Being an Extra
Being an extra doesn’t have to be a nightmare, but it can have challenges. It can be long hours of waiting around, sometimes in uncomfortable conditions like extreme weather or crowded spaces. Pay can be minimal, and the work can be repetitive.
However, many people enjoy being extras for various reasons. Some do it for the experience of being on a film set, the chance to see how movies are made up close. Others do it as a hobby or to meet people in the industry. Some aspiring actors use extra work as a way to get noticed or to gain experience on set.
Like any job, the experience can vary widely depending on the production, the conditions, and the individual’s perspective. Some extras have a great time and find it rewarding, while others may find it tedious or frustrating. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and how one approaches the opportunity.
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Ruining Your Chances of Becoming a Real Actor
“The best advice I can give to any young actor is, stay out of the background.” – Michael Cane
Being an extra doesn’t necessarily ruin your chances of becoming a principal actor, but it’s important to understand the role of an extra in the industry. Extra work can provide valuable experience on a film set and help you understand how productions are run, which can be beneficial for aspiring actors. However, it’s important to recognize that extra work is different from principal acting roles. Extras are usually background performers who do not have speaking lines or significant roles in the story. While being an extra can provide exposure and networking opportunities, it’s not typically a direct pathway to landing principal roles.
Moreover, It is important to move away from being a professional extra as soon as possible if you want to establish yourself as a principal actor. To transition from being an extra to a principal actor, you’ll likely need to pursue acting training, build your skills, and audition for speaking roles. Networking with industry professionals, including directors, casting directors, and fellow actors, can also help you gain visibility and opportunities for larger roles.
Ultimately, whether extra work helps or hinders your chances of becoming a principal actor depends on how you approach it and what steps you take to further your acting career. It can be a valuable stepping stone if you use it as a learning experience and leverage it to advance your acting career – as long as you don’t prioritize being an extra.
[Read also: Why Background Agents Will Never Book You Authentic Roles]
Being an Extra to Get SAG-AFTRA Vouchers
Being an extra can sometimes earn SAG-AFTRA vouchers. SAG-AFTRA vouchers are given to non-union actors who work on a SAG-AFTRA production in a speaking or principal role, or who perform specific tasks that warrant union eligibility. These vouchers allow non-union actors to join the union after earning a certain number of vouchers.
While it’s less common for extras to receive vouchers compared to actors in speaking roles, it is possible in some cases. For example, if a production needs a non-union extra to perform a specific task or to fill a featured background role, they may receive a voucher for their work.
However, earning a SAG-AFTRA voucher as an extra is not guaranteed, and it often depends on the specific needs of the production and the discretion of the casting team.
[Read also: SAG Voucher Tips: How to Get 3 Vouchers!]
The Full-Time Extras
For some people, being an extra provides an opportunity to be part of the filmmaking process without the pressure of being in the spotlight. They might enjoy the experience of being on set, the camaraderie with other background performers, and the excitement of being involved in a film or TV.
Some extras may have other careers or interests outside of acting and see extra work as a fun and flexible way to earn income or pursue a hobby. Others may enjoy the experience of playing different characters and being part of various productions without aspiring to pursue principal acting roles.
Every individual has their reasons for pursuing extra work, and for some, it is a fulfilling and enjoyable experience in its own right. We must respect and acknowledge that people have different goals and ambitions within the entertainment industry.
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How to Juggle Being an Extra While Pursuing Principal Roles
Juggling being an extra with pursuing a career as a serious actor can be challenging, but it’s certainly possible with the right approach. Here are some tips:
- Set clear priorities: Determine your ultimate goal as an actor. If your primary aim is to secure principal roles, treat extra work as a learning experience and stepping stone rather than the end goal.
- Continue your training: Dedicate time to honing your craft through acting classes, workshops, or private coaching. This will help you improve your skills and prepare for more significant roles.
- Network strategically: Use your time on set as an extra to network with industry professionals. Be respectful of boundaries, but don’t hesitate to strike up conversations and exchange contact information when appropriate.
- Stay informed: Keep abreast of casting calls and auditions for speaking roles. Many extras casting agencies also handle principal casting, so staying connected with them can be beneficial.
- Manage your time effectively: Balancing extra work with auditions and other commitments requires good time management skills. Prioritize auditions and networking opportunities while still fulfilling your commitments as an extra.
- Stay positive and patient: Building a career in acting takes time and persistence. Be patient with yourself and trust the process, even when progress feels slow.
- Maintain a professional attitude: Regardless of the size of your role, approach every opportunity with professionalism and enthusiasm. Directors and casting directors take notice of actors who are reliable and easy to work with.
