FAQs

Questions are always welcome.

What is an extra?

Extras or ‘background actors’ are the people hired to fill a scene to make the atmosphere seem more realistic. These are the people you see on screen as the students or teachers at a school, a crowd at a ballgame, folks walking around town, workers in an office, shoppers in a store, diners in a restaurant, or those with cars driving or parking on the street. Extras are basically anyone you see in a scene that is not speaking.

What does it take to be an Extra? 

No acting experience is needed. All you need is some free time and a good attitude.

What types of people are needed? 

ALL types of people are needed: all sizes, colors, ages, genders, character faces, beautiful faces, rough and tough types, normal average folks… All types, ages, and ethnicities.

Are Extras Paid? 

Yes. The pay for extras may vary from one production to another. Extras may have a rate of $100/8, meaning you get paid $100 for 8 hours of work. Some productions may pay less and others may pay more. Most shows guarantee at least 8 hours of wages even if you work fewer hours. Many productions pay time and a half after the 8 hours of work.

On occasion. pay “bumps” are given. These adjustments in pay can be for the use of your car, for attending a fitting, bringing a requested large prop such as a bike, and more.

Many people work as extras for the experience and not for the money. Many days on set are enjoyable and you learn a tremendous amount about what goes into making a television show or film. You may find new friends.

How are Extras Paid?  

You may be paid by paper voucher or an online system. Instructions will be sent to you when you’re booked. At the end of your filming day, your pay voucher will be signed off on by a member of production if it’s paper. If the production is using an online voucher system, it will be completed there.

Always ensure that your voucher information is correct when you check out. If there is ever an issue with your payment, the payroll company phone number should be listed on your paper copy or you’ll have a way to contact them on the online system. Your vouchers are proof of your employment. The casting company does not handle payroll and has no access to that information. An independent payroll company is typically hired by production to handle extras payroll.

Once your voucher has been processed and received, it may take 4 -5 weeks for you to receive your check. It can take longer, particularly on days when many extras are used. If you haven’t received it in 6 weeks, contact the payroll company. Don’t wait until production wraps or after because by then it could be too late.

How long are extras needed on filming day? 

This will vary depending on the scenes you have been selected for. Anyone committing to a day or night of filming should be 100% available any time of the day or night. You should be available to arrive as early as needed and stay as late or long as needed. You should be aware our filming days are long, typically 12 -14 hours or more. On some occasions, extras are only needed for one or two scenes and then will be released once they have finished with production continuing on with their filming day.