As a movie extra, you'll make money the easy way, get the chance to see the filmmaking process up close, and maybe get immortalized on screen. Here are ways to get extras in movies.
Step
Step 1. Have a photo of the face
You don't have to spend a lot of money on photos for extra roles. As the name suggests, a face photo is a photo that focuses on the face. You can submit a photo featuring your head and shoulders, or a half-body photo.
- Photos do not have to be taken by professional photographers. You can ask a friend to take a picture of you with a digital camera and enlarge it to 8R if requested.
- Contact a local photographer and ask for a quote. Do not rely on the fees listed on the site. Since your needs are not varied, maybe you can get a face photo at an affordable price.
- Print as needed. You may need to change photos every few months.
Step 2. Try to look appropriate in the photo
Don't post photos that are too suggestive or casual. Make sure your hair is styled and your face is done up.
- Consider applying makeup with a professional makeup artist. You don't have to spend a lot of money, but makeup artists know how to apply natural makeup so you don't look pale under the camera light.
- Ask them to show you how you can do your own makeup.
- If your makeup is usually natural, ask the makeup artist to use the colors you normally use.
Step 3. Use a photo that is similar to the real face
This is not the time to send glamorous shots or selfies in Halloween costumes. The photo of the face must be a good photo and not taken at random. Some movies may want photos dressed up as zombies, but they'll tell you in advance.
Step 4. Prepare a photo that can be attached in an email
There are many agencies that use the internet so your photo should be able to be attached in an email. Don't send heavy emails or ask them to reduce your photos for viewing. Use the correct photo size for the email, such as 3R.
Step 5. Use the latest face photo
You will need to update the photo so that it represents your face properly. Have a new face photo every time your appearance changes (slenderer, fatter, cut hair long to short, changes hair color, etc.).
Don't post photos that don't represent yourself well. The agency assumes that you look exactly like the one in the photo. A very different appearance from the photo may end your relationship with the agency before you can land a project
Step 6. Check the information in the film industry
Check out the movie media ads under the “audition” section. In addition, you can also get the opportunity to be extras through announcements on the website. Then, if you live in a film center, such as Jakarta, you can find advertisements in local newspapers.
Step 7. Submit the requested information in a professional manner
You may be asked to submit information on your age, height and weight, skin color, etc. Do not lie. If you come and find yourself 15 cm shorter or 10 kg heavier, they will think you are trying to cheat. They need extras of all sizes, shapes, and ages, but there are some projects that require different types of people at different times. Your physique and age may be what they are looking for. So, being honest is always better.
This is not the time to say that you are a big fan. They are not looking for fan freaks, but people who can act professionally
Step 8. Visit a talent agency
Consider working with an agency. Look for agency information via the internet or other media. Send photos and resumes, then follow up by phone.
Step 9. Never pay
Extras are people who are employed and paid by the production company. A good talent agency will not ask you to pay to get a job. The agency that charges the fee is a scammer. Also, avoid agencies that ask you to pay for photos, extra training, or booking fees.
Step 10. Prepare yourself
When you get your first job, ask what you should bring. Most productions require you to bring your own clothes and have your hair and makeup done. Read the information carefully. It's best not to volunteer just because you want to work, especially if you don't have the costume requested for a particular scene. For example, if you don't have a doctor's uniform, don't apply to be an extra on a project that requires everyone to wear a doctor's or medic's outfit.
- The costume person will approve your selection, choose an alternative from the outfit you brought, or may ask you to use a costume from the costume department, if available. However, you should prepare yourself rather than risk being canceled for not bringing the required costume options. Not all productions provide costumes for extras.
- You may be asked to dress according to certain seasons. So, be prepared to wear shorts and a light t-shirt in a winter filming.
- They may ask you to bring 3-4 different clothes. Read the information carefully and carry a bag filled with alternative clothing. Make sure you also bring the appropriate shoes, jewelry, and bags for each outfit. Female figures should remember to bring a strapless bra in a neutral color.
