| Extra, extra...Read all about it! | | Print | |
| Written by Administrator |
| Friday, 15 October 2010 11:20 |
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Listen Now!
Perhaps you’ve seen the mayhem in the streets of Chicago during the filming of the Hollywood film, Transformers 3 − the screaming crowds, the smashed-up cars, the rubble from demolished buildings. Or perhaps while walking along Michigan Ave. last September, you heard that famous catchy tune, ‘I Got a Feeling,’ that was blaring while a 20,000 plus crowd were all dancing succinctly in a choreographed production, as the The Black Eyed Peas rocked the makeshift stage, to kick off Oprah’s 24th season opener. These crowd scenes were comprised of ‘extras,’ everyday people like you and me to enhance a scene or in the case of Oprah’s season premiere, be the star. Have you ever wondered how you could be part of a Hollywood film or a TV show? Those screaming crowds and dancers are called ‘extras’ or ‘background actors’. Working as an extra in Chicago is much easier than you may think, as the time commitment is flexible and you can tailor your time involvement around your schedule. The purpose of this article is to provide you with contacts and resources to get you started in the film and TV industry, from a person who has worked in this business for the past 3 years. What is an Extra? Commercials, movies and television shows often use people like props to give scenes a real or natural appearance. These people are called extras or background actors. Extras are almost never given lines to speak, but will be asked to perform particular actions such as; walking while the main actors are performing their dialogue. Background talent may be asked to portray such roles as patients, nurses, doctors, athletes, sports fans, police officers, pedestrians, drivers, restaurant patrons, shoppers, and teachers, the list is endless. There are no special requirements to be a background actor. In fact, children, men and women of all ages, ethnicities, shapes, sizes, abilities and disabilities can apply. Pets are also used on occasion. Previous acting experience is not required. Most extra jobs for feature films, commercials and television are paid positions. Your parking fees are covered and a lunch is also provided. Casting Companies The first step in becoming an extra is to register with a casting company. The casting director and/or casting associates will have you fill out a registration form and submit a current photo. This information is kept on file to share with movie and television production companies. Submissions for children under the age of 16 will also require a work permit. Information regarding work permits can be found on a casting company’s website. Resumes and headshots are not required for “extra” roles. There is usually no fee or a nominal one- time fee to register with a casting company. Some companies will allow you to register on-line while others will require that you submit your information via U.S. mail. Chicago’s three top casting companies include Atmosphere Casting, Extraordinary Casting and Joan Philo Casting. Their contact information is provided below. Atmosphere Casting ExtraOrdinary Casting Joan Philo Casting Please visit the websites above to download the necessary registration forms and be sure to read all screens in order to gain an understanding of what will be expected of you on-set. You may also wish to “friend” the casting companies on Facebook as they post their current job needs there regularly. Stay tuned next week as I will provide you with tips on what to expect once you are hired. |
