I worked on set the other day as non-union background. For that scene it was one of the leads having a record release party and when he enter the room he would kiss me hello as if I was an old friend. It wasn't in the script. He just did it every take. I didn't think much of it except that I knew I would definitely be seen. The next day one of my friends told me that I should be entitled to more money as a featured extra for that one kiss and that I should contact SAG. Does my friend have any idea what he's a talking about? Should I have said something before I left? I hear so many different things from other actors and many don't know what they are talking about. I appreciate any advice. Thanks!

Unfortunately, for film and TV there are no guarantees of an increase or bump in pay, if you have no lines. For commercials it's a different story. If you have no lines but are featured and/or very recognizable, you will get the bump.

Im convinced that featured extra is a term casting directors came up with to entice people who would not normally do extra work into doing it.

Featured extra on a commercial does not pay any more than background, but if you are recognizable WITH the product, you will get bumped up to principle.

So would you write this kind of role as "featured" on your resume?

quote:

Originally posted by leafygreens:
So would you write this kind of role as "featured" on your resume?

You wouldn't put it on your resume at all. Only put it on if you were in fact a principal, and signed a principal contract for principal pay.

I might put it on my resume if I didn't have other stuff. You gotta start somewhere. Most people start out with "light" credits and build them up. Training should always be featured on the resume if you dont have credits.

I hope you do get bumped up on the commercial. Good luck.

The one caveat to doing commercials is that whether it's a principal role or not, you don't normally list your commercials individually on your resume. Under your commercial category it is usually listed as No Current Conflicts, Conflicts Available Upon Request or List Available Upon Request.

In case you are interested, here is a resume formats thread that lists resources where you can view some sample resumes.
http://bbs.backstage.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8011031/m/24410001

As far as should you have said anything at the time of the shoot, usually not. Wait until the commercial airs to see if you even made it to the final cut. If you did and you are recognizable with the product, then you can call SAG. Fingers crossed for you!

my resume is ALL extra work, but that's what it IS!!!

Extra work does not go on a resume.

quote:

So would you write this kind of role as "featured" on your resume?

no. because extra work requires no resume.

no for acting resume because extra work is not acting.

I agree that extra/background work does not belong on acting resumes and I agree that an acting resume is an "acting" resume featuring principal roles.

But, and I know I will take flak for this, I will always disagree that "all" background work is not acting. This is because there are so many legit actors that do background work as their so-to-speak day job between principal roles. And because I've experienced the 1st ADs, both as a principal actor and background, who are looking for the actors that can cry on Q or who they have observed, after days of shooting, background actors whom they can place in front of the camera or next to the principals or stunt people and don't mind going home black 'n blue from literally throwing themselves into their role, or even bumping to a Taft-Hartley, because they know these actors are actors that are truly in the moment, are going to deliver when needed and be an asset to the project. Anyone who has worked on any major TV or films will know what I mean.

Okay, nuff said, moving on... just don't put background/extra work on your resume, unless for some reason, production does it for you. And, if you only do background work, then that's another story. You'll have a background only resume that is basically not required to do background work, anyway. But, it's a fun way to keep a record of it and see the work you've done.

I agree with mom in biz. You do act while you are doing extra work. Take a case where you are an extra in a horror movie and you have to act scared and run from the monster. If you don't act you can RUIN the shot.

When I have the joy of working as a principle it's so hard and frustrating when the extras are bored and don't do what is neccessary for the scene. It realy makes it harder when that happens. One time I had to shake the hand of a background player as I am walking into a party and I am supposed to be greeting her like I know her and she freakin tickes my hand. Each new take she would do something to try to make me laugh like cross her eyes or something. It made my job so much harder as I had to continue the scene into dilogue and what not. I didn't say anything to her. I was too shy to ask her not to try to distract me. It made my day long.

Maybe I should have asked her to stop. One take she even kissed my hand! BTW the woman lives in my neighborhood and I see her from time to time running errands. Everytime I see her I remember how awful it was to work with her.

Extra work is not acting.

If it were, it would be on the resume.

but it isnt

so it is not on the resume.

quote:

Extra work is not acting.

If it were, it would be on the resume.

I have to respectfully disagree. Extras DO sometimes act. Granted, most of the time, the role of a background actor is that of a glorified set piece. However, this is not always true. All those extras in Titanic? I saw some acting out of a few of them!