- Avoid clothes with big logos. This is not the time to promote your favorite band or look like your favorite designer billboard. If the production of the film has an agreement to display a certain logo, that information is definitely passed on. If you come with a T-shirt or hat with a logo, they will almost certainly ask you to change. If you don't bring an alternative, they can just send you home.
- They may ask you to avoid wild prints, bright colors, red, white, and sometimes black. Films that use green screens for CGI may ask you to avoid green.
- Do not bring several clothes of the same color. If the movie stars wear purple, they'll ask you to wear another color. If you only brought a purple dress, purple T-shirt, and purple sweater, you have no other choice. They may not know what the main character is going to wear and don't include it in the information they give you.
- Iron clothes and arrange them neatly. We recommend using a special clothing bag, but you can also use a suitcase. It's better to arrange clothes neatly in a large suitcase than to crumple from being crammed into a small bag.
- Female figures should bring cosmetics, hairbrushes, and everything else needed to freshen up the look. You may have to sit for 10 hours before it is needed.
Step 11. Do not apply for extra work if your schedule is not flexible
The agency will let you know when you are needed. You should be completely free that day. Extra work takes long hours and you are expected to stay where you are until the scene is finished. Maybe you only needed to be there 6 hours, or maybe 15 hours and only got home at 4am. Going first seems very unprofessional and pay may not be given.
Step 12. Be professional and show up on time
Arriving late does not reflect professionalism. Walking around aimlessly, acting weird, talking too much, and trying to appear in the scene is also very unprofessional. Your job is to provide the backdrop and atmosphere, not to look at.
Step 13. Carry yourself well
Show a professional attitude at all times. Remember, you are contracted to work, and you are the worker. Never take photos, disturb the crew, or approach the star cast. If you break the rules, you will be kicked off the site and possibly damage the relationship with the agency that could actually find many other projects. People who are kind, reliable, and normal will have a greater chance.
Bring a book, iPod or playing card as you will have a long wait. Listen carefully to the instructions. Figuring is an interesting job, but sometimes very boring. You may have to sit for a long time to wait, or stand for hours on site and not talk or move
Step 14. Have fun and enjoy the process
Maybe you're just an unimportant point on the screen or it's cropped in the editing space. Or maybe you'll meet a celebrity and have a good experience to share with your friends.
Tips
- Don't volunteer unless you're sure you can come and stay for the specified duration.
- The food provided for extras (bread, boxed rice, etc.) is usually adequate, but of lower quality than the food provided for the film crew and cast (quality meat, fish, vegetables and desserts). If you're standing in line for roasts, you're probably in the wrong place. If in doubt, ask where the extras eat.
- Take the time to get acquainted and chat with other extras. Maybe you'll find a new way to get a job, contact a new agency, etc.
- Try looking for doctor's uniforms, suits, ball gowns, tuxedos, and so on at thrift stores or sales. Usually, extras are required to wear certain clothes. A stethoscope also helps. Also, consider buying vintage costumes (70s discos, 80s styles, etc.) if you can find them at an affordable price.
- Beware of unpaid extra work. There are many productions that attempt to hire extras without pay even if there is a budget to pay. This creates an unhealthy practice among all the produce that comes to your city. All studio productions can afford extras, except for student films or local productions. The company must also protect you in the event of an accident at work.
- Don't forget to include your phone number and email address on your resume.
- Most extra work includes food. There are regulations that require all film productions to provide food for all working parties (including actors, crew, and extras). You may have been there a few hours before the food was served/shared. So bring a snack or make sure you eat before you leave. You will not be allowed to go to lunch and come back again. Filming areas usually have a snack and drink table.
- If you plan on engaging in a lot of extra work, you'll need to have a collection of clothes and costumes. When shopping, buy clothes that can be used at work as extras.
- Know your rights. You may be entitled to additional pay if your working conditions are not comfortable.
- Don't be weird. You'll get more attention if you're professional and do what you're told rather than following people around.
