hours).
* Pay attention when you are on the set being given your "marks" and "blocking". "Marks" are the spots where you position yourself on the set during filming. "Blocking" is the exact movements you will be making so as to remain in or out of the view of the camera.
* And ALWAYS remain quiet when in a sound stage, especially when filming. "Quiet On The Set" means "QUIET ON THE SET"! The microphones can pick up even the slightest whisper. Also, when the crew is setting up for shots, they need to be focused and hear each other. It can be loud enough for themselves, let alone the chatter of extras on top of it. So do not make noise or talk loudly in between filming.
* NEVER talk badly about anyone on the set, including the actors REGARDLESS of how you may feel about someone. Use tact when speaking about others. It is extremely poor character when speaking badly or disrespectful of or to others. If you hear someone else talking badly, ignore it. If someone speaks badly to or about you, just turn your cheek and do not return the bad character behavior, as the AD may end up only hearing YOU speak badly. Take this advice to heart if you wish to go far in the entertainment industry.
* When being fed lunch or dinner, ALWAYS let the cast and crew members get their food first. This is not because extras are less important, as many people who work on a film set may treat you. This is because the cast and crew need to get back to work as soon as possible, where the extras usually have by far the most "down time".
* And most importantly, HAVE FUN! There are huge egos on a film set. I mean gigantic monster stuck-up HUGE egos, and I'm not talking about just the actors! Take those people with a grain of salt... look at them as kind of like a cartoon character, then you can just smile at them. After all, isn't it pretty ridiculous to have a giant ego anyways? There are many people who will brag and brag about what they have done and what they are doing. There are long periods of standing and waiting. But hey, you are working on a movie or television set! How fun is that!! And you are learning about what happens on a set, becoming more and more comfortable in front of a camera. So enjoy the experience, as it can be VERY exciting.
* If you take my above advice to heart and give background acting your best shot, you'll enjoy it, make money at it and continue to work. And what's more fun than being with people, in the middle of the action and, later, seeing yourself on the silver screen?
Alan Baltes
* Bring a small folding chair, something to read, sunscreen, a couple of light snacks, a notepad, and two pens.
* Follow the wardrobe instructions and requirements, as you will be checked by the wardrobe department when you arrive on the set. Bring an extra jacket (even if it’s summertime). It's always cold on a sound stage, where you might be working. Ladies, take a pair of flats to wear when not on the set (your feet will thank you).
* ALWAYS show up at least 1/2 hour early. NEVER be late. Allow plenty of time for traffic, etc.
* When arriving at the location, immediately check in with the AD (assistant director), or whoever you were told to check in with. Fill in your name and address on the payment voucher. Make sure to fill in the hours worked and have the AD sign it at the end of the day.
* Never bring cameras or pets unless asked to do so. Also do not bring friends.
* NEVER take photos on the set with your cell phone. If caught, you will be fired and will most likely never work for that casting director again.
* NEVER ask for autographs or bother the actors. This is a professional work environment and not an appearance.
* Network with other background actors. If you obtain one good tip or referral, it could lead to a lot more background acting jobs. More work gives you more opportunities to get the necessary vouchers (three) to qualify to join SAG (Screen Actors Guild). Being a member of SAG gives you benefits you would not have as a non-union extra, e.g. double your pay and medical, dental and vision benefits.
* Always remain alert and ready to go to the set when asked. Do not leave the set unless you are given specific permission from the AD. Do not listen to headphones, as you will not be able to hear the AD when calling you to the set.
* ALWAYS be prepared to stay and work long hours (unless you are a minor, there are child labor laws which prevent minors from working too many hours).
* Pay attention when you are on the set being given your "marks" and "blocking". "Marks" are the spots where you position yourself on the set during filming. "Blocking" is the exact movements you will be making so as to remain in or out of the view of the camera.
* And ALWAYS remain quiet when in a sound stage, especially when filming. "Quiet On The Set" means "QUIET ON THE SET"! The microphones can pick up even the slightest whisper. Also, when the crew is setting up for shots, they need to be focused and hear each other. It can be loud enough for themselves, let alone the chatter of extras on top of it. So do not make noise or talk loudly in between filming.
* NEVER talk badly about anyone on the set, including the actors REGARDLESS of how you may feel about someone. Use tact when speaking about others. It is extremely poor character when speaking badly or disrespectful of or to others. If you hear someone else talking badly, ignore it. If someone speaks badly to or about you, just turn your cheek and do not return the bad character behavior, as the AD may end up only hearing YOU speak badly. Take this advice to heart if you wish to go far in the entertainment industry.
* When being fed lunch or dinner, ALWAYS let the cast and crew members get their food first. This is not because extras are less important, as many people who work on a film set may treat you. This is because the cast and crew need to get back to work as soon as possible, where the extras usually have by far the most "down time".
* And most importantly, HAVE FUN! There are huge egos on a film set. I mean gigantic monster stuck-up HUGE egos, and I'm not talking about just the actors! Take those people with a grain of salt... look at them as kind of like a cartoon character, then you can just smile at them. After all, isn't it pretty ridiculous to have a giant ego anyways? There are many people who will brag and brag about what they have done and what they are doing. There are long periods of standing and waiting. But hey, you are working on a movie or television set! How fun is that!! And you are learning about what happens on a set, becoming more and more comfortable in front of a camera. So enjoy the experience, as it can be VERY exciting.
* If you take my above advice to heart and give background acting your best shot, you'll enjoy it, make money at it and continue to work. And what's more fun than being with people, in the middle of the action and, later, seeing yourself on the silver screen?
Alan Baltes
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