Wednesday, January 26, 2011

a critique of acting & modeling extra work

By Ruby Fisher


Background artists are most commonly known as movie extras. They are those whose roles in a movie do not require much speaking and are expected to blend in with all the other actors. When compared to the professional actors, however, they are not required to have any acting experience. Neither are movie extras required to have a background in acting, belong to a specific ethnic group, have special training related to acting or belong to a certain age bracket. The important thing that movie extras should bear in mind is that they are expected to handle and understand directions well, be reliable, and arrive on the set early.

Not everyone knows that movie extras are outsourced from agencies like the professional actors. This is because it makes it easier for a casting director to search for an extra who has the required specific look for the movie. When in casting, some casting directors also require a certain skill, such as dancing. If you get involved with a talent agency, you may find yourself cast as an extra in some kind of production. This is one of those conversations you'll have to have with your agency. Honesty is a must, which is why you want to choose a reputable agency, one that's not just looking for your money.

Sometimes, extras are required to bring their own wardrobe. On the other hand, professional extras will have different kinds of costumes that make them look better with the aim of catching the casting director's attention.

Most of the time, movie extras who are lucky enough to get called in basically just wait for things to happen. They sit down most of the time, just waiting. There are also some who get cast but are not needed as the filming progresses.

Sometimes, movie extras are hired for different periods. There are those needed for just a day while there are those who need to be on call throughout the filming process. In the United States, the Screen Actors Guild or the SAG do not require movie extras to be members. That is because most of the SAG's members are only actors with speaking roles.

Most movie extras will say that movie life requires waiting for long periods. There are also instances when extras are not needed for that scheduled day.

Just because you are a movie extra does not mean that you will become a celebrity instantly. Movie extras are occasionally discovered, the stories happen ll the time. Casting agents may remember something you did previously and give you a chance.

Perhaps what makes the life of a movie extra interesting is that it provides a way to look into what Hollywood life is all about. Movie extras are given chances into observing how and what the life of an actor really is. While it can be said that having a job as a movie extra is not hard, it's also safe to say that it's not easy either.




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