What is an Extra and what is needed to be one?:

 

Ace Extras is our Extras Division. An Extra is anyone who fills out the background scene of a movie, television show or commercial shot. It could be a concert crowd, the non-specific zombies in Supernatural or aliens Supergirl, or people on the street passing by the main actors or action. As an Extra it is your job to make the scenes being filmed, look natural and as lifelike as possible. Extras are sometimes called Background, Atmosphere or Non-Principal performers.

 

You could also be a specific character like a doctor or lawyer, or a face in the crowd at a baseball game, rock concert, or rally. It is your job to be present and service the “picture”, without getting in the way of the stars. That is the general rule, unless you are “Directed” to do something special by the Director of the film. This usually means you would be given some dialogue. If given dialogue, you will make more money and be allowed to join the Union of BC Performers, (U.B.C.P.) the B.C. actors Union. We’ll talk about that later on.

 

Some extras make “extra work” a profession, and work steadily, going from project to project. This is a way to have an exciting, flexible career in the entertainment industry. Some people do extra work because it's an interesting way to earn cash while going to school or pursuing other interests. Some people become EXTRAS, to earn the right to join UBCP. For most EXTRA work is another way to pay the bills, while you are taking classes and learning to be a good actor, singer or dancer. It is definitely possible that EXTRA work can lead to other work as an actor, in fact we have already gotten three members actors roles, and several clients on the background actors union.

 

As a working EXTRA you will be exposed to a whole new and exciting world. It is also a great place to start if you have other showbiz ambitions, and no experience. You can get an overview of the entire industry and see if a career here is for you. As an extra you are on a live set and can check out all the different specialty jobs it takes to make a film, everything from camera operators to electricians, wardrobe, makeup, location scouting, producing, on and on. As an extra, you can more closely explore these possibilities. Being on the set also gives you a chance to make valuable connections with people already working in the film or TV industry. These experiences can help you find the best fit, and allow you to be an integral part of the entertainment industry.

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As an ACE Extra every day will come with a totally different schedule and routine. Flexibility is key. Today you may have a call time of 6 am ; the time that you are required to be On Set for filming. To make your call time, you will have to wake up between 4:00 am and 4:30 am in order to be ready. If you are late, you could be sent home without pay and not be allowed to work again for this company. Promptness is Essential in getting consistent work as an EXTRA. Once you arrive on set, you will report to the 2nd AD (second assistant director), and get your payment voucher. The 2nd AD works under, and answers to the 1st AD.

 

The 1st ADs job is to help the Director in every way, and hardly ever leaves his side. The 2nd AD is in charge of the EXTRAS and everything that involves them. Practically all of your instructions, interactions and paperwork will come through the 2nd AD or his Production Assistants.

 

The payment voucher you will receive is a time card that has your name on it. This is what you need to guarantee you will get paid for your work. The voucher will be filled out by you, but won't be signed by the A.D. until the end of the day. This helps insure you are in the right place at the right time, always exactly where you're supposed to be. Once you have your voucher, you will report to the wardrobe department. Here your wardrobe will be looked at and hopefully approved. This is usually an outfit or two that you were required to bring. On occasion, you might receive a costume from the Production Company to wear for the shoot. In between paper work and wardrobe and sometimes hair/make-up you can often expect to enjoy a free breakfast provided by craft services (catering).

