How would i go about being like an extra or something in tv shows or movies?

Question

i want to pursue acting, i'd like to start out small, like as an extra.

i've never had acting lessons or anything, so i figure just being in the environment can help until i get enough money to take classes and yeah. my sisters friend is an extra all the time, and he says people just call him asking if he's available and stuff, but i dont know how to make that happen...help?

Answer 1

Go to your local theater bookstore (such as Samuel French, in Los Angeles), and buy a guide such as "How to Be a Working Actor: The Insider's Guide to Finding Jobs in Theater, Film, and Television." This and several other such books list the casting directors and agencies who deal specifically with extras.

Next send your headshot and résumé with a brief cover letter to the casting directors and agencies.

Follow up with a phone call. Inquire about their interview days.

Then attend an interview day, when the agency holds an open call for prospective extras. They will take an instant-developing photo of you, plus statistics about your height, weight, hair color and age. Fill out all necessary information, and behave in a polite and professional manner.

Be prepared to be called to show up on a movie set to work with only a day's notice if the casting director or agency accepts you. Know in advance how you can be free and/or get time off work to go.

Show up 15 minutes early for your "call time".  Immediately find the staff person in charge of the extras. Fill out all forms and sign in.

Stay in the areas allotted for the extras; behave professionally, as you would on any important acting job.

Thank the staff member at the end of the day and request that you be brought back to work on the movie again.

Answer 2

You can try Open call auditions, but you have a very small chance of making it.

The best option is to do acting classes for a while ( like 12-18 months) and get yourself an agent, then they can get you auditions, that was you have a better chance of making it, some acting classes are only about $100 per term

Answer 3

extras dont ever make it. you have to find an agent that will take your head shot and stuff first , go to jonathan roberts or a place like that, you have to pay, but at least you start somewhere.