By far, the last thing on my mind while living in LA for a month has been getting a job as an extra. Even though that was the first (and only) ambition I had when arriving here, it fell by the wayside once more important things cluttered up my 'to do' list. I discovered that this year, and specifically this season, is one of the worst for finding work as an extra. There are very few productions in LA right now, many of them have moved to other states where the government is giving bonuses and write-offs for filming there. The economy is in the toilet, which makes regular actors who are having trouble finding real acting jobs, audition for extra roles, which means more competition for the limited spaces left available. There's a plethora of scam agencies which charge monthly fees, and have no promise of finding you work. And the daily craigslist postings about background actor auditions are often not legitimate, and those that aren't trying to seduce you into the porn industry, rarely return your calls.
However, all throughout the month I talked with multiple actors, read a few books on extra work, and scanned the web looking for useful advice. At this point, I can safely say I understand the process pretty darn well.
Here are the actual methods of finding jobs as an extra in Los Angeles (and elsewhere), and some important info I learned while living here.
1. Join with Central Casting. Fork out the 25 dollars, and hope for the best. They are the only legitimate organization that has found any of my friends real gigs. Download the forms, go to the appropriate location at the appropriate time, and sign up. After being instructed about extra etiquette, how their process works, and once you've signed the paperwork, call them every morning and perhaps something will come up for your "look" cause really, that's what it's all about.
2. Peruse craigslist, and send your semi-professional headshot to anything that looks safe in the gigs section. Don't limit yourself to background acting though (the person hovering over my shoulder at the moment found a brief job as a hair model, which paid more than an extra gig, less hours, and she got a free haircut). Just do not give out any more personal info than you feel is neccessary. Let's say, if they ask for your height and weight, that sounds reasonable. If they ask for a picture of you naked, say no. Phone number, OK. Social Security number... not so much.
2b. Get a headshot (photo). If you can afford a professional, go for that. If not, and if time is an issue, grab a digital camera, and take a g-rated photo. Generally don't wear black or white, or bright red. But if that's what you look best in, then go for it. Make sure it's clear, and professional (browse some famous actors' headshots on google). The best photos have a bit of depth to the image. One trick is to use a telephoto lens, have a friend stand back a ways, and have them (optical) zoom in as far as the camera will go. Light the face well. Focus on the eyes, and you'll have a nice depth of field to the image.
3. Make friends with people involved in the industry. This is your best bet at an extra role. Someone knows someone, who knows a casting director.
4. If you get a job with a reputable agency or production, don't take less than 50 for a day (unless you are simply doing it for the experience, then enjoy the free food and don't complain). SAG actors get around a 100 for an 8 hour day for an extra gig. Non-union usually get anywhere from 50 to 80.
Lesson: Don't make background acting work your primary source of income.
5. GENERAL ETIQUETTE: If you get a role, be professional. No divas or divos. You are most likely replaceable in an instant. You are not important. No one loves you. Remember that. Don't assume this is your big break. And don't harass the principals (yeah, you like that, I used the word principal, cause I just learned what it meant the other day, and I'm trying to sound professional). Do what you are told, and don't do what you aren't told. It's easy. If you don't understand instructions, then ASK. And if you are hired or aced an audition... don't color, cut, or change your hair or appearance after you've submitted a headshot. Do look like the picture. I heard of an actor who sent her headshot, got the part, got a haircut, went to the shoot, and was told to leave immediately.
And most importantly, be amiable, even if rejected.
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There, that's pretty much everything I know. Good luck, and good night.