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Hopefully, about an hour after the call time, filming is set to begin. The EXTRAS are called to the set and instructed on what to do for the current scene. These things can range from sitting or standing in a specific location, to walking behind or near the stars. If you are lucky you may get to interact with the stars of the film. Every EXTRA has a purpose and while some are more seen than others, all are important. Your instructions will almost always come from the 2nd AD. It is rare for the Director or 1st AD to instruct the EXTRAS personally. Although it does happen, don't expect to interact with them very much. Once all the directions have been give out to cast and crew, there will be a couple of practice run troughs of the scene. This is called Rehearsal, whether it is for the actors, extras or cameras. Throughout this process, the Director checks that the actors have the right emotional intent, know their lines, and have their correct movements down, called Blocking. The Director of Photography, (called the DP), makes sure the lighting is right for the scene, and the cameras are set correctly. The Gaffer (electrician) makes sure that all the electrical gadgets are working, while the hair and make-up people attend to the look of the stars. The wardrobe and prop people are extremely busy, making sure the Actors and EXTRAS are perfect and have everything the scene requires. When the Director is satisfied, the cameras will start rolling and actual filming will begin. One scene can take as long as three to four hours to complete, depending on how many angles the director wants to film from, and how all the aspects come together. Some film directors may take days with only one scene in order to get exactly what they want. It is a very long process, and as an EXTRA, patience is a must. This is because everything is repeated over and over again, until the Director decides it's time to move on.

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Not every EXTRA on the set will be used in all the scenes. Those not being used in the current scene must hang out in the Holding Area. This is the area away from the set, where the EXTRAS can read, play cards or try to line up work for the next day. It is your free time to do what ever you want until being needed in a scene. It is certainly a great time to “Network” with the other Extras. Get friendly with other folks who do what you do, find out who hires them, and how they go about getting consistent work. This is a wonderful opportunity to build a support system with other Extras. Other extras are also a great source to provide insider information on where to get the best deals on photos, coaches, and what other projects are coming up in town. Film and TV jobs usually last for a short amount of time. Everyone on the present Production will move on to other jobs when the project is completed. It is important to build friendships with as many of these people as you can.

We cannot stress enough that Networking is an important thing to master in the entertainment industry. However, when you first start out you probably won't know very many people in the industry, don't worry. Build relationships with as many working industry people as you go along. Learn peoples names, exchange phone numbers and keep in contact. Talk to everyone and everybody. You never really know just who knows whom, and what will lead where.

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If you are in Holding always be prepared to keep occupied, because boredom can lead to trouble. It is also important to understand that you are there to do a job, even if that means hanging out for hours and hours and hours. On the set, remember you are not there to talk to stars, get their autographs or take pictures with them. In some cases EXTRAS are asked not to approach or talk to the stars on the set. Stars are people too, and please understand that they are under a lot of stress trying to memorize lines and get their scenes just right. Don't take it personally if they ignore you. They too are there to do a job, so just be honored that you get to work along with them, and are part of this exciting process. That being said opportunities do arise as periodically the stars will talk to you.

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Lunch is usually called within six hours of the Call time, because of Union rules. Lunch will last for about half an hour to an hour and is typically provided by the Production Company s. After lunch, if you are still needed on set, you may spend the rest of the day doing the same thing as before. This will last until the director calls a “Wrap” (end of filming), or you are no longer needed in the scene.

There are no normal days in Show Biz, so your day could last anywhere from 2 to 16 hours. The longer days with overtime, brings more money and free meals, whereas the shorter days mean good money for less work. In either case, when your day is done you will return any wardrobe and prop items that were borrowed. Then it is time to have the 2nd AD or Extras Wrangler to sign you out. He or she will verify that all the information on the voucher is correct and then you sign your Time out. Once signed, you will be given a copy and are free to go home and prepare for the next day. Hopefully, there are more days in the nightclub or courtroom and you will be back for more work on the film.

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Training:

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THE GREAT THING is that there is no special training or experience required for you to become an EXTRA. What you need is the right look and wardrobe for the current projects available. Also, the more skills you have, the more projects you may qualify for. For example, if you are trained in Ballroom Dancing then you will qualify to be an EXTRA in a project that has a Formal Dancing scene. Sports, martial arts, and military training are a few great things to have on your agency click resume, this will increase your work potential. Even if you don't get hired for these skills, once on set you might be asked about different abilities. Sometimes directors make last minute changes, and if you have the skill that will make their ideas come to life, it may even land you an actors upgrade. Just remember, always be honest about your skills, and do not say you can do something that you cannot. That is a huge waste of everyone's valuable time and money. Telephone/Answering Machine/Email address/Cell When they want you they need a phone number on your picture and resume. When they call you, they want to be able to leave a message, and hear back from you within one hour. That is professional and that is what are expected. You must be reachable. A pager is good on set because you can still feel it on Vibrating mode if you're working and you get a call during filming. Public phone booths are harder to come by these days, so we recommend a cell phone as well.

