Prolonged shooting hours and extended wait times: Insights into filming experiences
In the world of film and theater, extras play a crucial role in bringing scenes to life. These background performers, often unnamed and unremarkable, contribute significantly to the realism and atmosphere of productions. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to become an extra.
### The Application Process
The journey of becoming an extra typically begins with finding casting calls. These are usually posted by casting agencies or production companies and specify the desired look, age range, and sometimes previous experience or skills. Once you've found a suitable opportunity, you'll need to submit your headshot, a full body photo, basic information such as age, location, and personal stats, and sometimes a resume or previous experience to the casting agency via email or casting websites.
For roles with specific requirements, such as costume fittings, you may be required to attend fittings before filming.
### The Tasks
As an extra, your primary role is to provide background presence to scenes. This can range from inconspicuous standing or walking to minimal interaction or specific actions as directed. Your roles can vary from background party guests to crowds or even featured background characters without lines.
### Working Hours
Be prepared for long working hours. Extras often work for 12 or more hours per day to meet production scheduling. Some gigs guarantee an 8-hour day with pay, with additional time paid at overtime rates. Call times can vary widely depending on the production’s needs and may require flexibility and open availability on shoot days.
### Pay
Rates for extras vary by production and location but typically range from about £90–£250+ per day, depending on the project scale, complexity, and location. Larger projects or union productions may pay higher rates, sometimes including fitting session fees and overtime pay. Pay is usually daily rather than hourly and extras are typically hired for a guaranteed minimum number of hours (often 8) with additional pay for overtime.
### Becoming an Extra in the Prequel to "The Hunger Games"
If you're selected, extras may speak small lines. For this prequel, the daily basic rate is 129 euros gross (per person per shooting day for 10 hours + 45 minutes break).
### Key Considerations
Extras must be patient and flexible, as shooting days can be long and often involve waiting. It's important for extras to carefully read contracts and ensure fair conditions, including checking if the agency is reputable. For outdoor shoots, shifts can take place at night or early in the morning.
Special provisions apply for children and young people who want to become extras. Theater extras participate in rehearsals during the day and perform in the evenings. Anyone can become an extra in film or theater productions, as there are no legal admission restrictions.
Extras can also register with agencies and be included in their database or portfolio. They can apply for specific roles, such as the prequel to "The Hunger Games." Shooting hours for extras can vary and may be rescheduled or set with short notice. The earnings of an extra depend on the type and scale of the production, with a daily rate often being offered.
In conclusion, becoming an extra involves responding to casting calls with your photos and information, being available for long working days on set, performing mostly non-speaking background roles, and earning a daily rate that typically reflects the production’s budget and location.
- To broaden your horizons beyond film and theater, consider exploring additional avenues in fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, relationships, pets, travel, cars, and shopping industries as an extra.
- In the realm of fashion-and-beauty, you might be selected to showcase your unique lifestyle in ad campaigns or fashion shows, adding to the overall aesthetic and atmosphere.
- The food-and-drink industry could offer opportunities to portray customers dining at popular restaurants, or even participating in cooking shows as part of a live audience.
- Home-and-garden extras could find themselves starring in home improvement shows, providing context and ambiance by acting as homeowners or neighbors.
- Travel shows and automotive productions might require extras to play tourists, locals, or car enthusiasts, contributing to the authenticity of a variety of settings and scenes.
