being an extra
 
As a Background Actor, you are a key element in creating a completely believable & wonderfully entertaining film. Many of you are new to the film business - below are some rules, guidelines, and explanations that will hopefully make the experience memorable & enjoyable. When you first arrive at your designated CALL TIME (on time or a few minutes early), please check in with the PA's, pick up your voucher and receive your instructions. Be able to take instructions and perform those instructions, everyone will have specific tasks that will be performed for each scene. Absolutely NO CAMERAS or PHONES on set!!!! There will be a lot of "hurry-up and wait" situations. Possible long hours, and outside work. Bring thermals or other clothing to keep warm under your wardrobe when appropriate. You MUST bring multiple outfits, the costume department WILL CHOOSE what you wear, specific wardrobe instructions will be provided Down time during the day, you may bring QUIET materials to keep busy. Snacks and drinks will be provided but you are encouraged to bring your own, especially if you have special dietary needs. You will be responsible for your own belongings, do not bring anything valuable that you would not leave unattended. You WILL be RESPONSIBLE for your own trash, be prepared to pick up after yourself. The Costume Department will approve your clothing for filming. You should always come to work HAIR & MAKEUP READY. Please keep the holding area neat and clean in consideration of others. You will be given props during your time with us (known as "GETTING PROPPED UP"). It is your responsibility to hold on to your props and return the props prior to checking out. When cameras are ready, you will be brought to set, put into position, and given an ACTION to perform. It is important to ALWAYS match that action (aka "CONTINUITY") so please remember where you were and what you were doing throughout the scene. Sometimes, we may do a PICKUP ‐ instead of beginning at the top of the scene, we may begin somewhere in the middle. We will ask you to quickly RESET to a certain point in the scene and take your action from there. If you aren't sure where you were, please ask. Please follow instructions! If you don't understand something please speak to an AD or PA. If you need to leave the set to use the bathroom, please let an AD or PA know. While you are on set, PLEASE DO NOT TALK! Enter CALMLY & QUIETLY. The cast and crew will be busy finalizing details and would appreciate not being distracted. Please DO NOT bother the actors on set - they will be concentrating on their performance and would appreciate the professional space. Please DO NOT BRING YOUR CELL PHONE TO SET. They interfere with our wireless microphones and our sound dept. would be grateful if you left them in holding (Phones should always be turned to ‘Silent' when you arrive for work). Please keep your clothing clean and in the same LOOK as when you worked. (For example, if you were filmed with your sleeves rolled up, keep them that way, unless directed otherwise.) At the end of the day, sign out by turning in your VOUCHER to get paid. We will also need to see a copy of your DRIVERS LICENSE or GOVERNMENT ID CARD your first day of work. Some words you might hear on set: PICTURE'S UP - Cameras are going into position; we're about to begin filming LAST LOOKS - MU, HAIR & WARD take a last look at everyone before camera rolls ROLLING SOUND - Remain quiet and wait for your BACKGROUND ACTION CUT - We've finished that take and will most likely GO AGAIN BACK TO ONE -  Return to your starting position for the scene WRAPPED - Done for the day! Only the AD's can release you for the day   DO NOT TAKE ANY OF THIS PERSONALLY! IT IS BUSINESS! My job is to find people that look a certain way (based on the the director's vision of each project) and are available at the right times. I can't always hire you, even if I really want to. It may take MONTHS (or longer) for me to respond to your first application e-mail. But, unless you get an error message when you send it, I HAVE GOTTEN IT. If/when you do get an e-mail from me, please take the time to READ IT and UNDERSTAND IT before responding. It will save us both time and make the whole process easier. If there's something you don't understand, ask me to clarify and I will try. PLEASE!!! DO NOT CALL ME OR WRITE ME TO "CHECK IN"!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU ARE NOT RIGHT FOR EVERY MOVIE/SCENE/ROLE!! THE BEST WAY TO KNOW WHAT I AM WORKING ON, WHAT ROLES MIGHT BE AVAILABLE AND WHEN, IS TO CHECK THIS SITE AND/OR THE "RYAN HILL CASTING" PAGE AND/OR GROUP ON FACEBOOK FREQUENTLY! THINGS HAPPEN QUICKLY ONCE ANY PRODUCTION HAS BEGUN. GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN!!
what to expect & prepare for as an extra on a film, video or t.v. show: