This Business Of Ours!

Working in movies and in showbiz as an extra or background actor, is not as hard as you may think. In fact, when you learn just how easy it is to get jobs as a movie extra, you'll be upset with yourself for not doing anything sooner.

Just having the opportunity to be an extra in a film for a day is a most exciting, and rewarding experience.

Every year hundreds of films are produced. Most people believe that these films are only made in major cities like Los Angeles, CA or New York, NY. But that's where most people are dead wrong. Yes, movies are filmed in Hollywood and New York City, but more frequently than one may think, major motion picture companies travel the globe to shoot on-location. This means that films and television shows are constantly being shot in cities, towns and neighborhoods across the country and around the world. It's only a matter of time before something is filmed in a location near you.

So there's absolutely no question about it - if you really want to be in a movie or appear on TV, you can. What makes finding work as a background actor or extra is the simple fact that looks or height,or weight don't matter, education doesn't matter and not even age matters. In fact, anyone can be a movie extra with no prior acting experience necessary. Plus, talent agents, talent scouts, casting directors and producers will always need extras and background performers for their productions.

No matter what type of film - action & adventure, drama, comedy, romance, science fiction or horror - all will require dozens if not hundreds of background actor better known as extras. All you have to do is let these filmmakers know you are willing and available to work.

Ten Steps To Background Acting!!!!

HOW TO BE N EXTRA:

1 First you need information.Extras are cast by casting directors , or extras casting services. You will probably search the web,or already have for more info on how to be in a movie as an extra,.there are several sources for info that one may choose to find extras casting agencies and services. But what do you need to work as an extra? A. Pictures B. Casting Information C.Transportation..D. communicationn devices.....

A.You will want a professional headshot and full body shot.

B. You will need to submitt your picture through a Casting Agency or Casting service.

C. A reliable vehicle,or transit system.

D. Cell Phone and Email. Most notices are sent via email,or cell phone these days. Casting companies must be able to get a hold of you quickly.

Beware of scams. many people and unscrupulous entertaiment industry crooks out there, will try to charge rediculous amounts of money. Fake agencies will try to get you to pay fees,and take classes from their own teachers to "get you work". A real casting agency for extras gets paid when you get cast. There are reputable services that charge a small fee for web casting,or digital photos.

Where o Find An Agent:

There are many websites geared toward extras, search the web,find other actors and ask where they get there extra work. The web is full of great sites for help. OSA also offers a list of casting agencies that handle extras in the major markets; CA,NY,DC,MD,PA,NJ,NC,VA,Atlanta,Louisianna,Chicago,Miami.

OSA only lists the best agencies and services in our EXTRA PRO guide,and send casting notices via our free email casting notice service, from reliable sources. OSA is managed by professional actors,we have been envolved in professional background acting work for decades. We know who the best are,we will put you in contact with the best agencies,and casting notices,the professionals use.

At OSA you may Join  the extra list , If you live in the mid-Atlantic, or north eastern United States. You will receive free casting notices for extras in the NY,DC,Baltimore,Philadelphia,VA,NC.and NJ regions. In addition to joining the extras email list,you may also check OSA'S EXTRA PRO contact list. This is a contact list,in ;phone numbers,websites,and mailing addresses of the best extras casting agencies, and services on the east coast .Also available is the ;New York, and the Los Angeles extras casting list!!! Extra Pro will get you started working as an extra! ASAP!!!

2 You will need pictures!! Use a photogrher that works with actors primarily. Casting companies will need photos,with a variety of charcter, and average Joe or Jane looks.The more looks you have,the more work you can get. But mostly just plain headshots,it depends on the market. Once you get the website, and or phone number, and contact info for extras casting companies,Casting Directors, and services.You contact them, follow their submission procedures,and wait to be cast. It is simple,and fun. OSA does not promote certain photographers,or agencies. We are a source of information and provide our vistitors and email list members,with free casting notices. As well as our contact list EXTRA PRO, is a list of casting professionals whom handle background actors for film and television production.

3. Be available ,extras are cast on very short notice. Especially in the big markets,NY and LA. email and cell phone are essential. Must be able to check email, and voice mail frequently. Must be able to work on short notice. Be prepared to work long hours,films are notoriously tedious to shoot. you could be on set for a while,bring books,snacks etc. On most major union productions,adequate meals are provided. make sure you will be fed,if not bring food.

