Getting Started in the Movie and TV Industry

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT ENTERING THE INDUSTRY

CASTING INFORMATION
When film or television productions need extras, from one person to thousands for crowd scenes, they usually turn to casting agencies that specialize in finding just the right extras for crowd and background scenes.
These are generally NOT agencies that charge applicants a fee for their service nor do they generally offer photography packages.
Most use casting agencies and social media to announce casting calls.
Generally they ask applicants to submit a headshot, a full body photograph, clothing and shoe sizes, and body measurements.
Casting calls are usually announced with short notice so be sure you have availability during the advertised period. See the latest casting calls.

EXTRAS INFO

Extras who work in Atlanta typically get paid either $58/8, $60/8 or $64/8 or even higher, depending on the production. Which means RATE/HOUR.
Whats that boil down to? About $7.25, $7.50 or $8 per hour. Yes, its minimum wage BUT most filming days last 12 to 14 hours, OR MORE, which means you'll earn time-and-a-half for every hour you work after the first eight hours.
Extras Talent are quoted on an industry-standard 8 hour day.
Hours 9, 10 and 11 are billed at 1.5 x the hourly rate.
Hours 12 and above are billed at 2 x the hourly rate!
You likely do not need to be in a union or pay union dues to be an extra. Your casting director will let you know.
Beware of scams "for exposure" and agencies that charge you a fee. (Agencies usually get paid a percent of your pay AFTER you get hired.).

SCAMS!

EXTRAS, ACTORS, and MODELS, BEWARE!!! There are many scams in every industry. But be aware of the following known scams:

No information online: Major casting agencies don't hide their identities or profile information.
Offering no payment for your time! - you should use real casting agencies and be aware of your payment AND TIME structure up front.
Wanting to hire you without an audition, undisclosed locations, and preying on your vulnerabilities, wants and needs to be famous, popular, or promises of monetary gains.
Sending a check and asking you to send some back; never wire money back from a check you've received, its most likely a scam.

CREW INFO

When applying for a position, it is important to indicate which job/department you are submitting for at the top of the resume and/or in a cover letter.
A general 'I'll do anything' resume will most likely get lost in the shuffle. If you are new to the industry and looking for work, the typical entry level job is that of Production Assistant (PA).
In addition to the sources listed above, you may wish to get your name out there by taking classes and workshops or networking with other film professionals.

Unions and Guilds List

AEA

ADG

AFM

Alliance of Women Composers

AMPAS

ASCAP

ATAS

DGA

HFPA

IATSE

ICG

PGA

SAG/AFTRA

SDC

WGA

The people who get picked to be extras most often are the ones who:

1. Fit the look
2. Respond quickly to body weight and measurement breakdowns or e-mails
3. Have a reputation for being on time and professional on set
4. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS!

Consider the following tips!:

Tip #1:

If a casting agency posts the following:
"Seeking Upscale Males and Females ages 40 to 60+ ONLY. Washington / Banker / Politicans Wife types. Men should have very nice dark business suits and women upscale cocktail dresses."

ONLY submit if you fit the description! Consider the ages and wardrobe requested. If you look much younger or older than the requested age or you dont have the appropriate clothing, do NOT reply to the post. This just wastes the casting directors time and may make it difficult for you to find work in the future.

Tip #2:

If a casting agency is looking for folks to work an all-day shoot on Thursday, ONLY submit if you are 100% positive you can work! If you have a dentist appointment or soccer game at 4 p.m. the night of a shoot, you probably shouldnt apply to work. Filming days often last 12 to 14 hours and leaving early will only make it harder for you to get booked again (not to mention that you wont get paid for the day!).

Tip #3:

You dont need a professional headshot to get booked as an extra but you DEFINITELY need a high-quality photo of yourself. This means no blurry Facebook photos, group shots or school pictures. The best photos are the ones that show casting agents what you ACTUALLY look like. You dont have to be tall, thin and/or incredibly beautiful to work as an extra but casting agents will be less likely to use you if they think you dont look anything like the photos you submit.