How to Get Extra Work in LA: A Survival Guide (or Not)
So, you want to be an extra in LA? You want to trade your dignity for a few seconds of screen time? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because this is going to be a bumpy ride.
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| How To Get Extra Work In Los Angeles |
The Glamour of Extra Work
Let’s be honest, most people think being an extra is all glitz and glam. You imagine yourself sipping champagne on a yacht, surrounded by Hollywood A-listers. In reality, you’re more likely to be standing around for 12 hours in a fake crowd, pretending to be excited about something you couldn’t care less about.
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The Harsh Reality
The truth is, extra work is hard. It’s competitive, underpaid, and often downright boring. But hey, at least you can tell your grandkids you were in the background of that one movie they’ve never heard of.
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Step 1: Get a Life (or at least pretend to)
To be an extra, you need to have an incredibly flexible schedule. This means being available to work at any time of day or night, on any day of the week. So, kiss your social life goodbye. Unless you consider hanging out with a bunch of strangers in a warehouse to be social.
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Step 2: Master the Art of Waiting
Most of your time as an extra will be spent waiting. Waiting for your call time, waiting for your scene, waiting to get paid. It's like a real-life version of the waiting room from "The Twilight Zone," but without the cool alien stuff.
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Step 3: Develop a Thick Skin
You’re going to be rejected a lot. A lot. You’ll be told you’re too tall, too short, too fat, too skinny, too anything. It's like a never-ending game of Hollywood hot or not, and you're consistently not.
Step 4: Embrace the Perk of Free Food
Okay, so there is one perk: the food. Production often provides surprisingly good meals. So, if you can’t find a job in the entertainment industry, you can always start a food blog about craft service.
How to Get Extra Work in LA: FAQs
- How to find extra work in LA?
- Start by registering with Central Casting, the industry standard. But be warned, competition is fierce.
- How to get noticed as an extra?
- Be punctual, professional, and don't try to steal the scene (unless you're really good at it).
- How to dress for extra work?
- Check the casting breakdown for specific requirements. Generally, neutral colors and comfortable clothes are best.
- How much do extras get paid?
- It varies, but don't expect to get rich. Think of it as an experience, not a career.
- How to survive long hours on set?
- Bring snacks, a good book, and a sense of humor. And maybe a portable charger for your phone.
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