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Head shot:

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As an Extra you will not need a professional head shot for work,all you will need is a good clear camera phone head shot, a profile. Never pay someone straight up to do this. It is also good to send in costume pictures for agency click profile, for example If casting calls asking for someone in a Star Wars outfit, and there is a pic of you dressed Starwarsy on your agency click profile, you will probably get the job. They look for people in crowd scenes, specific looks such as look a likes, and people for specific shots if you look the part you will most likely get the job. Always keep you agency click profile picture current. WARNING: be aware that there are a lot of cons out there. Check with someone in the industry for a good recommendation. If you are really serious though about acting, you will need a photo that looks just like you do, on a great day. These 8 by 10 calling cards are called Head shots. Postcard size photos with your phone number on it are also very popular in addition, as reminders to Casting Directors. You are the product you are selling, and the only way for people to know you be through your picture. It's best to go to a professional photographer for an actors head-shot ( principal picture ), usually taken in Black and White film. Color is sometimes seen around town, but definitely not necessary and quite costly. You will then take the photo you like the best and duplicate it at a quantity reproduction house. Now that you have the required head-shot it's time to make a resume for yourself. This will be attached to the back of your 8 by 10.

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Resume:

This will include your name, all current contact numbers, hair color, eye color, height, weight, age range, and any acting experience you may have.  Be truthful and keep everything up to date and current. Education and any acting training are important to list, although not necessary. Special skills like skiing, football, tap dancing etc, are to be listed here as well. Staple securely your resume to the back of your 8 by 10. You can also get your resume printed directly on the back of your head-shot. Please make note your agency click profile will allow you to have your special skills listed, please arrange an appointment if help is needed with this.

Wardrobe:

The most important thing to have as an EXTRA is an extensive wardrobe. The more outfits you own or can borrow, the more projects you will eligible for. As an EXTRA you will almost always be required to bring your own wardrobe. This saves the production companies lots of money and helps the casting directors decide which EXTRAS they will hire. The best things for you to own are a tux or formal gown, three to four types of business suits, and several styles of casual wear. It is smart to have both typical and unusual colors. It's great if you to have several outfits from different time periods like the 60s, 70s and 80s. Hospital clothes, like a nurse or doctor uniform is good as well. Alternative or unusual outfits are useful on those off the wall projects that come up from time to time. The more extensive and varied your wardrobe, the more you will work you will be ready for.

Equipment:

 

It is not necessary to have any type of equipment to be an EXTRA. But like the wardrobe, the more things you have the more you will work. It is a good idea to have a usable bike, roller-blades, and other sports equipment you know how to use. These can help you get work on projects that have major outdoor scenes in parks, beaches or schools. Another way to increase your job potential is to have a unique or odd colored car. Sometimes production companies don't want you as the EXTRA; they just want your car. If you're lucky they'll use both and you will make even more money.

Pay-Rates: For Film :

There are two types of EXTRAS in the industry, Union EXTRAS and Non-Union EXTRAS. Both have their own pay-rates based on the same work (see the next section for more information on unions). Just starting out you will be a Non-Union EXTRA. Union EXTRAS are members of the BC Actors Union. ) Pay-rates are based on several factors. These include a base rate for the first eight hours of work, overtime pay for work between eight and twelve hours, double time pay for anything over 12 hours of work, meal penalties, bonuses for wardrobe changes, working around smoke, and mileage driven to special locations. for more information on this please check out ACE EXTRAS FAQS and UBCP (UNION OF BC Performers).

