Being a movie extra.. what should I expect?
Question by justbreathe: Being a movie extra.. what should I expect?
Does anyone ever get “noticed” at these things? I mean it’s not a huge dream of mine or anything, but I wouldn’t mind that! I’d like to hear what any of your experiences have been. : )
Best answer:
Answer by Eloquent Elle
I was an extra twice and it depends on what scene it is….I was an extra in the carnival scene from Charlottes Web and they just let us do anything we were told to enjoy the carnival so we went to look a the animals rode some rides got some food basically we spent the day at a carnival but someone was filming it. The second time I was an extra it was a scene being filmed at a mall and this time the camera zoomed in on me walking and then squealing when i look in the window at a store so for that I had to focus more and just be attentive of when they started to film and do what I was supposed to do. I enjoyed myself on both occasions and would definately do it again…I got the jobs because I was in the right place at the right time. Charlotte Webs was filmed in Australia and I was on vacation there and they asked my family if we would be interested and I also went to the mall and saw my drama teacher who had a tiny part in the movie and asked me if i would do the little part. I dont think anyone gets noticed because they dont see your acting but it is a good way to see what goes on on a set. There are actually agencies that only hire people that want to be extras or do background work. Good Luck!
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
You should expect long days, and a lot of hurry up and wait. Approached with the right attitude the experience could be a lot of fun and if you’re observant you can learn a lot.
Getting “noticed” on a set is not what you think it is. Sure someone could notice you, maybe move you to the forefront of a scene but no one is going to be rearranging the script in order for you to be the star. Also, depending on the type of lens that is on the camera, it may not see two inches beyond the lead actors involved in the scene. Everything in the background, including you could be blurred or just moving fast. Getting noticed is a multi year process that takes place as you, the actor, builds their career.
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LikeDislikeWhen producers breakdown scripts, extras are put in the same category as props, not with talent.
Expect to be treated like a prop- people aren’t mean to extras, they just don’t have time to give you alot of attention.
Be prepared for long hours- hopefully they told you when you got the gig how long, but expect 14-16 hours a day.
You should get at least 1 free meal.
You’ll be standing around alot, waiting, often in the hot sun or in the cold.
No one gets discovered being an extra- though many have tried.
Go into with a positive attitude- being on set is alot of hard work- but it is fun- you will get to see the stars of the film, and there is a great energy about being a part of the production process. It makes the long hours all worth it.
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