4. Willing to travel? The hot spots for film and television production are in the following locations..NY,Los Angeles,DC,Baltimore,New Orleans,NJ,Miami ,Atlanta,Chicagao,Houston and Dallas Texas,Not to mention Van Cuver and Toronto Canada. OSA targets these hot spots, and provides detailed contact information,of Extras Casting services and companies in these mentioned cities. However if you want to play in the big leagues,work on the most popular television productions,and hollywood films. Then you must work in NY or LA. Don't get me wrong,.Hollywood films every where,DC,Baltimore,Philadelphia,New Orleans,Atlanta,Boston,Chicago,Miami and more. But the heart of the business still lies in Los Angeles,and New York being second.

5. Waredrobe! have a diverse waredrobe. These days,most extras are asked to bring some type of waredrobe to a shoot. Think about a business suit,blue collar type clothes,guy or girl next door,student,homeless,professor,athlete,mother, father,uniforms such as police officer,fire fighter,EMS etc. maybe a gangster look,a doctor or nurse. The more "looks" you have on file, in the form of photos with a casting director ,or company,the more work you can get.

6. Use your talent,or learn something new!!!. Jugglers,dancers,athletes,exotic tattoos,long hair,Archers,Divers,Trained Animals,Vintage Cars,New Cars,poets,singers,rappers,gymnists,real fire fighters,real piano players. This is just a sample of things you may see,on a casting notice for extras. Take some martial arts courses,learn ball room dancing,any skill you have to better market your self. After all,.it is show business!

7.. Looking To Work in the Industry as a career?Take acting classes. If you are looking to go furthur,in the film and television businesses. Take classes, college or independent schools,get involved in community theater,or independent, and student films. Being an extra is a good way to learn the business. They call Holly wood, "the business" for a reason. Working as an extra is a great value,seeing the way the process really works is priceless. Watching real stars in action, can only enhance your own acting skills. Would you love to see how Samuel L.Jackson performs live? Or the way Angelina Jolie evokes emotion in the moment? Being an extra puts you close to the action! This Also introduces you to a network of up and coming talent. Most people working as extras are involved in the entertainment business at some level. You never know,the camera man could become a famous director some day. Get to know people! Stay in touch with other extras,actors,and crew that you meet. If you are looking to work in the industry, as a career,you never know what, or who may open the next door for you!

8. Be professional! while on set,your imediate contact is almost always the A.D. or assistant director. Listen to instruction,don't ask stars for autographs. Don't take pictures of stars,do not wonder the set. Play your character to the best of your ability. Even as an extra,the directors are watching,the main actors are watching. There may be agents,or writters on set. Be the best at what you are, not merley an extra,you are background acting,what you do makes the scene realistic. You never know when you may be "bumped up". Extras have been known to be hired for speaking roles,some one may notice you belong in the front,I have seen it happen. So always stay alert,don't ham it up for the camera,don't try to squeeze into focus during a take. Be humble,wait your turn. You would be hard pressed to find a major star who did not work as an extra at some point.

9 Unions SAG (Sreen Sctors Guild)and AFTRA (American Federation of Radio and Television Artists)are two names that you will become familiar with. Sometimes you will be, "waivered" to work as a SAG background performer or extra. When you get three waivers you are eligable to join. We will not go into the details of joining unions on this site. However after working as an extra,if you decide to make acting a career. You will want think about joing SAG and possibly AFTRA as well. Pay for union Extras are higher than regular extras. The bigger budget productions,are usually SAG films. Joining SAG or AFTRA are for actors serious about advancing in this industry. There are entry fees and dues,so make sure you are ready. Working as a SAG extra,you can make satisfying money. Film productions often take over 10 hours to shoot. Once you add in over time on UNION projects,Union extras can earn a living, soley on Back ground acting in big markets. Great way to stay busy,while you continue to train for bigger and better acting roles.

10.Enjoy Your Exciting New World!!!

I cannot explain the feeling I had when I crashed through that fence on set ofthe hit television show tThe Shield,jumped out of a Van with guns and robbed a car audio store. A real stunt,peopel always find my acting career very interesting. Cant tell you how much fun i had working as an EXTRA on the las season of The Wire.

I am always a hit a the party,when I tell my story of how i almost bumbed into Ben Stiler on the set of Night At The Museum 2!