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Movie Extra Or Foreign Film Star Jobs – Guide

An extra is a person who performs in production usually in the background, as a nonspeaking role. They help make the scene look and feel more realistic. Extras may be working on sets for several weeks instead of months. A movie star will perform in production as a speaking role or character prevalent in the production’s storyline. They will work for months on sets and in various locations. 

Job Opportunity

This job has a somewhat high demand but takes some effort to get.

Okay

Demand

  • Somewhat High Demand

Experience & Degree

  • Experience Preferred
  • No Degree Required

Citizenship

  • No Restrictions
Job Compensation

This job is somewhat risky, typically part-time work.

Poor

Pay Range

  • Hourly: $10-$20/hr.
  • Daily for Extras: $145-$160.

Reliability

  • Somewhat Risky

Housing

  • Room and Board Not Provided
Job Flexibility

This job’s schedule is somewhat flexible but you can work in many parts of the world.

Good

Location

  • Flexible

Schedule

  • Somewhat Flexible

Language

  • Can get by with English only

Job Opportunity Breakdown for Movie Extra Or Foreign Film Star Jobs

Who can get Movie Extra Or Foreign Film Star Jobs?

Anyone can become an actor/ movie extra.

What are the responsibilities for Movie Extra Or Foreign Film Star Jobs?

As an extra/ or a movie star you will be working in productions of varying styles and scales.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform as a nonspeaking member of a scene if you are an extra. You will stand, sit, or walk in scenes as background for the stars’ actions.
  • Extras will rehearse or perform pantomime, and portraying points necessary for the staging of scenes.
  • Stars will perform as parts of scenes as the main action and speaking roles for productions.
  • Workers can be designated according to registration in union as General Extra; Special Ability Extra; Silent Bit Extra.
What’s the typical schedule for Movie Extra Or Foreign Film Star Jobs?

This job does not follow the typical nine-to-five of most careers, some days you are on set before the sun rises and after the sun sets. You can be away from home working in a production for several weeks or months at a time.

Job Compensation – How much can you make with Movie Extra Or Foreign Film Star Jobs?

Income Reliability
In general, being an actor or extra does not provide reliable income or consistent work.

Typical Job Duration
Time spent on a production can range from several weeks to several months depending on your job.

Estimated Hours Per Week
It’s estimated that you can work full time, sometimes more than 40 hours a week when shooting a production.

Room & Board
Being an movie star/extra doesn’t provide room & board.

Job Flexibility – Where can you travel with Movie Extra Or Foreign Film Star Jobs?

Movie Extra Or Foreign Film Star Jobs – Country Map
Movie Extra or Foreign Film Star - Best Places Job Map

The Best Places for Movie Extra Or Foreign Film Star Jobs

Most major countries throughout the world have opportunities for those seeking movie star extra or foreign film star jobs. Here are some of the best places for movie star extra or foreign film star jobs.

  • US
  • UK
  • Australia
  • China
  • India
  • France
  • Germany

How To Get Movie Extra Or Foreign Film Star Jobs & Succeed: Step-by-Step From First-Hand Experts

Step 01
Learn to become an actor

Even if you think you are a natural talent when it comes to acting, you will be going up against others who believe the same thing. You need to master acting, by exploring the various acting styles and techniques and figure out what works best for you.

Step 02
Research casting agencies

Go on Google and search for casting agencies in any city/ or international location where you would want to film. Check out their websites and find out the kinds of films  they’ve worked on.

(Note: Typically, agencies will hold open casting calls for new actors once a month, so find out the when/where and show up with a great big smile!)

Step 03
Register

You need to file all the right paperwork like applications,  proof of citizenship, tax forms, and all that other fun stuff. They’ll take your headshot and you’ll need to pay to register with a casting agency. (NOTE: Don’t ever pay more than $30 to register, if a casting agency is asking for more, then something isn’t right!) 

Step 04
Make sure acting is what you want to do

As an actor or extra, the days on a set can be long and at times boring. This is not a nine-to-five workday and the amount of time or conditions of when you are working can be very challenging at times. Once filming begins it can be months at a time where you are working before you can go home, and being at home could be spent learning new lines, or trying to understand a character. Being an actor can be very hard on friendships, relationships, and financial security. So be prepared to choose commitment to your craft over other aspects of your life.

Step 05
Wait for a phone call

You can expect a phone call within a few days, because they will be anxious to feel you out. When they call, get the details of when/where to show up, how much they’re paying, what they want you to wear, etc.

Step 06
Shooting time

The fun stuff, go to your shoot on time, stand around, be your beautiful self.

Step 07
Be a good person!

Use each shoot, and casting call as an opportunity to make friends and contacts in the business. Don’t be rude or a diva with people as you might need them in the future, and you might not have a next film, TV show, or ad if you are rude.

Step 08
Break away from reality

Being an actor means taking on roles that you might not have much in common with, or has traits that you don’t agree with. The ability to let yourself go, and become someone else is the most important and skilled part of being an actor. It takes sensitivity, courage, and being self-aware to do this and that is why classes on acting are such a powerful tool for learning how to do just that.

