Trying to get into the movie industry, where do I start?
Question by 11Matt11: Trying to get into the movie industry, where do I start?
I am almost 19 years old and Live with my parents in Moreno Valley (Riverside) California. I have a secure job with Longs/CVS but want to get into the movie industry. Because I have a job and free rent I know I have OPPORTUNITY but I don’t know where to start and feel like I am throwing that opportunity away. Personally there is no specific field I want to enter in the industry, just ANYTHING as long as I am part of the film making process, I would be happy building sets, doing makeup, writing, anything, I just want IN so I can work my way up so that one day I can make my own films. But again, I dont know where to start, how do I go from living at home with a part time job to “in the industry”? I recently picked up a cheap little camera because they always say create as many little films as you can, I write as much as possible, I worked on special effects makeup and set building for a few years on my own (with some friends) but I just dont know how to expose myself because as everyone knows its all about WHO you know, NETWORKING. Where can I volunteer? Where cam I find adds for films that NEED HELP, even if its low budget, what film festivals should I try to attend? Where do I start? THANKS!
Best answer:
Answer by ozeke
How to Become a Movie Extra
Guide Note As a movie extra, you won’t get the glamorous lifestyle, Oscar nominations or celebrity perks. You will get an insider’s view of the movie industry while earning a few bucks. Plus, you get to see your face up on the big screen. But before that can happen, you need to learn how to become a movie extra.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Step 1: Move to the Big City
Step 2: Find a Job
Step 3: Join a Union
Step 3: Be Successful
Conclusion
References
Movie Extra Tips
Jobs are not restricted to New York and Los Angeles.
The average pay for a movie extra is $ 11 per hour.
You don’t have to look like a movie star.
Never pay a fee to get a job.
Be prepared when going to your first job.
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Introduction
(Creative Commons photo by Simon Davison)If you have ever wanted to be in the movies or on television but can’t act your way out of a paper bag, don’t despair. You can still become a movie extra! Movie extras, also known as background artists, get to rub elbows with the celebrities without having to memorize lines or attend acting classes. If you are an aspiring actor, being a background artist can give you some much needed experience and maybe even a few networking opportunities.
The biggest thing you’ll need to bring to the table, whether you’re a would-be Hollywood superstar or not, is patience.1 A good movie extra might be required to do the same thing repeatedly, and there can be long periods in between takes, when there is nothing to do but wait. If being an extra still sounds like your kind of fun, read on to learn how to break into the world of background acting.
Step 1: Move to the Big City
In order to be a movie extra, you will need to live where movies are made. Your best bet is to move to a city like New York, Los Angeles or Toronto, where film production is a major industry.
Other popular movie-making cities include Austin, TX; Albuquerque, NM; Shreveport, LA; Philadelphia, PA; Wilmington, NC; Seattle, WA; Portland, OR; Baltimore, MD; Memphis, TN; Stamford, CT; Las Vegas, NV; Richmond, VA; Phoenix, AZ; Chicago, IL; Kauai, HI and Bozeman, MT.2
Of course, sometimes movies are shot in smaller, out of the way locations. So, even if you don’t live near a large city, keep your ear to the ground for background acting opportunities.
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Step 2: Find a Job
(Creative Commons photo by Kevin Tostado)Finding a job as a movie extra is like trying to find any other type of job: it takes a little time and persistence. The first thing you need is to know where to look. Here are few resources that list jobs for extras:
Craigslist
EntertainmentCareers.net
Extras411
Auditions.com
InsideHollywood.Info
Moviex.com
Classifieds of your local newspaper
However, these are not the only sources of jobs. You could also choose to sign up with a casting agency. While agencies have their advantages, you must always be cautious about avoiding the numerous scams designed to fleece actors out of their money.
Casting Agencies
A casting agency is a firm that specializes in supplying directors with actors for movies, television and other similar jobs. Some casting agencies, like Central Casting, specialize in supplying movie extras and background actors.3
Casting agencies may require you to submit a head shot. However, some agencies will take their own photo. They may charge a fee for this service, which should be not more than $ 20-$ 25.4 However, the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) advises against this practice.5
You will also need to provide the agency with proof that you can legally work in the United States such as a passport, driver’s license and/or social security card.
Before signing up with any casting agency, you will need to ask the right questions. Such as:
Do they have a specialty (children, adults, musicians, etc.)?
How long have they been in business?
What movies, television shows, commercials or other credits do they have?4
Under what circumstances do they charge
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