PLEASE NOTE:

 

As a Non-Union EXTRA you will not always be eligible for wardrobe / mileage and other added pay. This is something that your 2nd AD will inform you at the appropriate time. If in the Union, the add ons will be added to your base pay. This will make your overtime and double time pay higher. Also, lunch and dinner breaks are always non-paid. Therefore, these times will be deducted from the total time you are on set in order to determine when overtime and double time hours begin.

For the most money, the two best days to do Extra work will be the really long days, OR the quick short ones. On the long days you have more chances to earn overtime pay and add ons making you check bigger. On the really short days you will get paid the full base rate for only 1 or 2 hours of work. Then you are free to play the rest of your day, having made a full days pay! Unions: The Union for EXTRAS is the UNION OF BC Performers. This is the Union that almost every working actor in BC belongs to. As you have seen, being in the Union means that you will make more money than Non-Union EXTRAS. But getting in is the tricky part - there are only two ways currently to do it. The first is to get 15 union paid production slips to ubcp withing a year, then the other is an upgrade opportunity such as being cast in a speaking role in any Union project, and are not currently a member. If the Production Company casts a non-union person into a speaking role, automatically they are allowed to join on an apprentice membership. This can happen to you as an EXTRA as well. Say you show up to the set to work as a Non-Union EXTRA and the director sees you and thinks you would be perfect to say a line to make the scene better. In order to do this you must be in the UBCP. Since you are not, they will upgrade you and charge a permit fee you. Usually these upgrades are handed to union members. This will cost the Production Company a union fine, so it doesn't happen every day, but it does happen. The second way to become a member is to earn three union vouchers, while working as a non-union EXTRA. Every union project requires a certain number of union EXTRAS be present on the set. For TV shows this is 15 and for movies it is 45. When not enough union EXTRAS are on a set, for whatever reason, the Production Company must now pay a non-union EXTRA; the union pay for each one not present. Each time you get paid as a union EXTRA you will receive a union voucher.

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How to join UBCP as a Background Member:

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Non-members who have worked as background performers on UBCP/ACTRA productions can apply to join as Background Members of UBCP/ACTRA.

In order to qualify you must have worked at least 15 days in the 12 months immediately preceding the date of your application. You must be a Canadian citizen or landed immigrant to be eligible. Background Members may not work on non-union productions. How do I join? To join, YOU submit a completed excel/word document or list which outlines your required 15 vouchers along with the 15 original chronological background performer vouchers or non-union extra vouchers to UBCP/ACTRA Member Services (make-up and wardrobe days do not count).  A Member Services representative will confirm and copy your vouchers for your member file, and will then contact you to arrange an appointment to sign-up.

You will be required to bring the following information: Proof of your Canadian citizenship or permanent residence status(i.e. Canadian passport, birth certificate or permanent residency card.)and your current head shot.

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In order to qualify you must have worked at least 15 days in the 12 months immediately preceding the date of your application.Background Members may not work on non-union productions.

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Your original documents will be returned to you. If you do not provide all the necessary documentation you will not be able to join. Background Members are required to work at least 15 days every year from April 1 to March 31 and must pay Annual Dues of $30.00.

What are the benefits of membership? Background Members have preference of engagement over non-members for Union Background Performer Vouchers on UBCP/ACTRA productions. Applicable permits will be deducted from Background Members working on Union Voucher or Union Contract.

As a Background Member, you have a voice at Membership Meetings and may be eligible to vote at Membership Meetings and on agreement ratification's.

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Background Members are welcome to attend membership meetings, certain information meetings, and member education workshops and lectures. Background Members may qualify to vote on the ratification of collective agreements and on strike votes, based on eligibility requirements.

