Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a movie and TV Extra?

When a film, TV show, commercial or music video is made, the producers and director often need people to fill the background of certain shots and scenes. This helps make the scene look real. They therefore need to hire people to do this job. So they hire Movie and TV Extras.

Do I need Experience?

No. That's the great thing about being an Extra. ANYONE can do it. You don't need any acting experience or experience on a film set. The only experience you need, is the experience of being YOU!

Do I have to have a certain 'look'?

No. Like in real life, real people with every look make up any real street or office scene. That's why Talent and Extras Agencies NEED people with as many different looks as possible - fat, thin, black, white, tall, small etc. So it doesn't matter what you look like, there will be work for you.

Why would I want to be a Movie or TV Extra?

Why wouldn't you want to be? You can work when you want; it's fun; every day is different; you work on a set next to Movie and TV stars; you don't have to travel far as there is always work in your state; there's always the chance you may get 'discovered' - and you get paid well too!

How do I become an Extra?

All you have to do is sign up to the Extras Network, and we will supply you with everything you will need to know to get you signed up with an agency in your state. At the Extras Network, we have worked long and hard to scour the country to find all the Extras and Talent Agencies who are ready to take you on as a client. By signing up, you will have access to all these agencies in your state. Then we will show you how to go about becoming an Extra, including: gathering the right tools for the job eg having your photo taken and creating your resume; finding an agent; marketing yourself; getting work after you are registered; preparing for your big break and getting started in the next 24 HOURS!!

How much do I earn?

There is a minimum daily rate of around $115 - $130. Jobs can last anywhere from 1 day to 1 year or more (big movies). There is always usually overtime on any job, which is usually time and a half to double time. Plus you are paid food allowances and wardrobe costs. So the money is usually great at the end of a job. So if you worked 5 days in the week with 4 hours overtime
/ per day. You could earn anywhere upwards of over $1200 / week (over $60k / year). This doesn't include if you get asked to do anything different by the director on set eg talk or ride a bike - you get paid a lot more for that. So the earnings are good and the potential is huge. Plus you are in the right place to get 'discovered', which could lead to fame and big bucks!

Don't they just make movies in Hollywood?

A lot of films are made in Hollywood. But how many movies have you seen that don't have LA as a backdrop? Look at the next films you watch and you will see that movies, TV shows and commercials are filmed everywhere. There are literally hundreds of movies and TV commercials making good use of America's beautiful scenery in every State at any one time. So instead of hiring Extras from LA and flying them to the location, the producers hire locals, as it is cheaper. That's where you come in!

Do I need an Agent?

Absolutely. Professional filmmakers only deal with professionals. That's why they like to deal with agents, as they are professionals who make filmmaker's lives easy by finding them the right people for job. They don't use anyone unless they have come from an agency. That's why you need an agent!

How do I get an Agent?

Simply sign up with the Extras Agency and we will show you how.


What if I don't find an agent?

If you have followed all the steps in this guide and in the unlikely instance you don't get signed up by an agent in 30 days, we will happily refund your money in full - no questions asked!