I've been looking around and noticed that Central Casting seems to be the best place for extras. That will be a great start for someone just starting out, correct? Also, living in L.A is more realistic? I'm hoping to move out soon, so I was just asking. One more question What are some other legit background casting areas?

Can't wait to move to L.A!

If background work is what you want to pursue, there are other background casting companies you can work with at the same time. It's a great way to become familiar with a t.v. or film set. Keep in mind, though, that it is not acting. It is often showing up for a 6am call to wait 4 hours until you're needed, and then you become a moving prop when the 2nd Assistant Director tells you where and when to walk somewhere. At a rate of $75 for 8 hours if you're non-union. It is also not something you can do unless you're local to a set.

quote:

Also, living in L.A is more realistic?

What do you mean?

The standard minimum rate for working as a non-union extra in LA is 64/8. Union is 130/8. The average work day is about 12 to 16 hours, sometimes even more, so for non-union you can "usually" make over 100.00 a day.

There are several casting companies in LA that you can register with, but an easy way to get started is to register with Casting Networks www.castingnetworks.com (click on LA - it originally known as LA Casting). They not only have breakdowns for principal roles in commercials, film, TV, print and voice over, but there are several different background casting directors that post breakdowns for background work in major films, TV, commercials and even audience work for various game shows like "Deal or No Deal" and "Don't Forget the Lyrics," so you will have several options of finding background work. A great book to get is Extra Work for Brain Surgeons by Hollywood OS. It lists all the casting companies and information that you would need to get started. It is updated yearly.

I just meant being in L.A is pretty much a given, correct? Sorry to word it wrong. You answered it though. Thank you.

Well, at least that will get me familiar with being on set. So, are there multiple castings of background work that you can sign up with?

Thanks for responding!

Thanks so much Mominbiz!

You're welcome, AT! I wanted to add that you're right, Central Casting is the biggest company and is definitely another great place to start. The people that work there are great, too.

I don't care what they say about you, you rock! LOL. J/P!

Thanks

I don't think that "being in L.A is pretty much a given."

If you want to do TV/Film then being LA-based is a good idea. If you want to do theatre then being NY-based is a good idea.

Basically, there are the same amount of soaps on both coasts so you can be in either LA or NY to do soaps.

Regarding doing extra work, doing it 2 or 3 times is a good idea so that you can get on a set. However, I don't think that you want to make a career out of doing extra work.

quote:

Originally posted by snuka:
I don't think that "being in L.A is pretty much a given."

If you want to do TV/Film then being LA-based is a good idea. If you want to do theatre then being NY-based is a good idea.

Basically, there are the same amount of soaps on both coasts so you can be in either LA or NY to do soaps.

Regarding doing extra work, doing it 2 or 3 times is a good idea so that you can get on a set. However, I don't think that you want to make a career out of doing extra work.

Understandable, however what I meant by it being a given, is considering the central casting is located in L.A you would have to be there, in case of short notice. Saying I couldn't sign up from Indiana, or it wouldn't be the brightest idea. LOL

Thanks for the response.

Two reasons and two reasons ONLY to do extra work and they are to get SAG vouchers and to make emergency MONEY. You will NOT become "somebody" from doing extra work!!!!!

I understand. Thanks Miss Stone.

I would add one other reason for being an extra: just to see what it's like on a real television/film set. But this would be something you would do a few times, and then get away from it.

quote:

Originally posted by Iceman:
I would add one other reason for being an extra: just to see what it's like on a real television/film set. But this would be something you would do a few times, and then get away from it.

So, once added to the database or whatever, if you don't want work anymore after the few times, is there a way to be taken out of the database, or can you simply decline work. Also, does declining work give you a "she doesn't really want this" type rep?

I know the questions may sound dumb, but hey this is in the "New Actors" section. LOL

Thanks guys!

Sure, you can just ask to be removed from the database, and if you are always declining they will stop calling at some point. But Miss Stone and Iceman are correct. There is little redeeming value to being an extra. That said, it does beat waiting tables I think(SAG extra work, at least). Being a SAG extra in a commercial can make you like $400 or $500 a day. Won't help your acting career but it is really easy money.

Thank ya much, LA!