Step 09
Make sure you’re available

If you don’t put yourself in the right position or place to get acting jobs then you won’t be very successful. Don’t wait around for someone to scout you out. Being a famous actor internationally is not going to happen overnight, for some it doesn’t happen at all. But one thing you can be sure of is if you don’t try then you won’t know if life as a famous actor is a possibility.

Step 10
Get paid, and do it all again

The best part, getting your check in the mail. If you were a good fit, and acted professionally, the agency will use you more often. Now you’re officially a movie star/extra!

Frequently Asked Questions – Movie Extra Or Foreign Film Star Jobs

What is an extra in a film?

An extra is a performer in a television show, film, stage, opera, musical or ballet production in a nonspeaking/non-singing role, typically in the background.

Do you need experience to be an extra in a movie?

Depending on the director and the film, you might. Usually, you don’t need experience, what you need to do is arrive on time, do whatever it is you’re told, be respectful to the others, and when on set PAY ATTENTION.

Do extras have to audition?

Usually, being an extra doesn’t require an audition. Call for extras can be found on sites like Backstage.com, ActorsAccess, NYCasting, CentralCasting, etc. You need to provide your own transportation and multiple costumes.

Can being an extra lead to acting?

Working as an extra won’t necessarily lead to an actor being noticed by casting directors or agents, but it is a valuable way of getting experience on a set. Sometimes, it can lead to an actor being upgraded to a speaking role.

Are background actors really talking?

When shooting a scene, the only people talking are the main actors with lines of dialogue and anything secondary that interact with them. The extras are pantomiming so they don’t interfere with sound recordings on the set.

How do you get roles in movies?

How to audition for a role in a film:

  1. Choose your role.
  2. Look for smaller productions
  3. Look for any background work
  4. Watch out for audition notices
  5. Be prepared for competition at auditions
  6. Work to get into the union
Are extras paid?

Payment for extras is broken down into two ways of pay: per hour which is rare, and per day which is the most common. They are not paid much, but if you are working on a regular basis, you can make a living as an extra.

How can I make the most money teaching English online?

Generally speaking, online English teachers typically make anywhere between $10 – $40 USD per hour depending on their level of qualification. Platforms such as VIPKID offer base rates plus incentives. Incentive bonuses may include things like an extra $1 of pay per class if you complete more that 45 classes per month.

How do I get a job as an extra?

How to find jobs as a movie extra:

  1. Look for ads in newspapers that mention needing background talent
  2. Visit your state’s tourism office
  3. Check out entertainment and industry websites
  4. Reach out to directors
  5. Find reputable agencies.
How do you become a star in a movie?
  • Start acting young
  • Learn as much as possible about acting
  • Gain as much experience as possible
  • Connect with people you meet
  • Audition for all roles that you can, but expect some rejections
  • Be ready to work extremely hard.
How do I get into acting with no experience?

7 Tricks to help become an actor in the most efficient way without any experience.

  1. Study and read up on roles.
  2. Don’t move to another location right away.
  3. Start with local training and auditions
  4. Practice any special skills you have
  5. Work on your marketing
  6. Be prepared for rejection
  7. Have patience and be consistent.
How can a foreigner become a Hollywood actor?

You will need training, and classes can be expensive. Some choose to go directly into a university theater arts degree out of high school, but that doesn’t guarantee you a career. Out of everyone in those classes with you, maybe two of you will receive regular work as an actor.

How do you get noticed in Hollywood?

Tips on How to be Noticed in Hollywood

  1. Start young.
  2. Be disillusioned with success early on
  3. Remember that film school isn’t your only option
  4. To a point, try and intern whenever and wherever possible.
  5. Consider the benefits of working as a PA
  6. Try making your own films.
How do child actors get started?

Get involved in school productions or local theater companies. Try saving up money for acting classes or books, and make sure your parents know that you want to try acting. Do tentative research on local talent agencies.

Where do you audition for Netflix?

Backstage is the best source for finding casting calls and auditions for Netflix.

How much do actors get paid?

The most recent statistics from SAG, show the average member earns $52,000, a year. Meanwhile, the vast majority of actors make less than $1,000 a year from jobs.

Can I become an actor?

There’s no formal education required to become an actor, however, a bachelor’s degree in either theater arts, acting and performing, or drama can help you learn technical skills.

How do you get big in Hollywood?

Here are some short cuts for being successful in Hollywood.

  1. Find an inside job
  2. Try to earn favors with the studio
  3. Try entering beauty pageants
  4. Wait on the perfect role
  5. Try to be on a magazine cover
  6. Accept any role offered to you.
  7. Wait on the sidelines for your big break.
How hard is it to become an actor?

It’s not especially hard to become an actor if you study and practice your craft, keep strengthening your skills, and look for any opportunity to act. It IS hard, however, to become a professional actor.

What age is too late to start acting?

It’s never too late to start anything, that includes acting! There’s no age where you can no longer begin an acting career.

At what age should you start acting?

Acting is such an unpredictable and universal profession, and the most amazing part is you can start acting at any age.