- Seek feedback: Use your experiences as an extra to gather feedback on your performance and professionalism. This can help you identify areas for improvement and make adjustments as needed.
By approaching extra work as a valuable learning experience and maintaining a proactive mindset, you can effectively juggle being an extra while pursuing your goals as a serious actor.
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Secretly Being an Extra
If you’re concerned about how being an extra might impact your image or perception within the industry, there are a few strategies you could consider:
- Selective disclosure: You’re not obligated to disclose every detail of your work history unless directly asked. When discussing your experience with industry professionals, focus on your training, skills, and relevant acting roles rather than mentioning extra work.
- Emphasize your goals: When networking or auditioning, emphasize your aspirations and goals as an actor rather than dwelling on past experiences. Highlight your commitment to pursuing principal roles and advancing your career.
- Create a professional persona: Present yourself as a serious actor by maintaining a strong online presence, including a professional website or social media profiles showcasing your acting portfolio, training, and achievements.
- Control your narrative: If asked about your background or previous work as an extra, frame it in a way that aligns with your goals and aspirations. Emphasize the learning experiences and insights gained from those opportunities rather than downplaying or hiding them.
- Build a strong portfolio: Focus on building a diverse portfolio of acting roles that demonstrate your range and talent. Highlighting your more significant roles and accomplishments can help overshadow any extra work in the eyes of industry professionals.
- Network strategically: Focus on building relationships with industry professionals who align with your career goals and aspirations. Engage in conversations that showcase your passion for acting and commitment to pursuing meaningful roles.
- Seek representation selectively: When seeking representation from agents or managers, focus on those who understand and support your career goals. Be transparent about your aspirations and discuss how you plan to leverage their representation to advance your career beyond extra work.
Ultimately, while it’s possible to downplay or hide your experience as an extra, it’s essential to approach the situation with integrity and authenticity. Emphasize your commitment to your craft and your goals as an actor, and focus on building a reputation as a dedicated and talented professional within the industry.
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Getting Lucky: “Bumped on Set”
Unexpected opportunities can arise on set. Being bumped from an extra role to a featured or speaking role is like winning the lottery in the entertainment industry. It provides a chance to be featured on the screen. More importantly, it can also lead to a significantly bigger paycheck. What was supposed to be a regular day on set could suddenly become a memorable and rewarding experience. Such instances of luck not only validate the hard work and dedication put into being an extra but also serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of show business, where opportunities can arise when least expected, elevating careers to new heights.
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Fun Facts
It’s not uncommon for established actors to take on background roles or even uncredited cameo appearances for various reasons. Sometimes it’s just for fun or as a favor to a friend or director. Other times, they might want to challenge themselves by playing a small, unobtrusive part, or they might simply enjoy being part of a project without the pressure of a leading role. However, whether they keep it a secret or not depends on the individual and their reasons for taking on such roles. Some might prefer to keep it low-key, while others might not mind people knowing about it.
In the movie “Field of Dreams” (1989), both Matt Damon and Ben Affleck appeared as extras. They were just starting out in their careers at the time and took on these roles as a favor to the film’s director, Phil Alden Robinson, who later directed Damon in “The Sum of All Fears” (2002). Before becoming a household name, Brad Pitt worked as an extra on several films, including “Less Than Zero” (1987) and “No Way Out” (1987). He reportedly took on these roles just for fun and to gain experience in the industry before landing larger roles.
One example of a celebrity who worked as an extra even after becoming famous is Daniel Craig. Craig, known for his role as James Bond in the 007 series, made a brief appearance as a stormtrooper in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” (2015). He did it as a fun cameo, and his involvement was initially kept under wraps. Only later did it become widely known that he played the role of the stormtrooper who Rey manipulates using the Force. His cameo was a nod to his friendship with director J.J. Abrams and his love for the “Star Wars” franchise.
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Conclusion
Being an extra doesn’t have to be a nightmare, despite its challenges. While it may involve long hours and minimal pay, many individuals find joy and fulfillment in the experience. For some, it offers an opportunity to immerse themselves in filmmaking, gain valuable insights, or enjoy being part of a creative endeavor.
Moreover, being an extra doesn’t necessarily hinder one’s chances of becoming a principal actor. While extra work may not directly lead to leading roles, it can provide a stepping stone for those who approach it as a learning experience and leverage it to further their acting careers.
For both those who enjoy being extras but aspire to transition into principal roles or those who want to continue their journey as full-time extras, what matters most is their dedication to their craft and their ability to find fulfillment in their chosen path within the entertainment industry.
[Read also: Professional Acting: 3 Unexpected Truths]
At Teacup of Wisdom, we share knowledge and insights about the entertainment industry from the actor’s point of view to inspire and empower your acting journey.