How Do I Join?: Contact us via email at aceextrasagent@gmail.com and one of our Agents will arrange a meet and greet. It is important to Remember, when registering at any Agency, to dress to impress. This is your first chance to show us what you have. Be ready to supply all the necessary information regarding your wardrobe, skills or training. The more skills you have the more valuable you are. Once registered, it is up to you to update your agency click calendar every day. This is a long process, but it's the best way to get work. You call a work hotline that describes the projects that are available and what they are looking for. If you fit the qualifications, you will then be suggested to specific casting directors. If we don't call you right away please don't, keep calling our work number as long as your agency click calendar is up to date we will suggest you for all available jobs. In the acting world, keeping a good relationship with your agent is of the utmost importance! Many times, people will ask us if there are any “do’s” or “don’ts” related to the agent/actor dynamic. Here are our 6 tips in order to keep your agent happy!

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STAY FRESH! Being an actor, you’ve got to keep brushed up on your skills – whether that be improve, commercial or theatrical. If you’re at a quiet spot – perhaps not much is going on in your spec, or it’s over the holidays – you should be looking into classes! Being an actor/actress is a full-time job and you must always be proactive, note quite often Agents are asked for Demo Reels (Video clips of what you can do. ) be prepared !

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UP TO DATE MATERIALS! As Madonna said, we are living in a material world. And we require up to date materials! This means refreshing your resume after every job booked, or class taken. Have you developed a love for rock climbing, or started playing guitar? Let your agent know! You should also be getting new photos every year/year and a half. Sometimes a new head-shot can be just the thing to get you back into the minds of the casting directors.

BE CAMERA-READY! With the dawn of the Internet, there are now more and more requests for self-taped auditions, that you should be prepared and able to film at home. Look into having a spot in your house or apartment set aside to do tapes, and make sure you have proper equipment. This can be achieved with a relatively inexpensive video camera, basic lighting, a solid colored wall, and a reader. You should be familiar with what will be expected of you from a tape, and how to upload and send it over to your agent. And if you don’t know. Ask!

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DON’T CALL US, WE’LL CALL YOU! Cheesy as it sounds, this is a great rule of thumb! If you have not heard from us, PLEASE know that your agent did NOT forget about you. The amount of auditions you will receive depends on the opportunities available for your type at any given time, and this is always changing. Please don’t think that agents would knowingly be omitting you from audition opportunities, or withholding information from you! BOOK OUT! You should ALWAYS let your agency know as soon as possible when you will be out of town or not available to audition. This prevents us from submitting/pushing you for projects that you aren’t available for. You can let your agent know if some dates are negotiable (ie; a doctor’s appointment can be moved, but a trip to Aruba you probably can’t move.) We assume that you are always available unless you tell us otherwise!

BE ON TIME! When you do receive an audition, do not be late or early – simply BE ON TIME. Arriving 5-10 minutes before your scheduled appointment is sufficient. Oftentimes waiting areas at a casting are not large, so please try to come right when your allotted audition time is. If you do happen to be running late, be sure to call over to let us know! Now just get started. You are now on your way to being part of the greatest, and most thrilling industry in the world. Always Remember to be kind, professional, and have fun!

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- Ace Extras Staff More about Extras on TV.... Parts of this were taken from the site “The Balance”

Updated October 01, 2016

All of those people you see wandering around the background of your favorite movies and television shows are called "extras." Extras are actors and actresses who serve as "dressed background." They help to sell the idea that a scene is filled with real people just going about their daily business.

Extras aren't always professional actors. In fact, most extras are just regular folk who wanted to be a part of the film and television industry.

Most Extras are paid around $10.85 an hour and are expected to stay on set from the beginning of the production day until the end of that days shoot. Be an Extra, all be it fun, is a full day commitment.

Depending on the type, size and budget of the production, the extras may or may not take part in make up, wardrobe, hair, etc.

Often many period pieces will entail that the extras are "fully dressed and fitted" which means that they are provided with costuming by the wardrobe department.

