IN THE BACKGROUND -Extras' FAQ

- EXTRAS' FAQ -

AREN'T EXTRAS JUST PEOPLE WHO CAN'T ACT?

Quite the opposite... Granted, there many Extras who take their position as a "Background Performers" only half-heartedly, but it does require a lot of acting skills to do the job properly. The biggest problem is that most Extras have never really had their job explained to them. They simply figure all they have to do is show up, walk through a scene, and then go home. No skill involved.

The professional actor, even when only performing as a background performer, will use their time to learn and tone new skills. I've landed many upgrades and principal parts without ever saying a word.

If you use your time on set to learn all you can about how scenes are shot, why the crew members do what they do, and work on improving subtle skills (eg: improvisation, timing your moves, filling a scene, etc.) then you are demonstrating true acting talents.

IF I DO "EXTRA WORK",
THEN AGENTS AND PRODUCTIONS WON'T CONSIDER ME FOR ACTOR ROLES

It's a very common misconception that "Extras" will only be considered "Extras", however that is actually more myth than fact.

While it's true that many Extras/Background Performers fail to get noticed and move into higher categories; the reason and explanation is quite simple: They don't deserve to be any more than they are now. I know it sounds cruel, but consider this... if they approach their work in a very casual manner, doing only the minimum required of the job, then what does the production notice? All the crew see is somebody who shows up, but doesn't really care or provide anything to make the production better.

If you approach your craft with a professional attitude (and pride), and work to help make the shots easier (ie: make the crew look good rather than worrying about being seen on camera), then you'll develop professional habits and you'll be treated with respect as a professional.

I'VE HEARD THAT CASTING DIRECTORS
WON'T CAST EXTRAS...

Principal Casting Directors (the ones who audition for roles in the main cast) rarely know about, or care, who does background work. It's not their area of concern. They concentrate on finding people who can handle the available roles. Chances are they won't even be aware that you also do Extra work (that is, unless you tell them).

I'M REALLY GOOD
AND I HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO MAKE IT BIG.

EVERYONE I KNOW TELLS ME HOW GOOD I AM,
ALL I NEED IS ONE BREAK TO PROVE IT!

WARNING: Anyone posting or mailing me with anything remotely like that last statement will receive little more than a reference to this spot!!! Why am I being so nasty (afterall you're really different -- not like those other wannabees -- you really do have the talent) and what has me so annoyed? Let's just say that at least 90% of aspiring performers out there figure that they're different and they are the ones who have the talent to make it big. "Everyone says I'm good", "I can do a better acting job than...", "I have the talent to make it", etc. etc. etc. etc....

Seen and heard it almost everyday. Check out conversations a posting in other forums. Almost every post starts out the same way: "I'm really talented and just need somebody to take a chance on me."

Agents and Casting have heard it even more. It's not unusual for an agent to get forty or fifty calls in a day from people who have "natural talent". Is it any wonder they are fed up hearing it over-and-over-and-over too? You may have starred as the lead in your high school play, just graduated first in your class from drama school, maybe even had a lead role in a local non-union production: that doesn't count for anything in the professional world.

Would you let 'Johnny' perform open-heart surgery on you just because he got an 'A+' in science for dissecting a frog? How about having that woodwork class whizkid build your million dollar dream home? "Natural Talent", whether you have it or not, is not enough to live on in this industry. You must learn how to use your skills (or indeed if you even have the right skills needed for the job).

The fastest way to get overlooked in this industry is to start with an attitude that you are just so obviously better than everyone else. If you do indeed have "natural talent", then congratulations!... but it's not enough. You also need professionalism in this business. If you approach every aspect of your work in a professional manner and with a dedicated attitude, then your talent will be noticed. Once you feel you know everything, then you've lost the battle. This is a job which requires constant learning. The fly-by-nighters often just get a lucky break, the true stars are the ones who create their own career and deliver the goods regardless of the size of the role.