Louisiana has been a powerhouse in filmmaking in recent years. We were number one in the U.S. for many years and some of the biggest films of all time were filmed right here. Films such as Jurassic World, Terminator Genisys, and Fantastic 4 Reboot were filmed in New Orleans, Baton Rouge and surrounding areas. Tax credits made filming in the State attractive to film crews all over the country.
Production companies hire movie extras to assist with their films and many actors are able to make a full time living working on film productions.
What are Movie Extras?
Movie extras are an important part of making a film. They provide realism to any production and make scenes look authentic. Extras look like everyday people and do basic actions to improve scenes. They may or may not interact with the main actors depending on the scene.
What do Movie Extras Do?
You never really know what type of scenes you will be filming on any given day until you arrive on set. Your job is to make the scenes look real and to do what the director tells you to do. You may end up spending hours sitting in the holding tent, but that’s part of the job. You must stay ready until the director calls for you.
Once on set, be sure to listen to instructions. Things happen quickly on a movie set and you need to be prepared and know what you’re supposed to do. Most film sets have an extras director that will speak with you and give you an action to do once filming begins.
You will want to act as naturally as possible for your scene. Don’t try to get in front of the camera and risk ruining the shot. It’s not the extras job to be recognized, but to lend realism to a scene.
What Not to Do on a Film Set as a Movie Extra:
The most important thing to do is exactly what you’re told. It’s the director’s set and he or she has a vision for how the scene should be shot. Never get in the way and always follow directions. There are a few things you should never do unless specifically told to:
- Never speak to the main talent unless they speak to you first. This may sound ridiculous, but actors are hired to act and they don’t have time to answer your questions or to sign autographs. You’re hired as a professional, not a fan of the main actors or actresses.
- Never look directly into the camera. Movie extras looking directly into the camera can easily ruin a scene. You may think you have gotten away with it, but the film’s editors will surely pick it up and you can ruin an expensive scene.
- Never be late. Showing up to set late can cost the production company thousands of dollars. You could be fired and never hired again by that same company if you show up late.
- Never be unprepared. If casting instructs you to show up with hair and makeup ready, you must listen to them or you may be sidelined. Pay attention to clothing articles they tell you to bring.
- Never take pictures on set. You sign an NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) that specifically states you are not to take photographs on set. The production company doesn’t want costumes, actors and other aspects of the film to be leaked to the public before the film is complete.
- Never ask to take pictures with the main actor/actress or for autographs. A movie extra is a professional and should never ask the main talent for an autograph or picture. You could be fired even if the star agrees.
Do You Need Formal Acting Training to Become a Movie Extra?
No, you do not need acting classes to become a movie extra, but it doesn’t hurt. Movie extras are hired to act “normal” in a scene and rarely interact with the main actors. You may have scenes where you react to something, dance or do a basic action.
You may want to find a local acting coach or teacher just in case you are given a line while filming. This happens more often than you think. You may be in the right place at the right time and the director may ask you to say or do something extra. It’s helpful if you have some acting experience to seize the moment.
Do Movie Extras Get Lines?
We’ve all heard about movie extras that get speaking lines. It’s rare, but does happen. The director may choose an extra to say a few words to add authenticity to a scene, but don’t count on it happening. Be prepared just in case, but don’t go in expecting to get lines.
Movie extras that receive lines get a “bump,” which means you get paid more and may be credited in the movie. You can maximize your chance of getting lines by showing up on time, always being prepared and doing exactly what the director tells you to do. You may be chosen to say a line or two if you fit what they’re looking for.
Do Movie Extras Need Headshots?
You should get professional headshots if you want to be a movie extra. They don’t have to be expensive, but you want the casting director to see what you look like. Don’t submit pictures that are altered or use a filter because casting doesn’t want a surprise when you show up to set and look completely different from your photos.
You should take a headshot and a full-length shot so casting will know your body type. Make sure your photos are recent and what you look like now.
Get your basic measurements ready for casting. You will want to know your height, weight, shoe size and pants and shirt sizes. Casting will need to know your measurements to ensure you fit the costumes available. You may be chosen simply because you fit a particular costume.
Do Movie Extras Receive Credit?
Movie extras usually do not receive credit on IMDb or at the end of the film. However, some films do list some of the more visible or featured extras. Most productions will require a movie extra to say a line or do an action to be listed in the credits.
Learn the Lingo
You will hear many terms on set that you may have never heard before. Pay attention to what the senior extras do when certain things are called out by the AD or Assistant Director. Here’s a few you should know:
- “Action!” This is your cue to begin moving and perform your actions the assistant director laid out for you. They may call “Action” twice or say “Background action” which means it is time for you to do your assigned activity.
- “Cut!” This means stop. The director may not always actually say “cut,” so stay in character until you know for sure.
- “Quiet on set!” Simply means to be quiet and stop talking. Your voice is easily picked up and can sometimes echo.
- “Back to one!” Return to your original position when filming began for that scene.
- “Points!” Equipment is coming in and you need to be mindful so you do not get injured.
What to do When You First Arrive on Set
Arrive early and check in as soon as you get on set. You will have to fill out paperwork and sign NDAs or Non-Disclosure Agreements along with a packet. They may or may not have breakfast ready when you arrive, so be sure to eat something that morning.
You will want to complete this process as quickly as possible because they often come in vans to pick up background that’s ready to go to set. You could miss out on a great opportunity because you were a few minutes late.
Once you have completed paperwork and signed in, you will probably go to hair and makeup to get “camera” ready. This is an easy process but you may have to wait in line. If you’re a man, they may shave your beard depending on the scene. Females may need to have their makeup already applied, but check the day before.
How Much Do Movie Extras Make?
Background actor pay depends on the production, but you can expect between $75 and $125 on most Louisiana productions. Keep in mind, that’s for an entire day that could last 12 hours or more.
Can You Make a Living As a Movie Extra?
Many do, but you will probably need to have another job and use this as a supplement to your income. Many core extras that have a working relationship with local casting companies work many times a week during the busy season.
Does Working as a Movie Extra Lead to an Acting Career?
Your best bet is to use your experience as a movie extra to learn about the film industry and see if you have an interest in acting. It’s not impossible to use your time as a movie extra to gain access to key players in the movie industry. Many people have started their careers as background actors and moved into principal roles.
How Do I Sign Up to Be a Movie Extra in Louisiana?
MyCastingFile.com is the best platform to sign up for background actor jobs in Louisiana. It’s easy to use and you can find jobs quickly. You will need to set up a profile that includes a headshot, body shot and measurements. Casting companies post available jobs that you can apply to if you match descriptions. Companies will also reach out to you for an availability check to see if you’re open to work on a particular day.
You will also want to find Facebook pages dedicated to Louisiana extras. You can meet people and get advice from experienced background actors. The best way to learn is to get yourself on a film set and gain experience.