Hi, I'm new to the business and trying to break in as an actor. At the moment I registered to do background work. I'm wondering if this is a good move for someone that wants to have speaking roles in the future? Is there anything I can do as an extra that would help me get speaking roles? Any input would be appreciated!

I'd say it's not something likly to help your career, and to do it for any length of time would be a waste of time.

You can do it and try to get into the union, that's a valid reason, and it's a good thing to do a few times just see what it's like on a real set, but beyond that, unless you really enjoy it, stay away.

as much as i sadly agree with Iceman
I also must say, I am so sick of people putting down extras, saying we are PROPS & Worthless
I don't FEEL that way
we DO act, i mean next time you watch a show try to notice, we make the show in the sence that without us you would not have a job!!! we are uselfull
& the only time that i am not acting whenmaking a movie or show is eating lunch.
if we are pretending to be something we are not(Even as backround) we ARE acting

I breaking into the business as well. if you can pass information on as to how i can register to do background work would be a great heip.... i believe exposure is everything...
hey ... Pennies add up to dollars.... may seem useless at the time however the experience of seeing how things work has to be worth it

NY Extras casting companies.
http://bbs.backstage.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/932105/m/19...?r=19310227#19310227

Thanks for the info. Does anyone have a list of casting companies that focus on movies and films? Thanks!

Extra work is a great way to get experience on sets of different productions, learning the different terms and the importance and protocol of each person's job, but it is not a major step in getting a speaking role. There is the "rare" occasion that a background actor is given a line or two and bumped up at the last minute, but as I said, that is very rare and not something to ever count on. Also, if that rare occasion should arise, that actor better have had some training and know what the heck they are doing so as not to make a fool of themselves or waste production's time.

As a new actor getting started in this business, the first thing you should be doing is to get training in as many aspects of acting as you can. Scene study, characterization, improv, different techniques which help the individual actor discover what works best for them, and more. Serious actors take the time to research, read and research and read some more. Acting is a never ending process of continuous research, training and growth.

There are several resources listed throughout this message board that will help lead to more answers. It's up to all actors to do their homework, check out different sites when listed and also, not be afraid to pick up the phone and ask questions. Just remember to be curtious and professional at all times, make your questions short and to the point and have a pen and paper ready to takes notes.

Good luck to all!

Thank you ..., i feel as if im on the right path. ive been doing everything you have listed. by the way those trainging workshops would you recommend any. ive research the net for a week just collecting information. but im a little wery of some and the most that i fell a since of confidence in are very experience, same for the photographers.. any advice.

The truth is that acting and extra work are two very different animals. Doing extra work will rarely - if ever - lead to speaking parts. Those roles are already cast before you arrive to do your background work.

On a professional level, there are only two reasons to do extra work:

1) To learn how a set works.
2) To help you get your SAG card.

And I completely agree with the other postings about listing exra work on your resume. Just don't do it. Please trust me on this one.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the info., from what i understand there are background entry requirements to join the union ... do you know of the requirments....