How to Get Noticed as an Extra!

Being an extra is a great way to make money, and to hone your craft. One problem: It’s hard to get attention! How are you supposed to brag to your friends about your TV spot, if no one can even find you? Before you settle for anonymity and stealing second dinner from “krafty,” here are five ways to boost yourself from unknown to professional extra and then to star!!!

1.Stare directly into camera at all times: The creative team will appreciate the intensity of your performance.

2. Make friends with the series regulars: One good way to do this is to adjust their costumes while they are on their bodies. You can also try questioning their line readings. A true artist ALWAYS appreciates feedback.

3. Always Say Yes: Yes to smoking on screen. Yes to taking your top off. Yes to getting hit by a car. Producers will respect your positive, go getter attitude. And what stunt can’t be figured out with a short google search?

4. Stay Away From the Holding Room: The holding room is for people who aren’t really involved in the creation of the show. In order to stay in the loop, refuse to leave the set for any reason. If you need to cry about it, do!! Directors love actors who are committed and emotionally available.

5. Try Stand-in work: This one is high-risk, high reward. Stand-ins are basically the understudies for the stars--so if anything happens to the star, the production will be counting on you. This tactic is especially effective if the star is on the older side. Stand in for Al Pacino or Betty White enough times and one of them is bound to drop dead of unexplained causes! You're the only one who knows the lines and blocking so…BAM! Just like that you're the lead in a major feature film. Congrats!