Last year the City of Surrey gave out over 200 filming permits up from 2015. There is lots of work as an Extra up for grabs!

The requirements to be an extra in BC are as follows:

- You must be eligible work in Canada.

- Have 2-3 days a week which you can fully dedicate to work ( sometimes 12 hours a day )

- Have access to the internet and a cell phone / home phone with an answering machine.

- Have a reliable way to get to set.

Extras aren't always professional actors. In fact, most extras are just regular folk who wanted to be a part of the film and television industry. Most Extras are paid $12.42 an hour minus agent fees.for their participation and they are usually expected to stay on set from the beginning of production until wrap (the end of production). Depending on the type, size and budget of the production, the extras may or may not take part in make up, wardrobe, hair, etc. Often many period pieces will entail that the extras are “fully dressed and fitted” which means that they are provided with costuming by the wardrobe department. But more often than not, extras are simply informed beforehand of the type of clothing they will need to bring and asked to furnish it themselves. So, none of this seems all that glamorous, right? Well, the fact is that being an extra really isn't all that glamorous. That said, why would anyone want to do such a job?

 

Reason #1

 

Probably the best reason to take a job working as an extra is it gives you the ability to network with dozens of fellow people who are all trying to break into the industry in one capacity or another. The contacts you make here might lead to a number of other opportunities down the line as many of the people you come across could perhaps find success in their niche and thus be able to help you in your own career endeavors.

 

Reason #2

If you're new to the industry, no matter how many books you read or classes you take, you can never fully understand the inner workings of a film or television set unless you spend a great deal of time on a production or twenty. There is a reason Hollywood is called a “factory.” The main reason is because that much of the work that is done on a set is manual labor. From lugging cable and camera dollies to adjusting lights, props, etc., a movie set is a factory churning out film and television as its product. Being an extra on a set will expose you to this reality, as well as let you see first hand what these people do. You might find that there are particular jobs you never even thought of that are appealing to you. Reason #3

It's not a certainty, but it has been known to happen that someone may spot you and realize that you are meant for much more than just background. From Casting Directors to writers and agents wandering the set, you never know who has their eyes on you. So, being on a set in this capacity might just open up a few doors you never thought possible.

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Reason #4

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Catering and Craft service or “ the snack tent “, depending on the budget of the production, you could be dining fine while you catch up on your favorite book between shoots. Vancouver offers some of the finest on set catering in the world. So is being an Extra actually a Job:

You better believe it! Extras are hired as self employed individuals for a particular scene or for a series of shots. Being an extra is a Job and as such once commit to the job you are expected to show up on time and to work. Companies (such as ace extras) and its Agents represent you, you in turn are a representation of their company and its ability to find quality Talent. Agents such as those at Ace Extras specialize in finding extras of a particular age, appearance or ethnic background for local casting directors. When registered with Ace Extras you have an agent working hard on your behalf who submits you according to your calendar availability, when an opportunity with criteria that matches your particular skill or physical description comes up. When you are picked the Agent contacts you via phone and email to confirm your availability, once you are confirmed, in most cases, between 6pm and midnight via email a call sheet with attachments that will explain wardrobe, call times and where to report to work are sent to you. When you are booked or available it is very important your cell phone is handy and you are checking your emails hourly as to not miss any opportunities. On most sets, your “boss” will either be the Second Assistant Director and or the Extras Wrangler.  Make things easy on yourself and on them by doing exactly as you're told. They will be very specific about things like when to come out, where to go and whom you should and should not speak to on a set. This directive will be made very clear to you by the way as it's distinctly possible you could be made an extra on a production that has a major star roaming around and the last thing they want you doing is approaching them uninvited. More often than not, you'll simply be replaced if you ignore this directive.

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That said, it's an easy, yet sometimes thankless job. However, if you're simply looking for any way to be a part of film or a television series this is pretty cool, coming from experience, I love it! And who knows becoming an Ace extra might just open the door to your big break!

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