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How to Become Film Extras or Stand-Ins

A movie extra's job task is to fill the background space in a film. They do not say lines, but might be a member of a large audience at a ballgame, walking on the street in a city scene or a customer at another table in a restaurant scene. To become an extra means settling for low pay and non-fulfilling work, but it can also have the ability to open other doors in the acting field.

Instructions

    • 1

      Browse through websites that list open auditions for extras. Some of these websites include craigslist.org, entertainmentcareers.net and backstage.com. Trade journals such as Hollywood Reporter and The Variety often list jobs for film extras.

    • 2

      Make an appointment with a casting agency. These agencies help supply film directors with actors and extras. They will aid you in finding the film that is right for you.

    • 3

      Register with an online movie extra directory. Supply the site with a complete profile, including contact information and several photos of yourself, both of your face and body, so that agents and directors can assess if you are suitable for their film.

    • 4

      Show up at a film production. Oftentimes, films will announce a shooting of a scene where they need extras. Simply come to the spot they are shooting the film and make your presence known.

    • 5

      Look for listings in your newspaper. This is much more common in cities with a thriving film industry, such as Los Angeles, Austin or New York.

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