Featured Article: So You Want to Be an Extra In a Film - by Baretta Simmons

Hi, my name is Baretta Simmons an Indie Film maker here in Louisiana, before, I worked on several films as a Background Talent, (EXTRA) I was constantly being asked, How did you get started doing that?

Well it’s not hard at all, but you do have to except the fact that you’re just going to be, more often just a blur in the background, you may get lucky and be placed in the cameras line of site, there are a few things you need to know before you ever step foot onto the film set, and a certain way you must act if you want to continue working as an EXTRA.

GETTING STARTED 
Step One: Signing up.
Contact Your Local Casting agency, through Email, or by Phone, look at their website, most give you a description of what their needs are, some will give you a rundown of what they expect from their EXTRAS, You will have to provide them with your Age , Weight , Height , Hair Color, Eye Color,  what Race You are , what special skills you may have, and a slew of other questions, (DO NOT LIE ABOUT YOUR SPECIAL SKILLS), Most importantly a Photo, it does not have to be a professional studio Photo, it needs to be well lit, and a good background, at least two Photos , a close up  of your face, about from your chest up, second a full body shot , from head to toe, some agency’s  may request more photos, but this is the basic one’s.

Step Two: Communicating with the agencies.
Keep in touch with the casting agency, through email and their Website first, do not constantly call them daily asking if you have been chosen, you will know when you are chosen,  they will call you, and email you if you get selected.

Staying in touch with them by email is the best way in my opinion; they are looking at emails constantly through their database. Casting agencies have a ton of work to do, be respectful if you do call them, and don’t get an attitude, keep your conversation professional and short.

Step Three: Preparation.
While You’re at Home waiting for that call go through your clothing, look at what you have, casting agencies will call you and ask you do you have a suit? Can you wear a size whatever Jacket, the point is it is very important for you to know your sizes and what you can fit into comfortably, And don’t throw away those cloths from the early 80s or 90s you might just need them, you will be asked to bring a variety of clothing, depending on the scenes for the day, most often you will be told to bring earth toned color clothing.

In Part two, You Have Been Booked, I will give you a rundown of all the information you will need to make sure you are prepared for that first day on set, don’t worry it’s not hard to remember, just some tips to make sure you are up and running and ready to go.