OPPORTUNITIES FOR 'EXTRAS'
('Background Performers')
in the Local Film Industry
* * *
From some notes from Deb S. of Reel Light (thanks Deb!) - http://www.reellight.org
"...In terms of Extra work, I'm not super familiar with how it works. I've never done Extra work myself but a number of Reel Light people have and still do it so I know a little bit about it based on things they've mentioned to me. My understanding is that you can try to get the work by submitting headshot/resume and probably a brief cover letter directly to the Extras Casting Director for a particular film/TV Series.
In terms of current productions, you can check out this list and note the names of the Extra Casing Director for each production. You would submit your application to them. http://www.reelwest.com/happening/bclist/bclist.htm
However, Casting Directors usually rely on Extras Agents to submit Extras to them. Here is some info I pulled together from the internet regarding getting an Extras Agent.
Some Extras are members of the Union of BC Performers and others are not union members. The wage for union Extras is higher than that for non-union Extras but one has to work on earning credits in the field in order to qualify to join the union. Please be cautious about exercising discernment in terms of signing up with an Extras Agency. What I've heard is that agents who say they will represent you if you pay them a fee (I think they usually ask $25 or $50) should be avoided. Legitimate agents do not charge a fee to represent people.
Also, some Extras Agents (probably the same ones mentioned above) will tell prospective clients that they need to pay them to have their headshot done by their photographer. If someone already has a perfectly good headshot (done by a professional photographer) then they shouldn't need to have another one done by/just for their Extras Agent.
EXTRAS INFORMATION SHEET
http://www.hollywoodnorthextras.com/info.htm
EXTRAS "Dos & Don'ts" Info
http://www.hollywoodnorthextras.com/dd.htm
Getting Started section of Vancouver Actors's Guide
http://www.vancouveractorsguide.com/gettingstarted/agents.shtml
Check the Classified section of the Georgia Straight for
calls for Extras -
particularly under the heading "Callboard" then the subheading "Auditions."
http://www.art-search.ca/arts_entertainment/casting_agencies
Union of BC Performers (www.ubcp.com)- List of Talent Agencies
http://www.ubcp.com/index.asp?navid=32&layid=92
Look for the category "also represents" - it will say something
like "Principals, Kids, Extras and Real action heros" in which case
they are an agency that handles Extras.
FYI, the current PC term for Extra is "Background Performer"
(Thanks again, Deb!!)
Great Commission Worship & Arts Center