It doesn't go on the resume because of tradition and because of the stigma against it. Sadly, if you put a bunch of extra work on your resume, industry will write you off as an extra.

From Page 40 of "The New York Agent Book," by K Callan:

I asked the agent if he had "John Smith" work as an extra, wouldn't casting directors and producers now only consider John to be an extra?

"We all do. I spoke to a casting director the other day about an actor and that's exactly what she said. The actor has to know where to draw the line and say, "Okay, I can't do this anymore.""

I always advise people to do it a few times, a VERY(!) few times, to get comfortable on a set. It's an effective way to learn the language and the etiquette of a hot set without having the pressure of a close up or lines. DO NOT put it on your resume. Do not talk about it in agent meetings. Think of extra work as an acting class that you are getting paid to attend. Be nice to everyone on the set. And remember what it feels like to be an extra when it's your turn in the spotlight.

My very first job in NYC was as an extra on All My Children. I'll never forget how thrilled I was to get that call. I literally fell to one knee on 9th Avenue in an NFL, "YES!!!" kind of moment. I only worked background a few times, I let the CD know when I decided not to do it anymore and I now have a recurring U/5 on that show. They called to book me as a Day Player a couple of weeks ago and I have been seen for contract roles there. Working background CAN be an effective part of your career strategy. Just don't let yourself get sucked into the role of "career extra" if that is not your life goal.

Hope that helps.

After reading your replies, it seems as though there are mixed signals. In terms of extra work not being acting I agree anyone can do it, but in terms of a new actress starting out, and I have been doing extra work for 10 years while in high school and university, I have found that there have been many times where I have been featured. this is where I am on set and taking direction from the director yet getting paid as a non-union background performer, and then when the final product comes out I am featured.

For example I am someone's wife and it is only myself and the actors in the scene but I have no lines. In those circumstances can I put it on my resume? If so how would I call it? SOC or Featured Extra...

Or Darbi said "It doesn't go on the resume because of tradition and because of the stigma against it. Sadly, if you put a bunch of extra work on your resume, industry will write you off as an extra." So should I just not put it on there and start fresh?

What about photo doubling? Is that just glorified extra work?

quote:

Originally posted by Brenda_C:
After reading your replies, it seems as though there are mixed signals. In terms of extra work not being acting I agree anyone can do it, but in terms of a new actress starting out, and I have been doing extra work for 10 years while in high school and university, I have found that there have been many times where I have been featured. this is where I am on set and taking direction from the director yet getting paid as a non-union background performer, and then when the final product comes out I am featured.

For example I am someone's wife and it is only myself and the actors in the scene but I have no lines. In those circumstances can I put it on my resume? If so how would I call it? SOC or Featured Extra...

Or Darbi said "It doesn't go on the resume because of tradition and because of the stigma against it. Sadly, if you put a bunch of extra work on your resume, industry will write you off as an extra." So should I just not put it on there and start fresh?

What about photo doubling? Is that just glorified extra work?

Only PrincipAL work goes on your acting resume'.

quote:

Originally posted by emmyaward4:
my resume is ALL extra work, but that's what it IS!!!

You're a joke! You DON'T list extra work on your resume period! It's NOT acting! You're going to get laughed out if you list that stuff on your resume.

What if you were an extra on say Hannah Montana and you met with Howard Meltzer (cd for Hannah Montana)? He sees Hannah Montana on your resume and your meeting will go something like this:

Howard: I don't remember meeting with you before.
You: No, we've never met before.
Howard: That's impossible. It says that you worked on Hannah Montana
You: (feeling like an ass) ummm... I was actually just an extra.
Howard: GOODBYE!!!

Dude, I hear you but she has cancer bad so please edit that!!!!

truth---
emmy does extra work and is happy doing it and isnt really trying to get the principal roles you are seeking out. If she wants to do more extra work than she's all good with putting on all her past extra work and whatever else would sell an extras casting office on using her----wardrobes, cars, whatever. (If she was trying to get principal roles, than i agree, dont put it on)

Before ripping on someone you should know their story.

and to the original question...I think you are SOL unless you happened to ask for something right then and there.
Plus, I cant say for sure, but SAG doesnt seem to put as much effort into helping non-members...but you'll never know unless you call. Maybe you'll get someone who is in a good mood?