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How to Become a Paid Extra in a NYC Movie

If you live in the greater New York City area, you may be able to get paid to be an extra in a movie that is filming in New York City. Movie extras are usually paid to be background actors. Since you will not have any speaking roles as a movie extra, you will not be required to memorize any lines. Typically, a movie extra will either stand or walk in the background while a scene is being shot.

Things You'll Need

  • Professional head shots A computer with Internet access
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get head shots taken by a professional head shot photographer. There is a directory of New York City head shot photographers on the Reproductions Web site (see Resource). Prices vary by photographer.

    • 2

      Find casting agencies for extras on the New York 411 Web site (see Resource). Be sure to pay attention to the location because some of the casting agencies are located in Los Angeles. Click on an agency in which you are interested in order to get contact information.

    • 3

      Submit your head shot to each extras casting agency in which you are interested. You can use the mailing address listed. If the casting agency has a Web site, look for any specific information that pertains to submitting your head shot for extra work. Some agencies may even allow you to upload or email your head shot. When you submit your head shot, be sure to include your contact information, height, weight, ethnicity and union status.

Screen Acting

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