Television and film is an exciting industry that many up and coming performers aspire to become involved in. A first step on the ladder for many in this career path is to become an extra in television shows or films. TV extra work can also be fun for people who have some spare time and like the excitement of work in the entertainment industry. While appearing in scenes, extras do not have speaking lines in either films or television shows. Once they speak a word in TV or film, they become actors.

What is extra work?

The film and TV industry use extras frequently. An example of an extra is a doctor in the background on the American TV show ER. To find film and TV extra work, you need to network yourself aggressively, and agencies are available to place people in extra's roles. You do not need to have Hollywood-type looks to become an extra. An 85-year-old man may in fact suit some roles better than would a young, handsome face. Do not be put off by one or two rejections, and adopt a persistent and positive mentality.

Networking

Your search for work as an extra can be aided by websites that film and TV executives use to advertise opportunities for extra work in the film and TV industry. A number of these websites are available in the resources section below. Depending on where you live, extra work could involve some travel. Media hot spots such as Los Angeles and New York tend to have a high volume of extra work in close vicinity. Printed trade journals such as U.S. publications "Hollywood Reporter" and "The Variety" have an auditions sections that will advertise opportunities for extra work.

Union

The Screen Actors Guild is the union formed for Movie, Film, and Television extras. The Guild has a separate section called "background performers" that offers help and information for those aspiring to work as a film and TV extra. You can become eligible for membership to the Guild through a points-based system that requires you to take part in a specified amount of television or work in other selected fields. Membership will open doors for you in the world of work as a film and TV extra, and it will also add credibility to your resume in the film and TV industry.

Source:

Extra work information

TV and film extras

Screen Actors Guild

More Information:

Extra work opportunities

Extra work advertisements