Do's and Don'ts of Being an Extra

Adena Brumer, a recent transplant to Atlanta, is an actor/singer navigating the enormous and exciting Atlanta acting landscape.

Being an extra can be a fantastic way to see how a TV or film set works: Watching cinematographers, directors, lighting set-ups, makeup, hair, costuming, not to mention working actors performing their craft. It can also be incredibly tedious and boring. You may be in unpleasant conditions, may not get many breaks or food, and may sit around doing nothing for long periods of time. That's how it goes. But if you're up for it, prepare properly, and go in with the right attitude, being an extra can be a phenomenal experience.

1) Be On Time. In other words, BE EARLY. You have no idea how important this is. There are so many working parts to put together, you don't want to be "that one" who holds everything up. Though you may not have any lines or any screen time, background actors tell the story as much as anything else. And that's what you're there to do -- help tell the story. So, don't be late in order to do that job.

2) Be prepared. Again, you may sit around doing nothing for a very long time. Bring books, magazines, your iPad, your iPhone, laptop, granola bars, Skittles, water, Red Bull, Jenga, I don't care. Be ready for anything. Just make sure you're not so immersed in something that you can't hear when instructions are being given. 

3) DO NOT COMPLAIN. Unless you are on fire or being pinned under something heavy, do not whine or make mention of how long you have been waiting to do something or the fact that they have yet to bring out craft services. It is the surest way for you to a) annoy those around you and b) not get asked back on set. You are not entitled to anything. You are there to help. Be kind to everyone and do what you are told. And, by the way, most sets that I have been on are very mindful of their actors and do what they can to make sure there are breaks and food available. However, as always, see Tip 2.

4) Be Kind To EVERYONE. This isn't just for film sets, but it is especially important here. You don't know who anyone is on set and if you're unpleasant to anyone, word travels fast. However, if you're kind and accommodating and can be a "go-to" person, you may just find yourself upgraded or featured.

5) I cannot stress these enough: BE ON TIME and DO NOT COMPLAIN.

6) Wardrobe: You may be asked to bring clothing or go to a fitting. If you are asked to bring clothing, bring as much as you can, but don't go overboard. Wardrobe needs options, but there may be a lot of people for them to go through and approve. Bring enough that you can carry comfortably and that gives a few choices that YOU are comfortable in. You may be wearing it for a long time. If you don't have what they're looking for, you could certainly buy something, but don't break the bank. Thrift stores and Goodwill are sensational places to buy clothing quickly and on the cheap. If you are asked to go to a fitting, BE ON TIME. But know you may wait. At my most recent fitting, I waited two hours before I saw the costumer. BUT, I got to wear some of my own clothes and some of theirs and it turned out to be AWESOME. Plus, you may get paid for the fitting (which I did), depending on the production.

7) Compensation: Depending on the production you may not get paid at all. You may be compensated for mileage or, more commonly, you may get food, a copy of the film, and a credit. Sometimes, however, you will actually get a check. There will be paperwork to sign and you should get a receipt. Depending on how organized the production is, you may see a check within two weeks. Usually, however, it's between 30 and 60 days.

Here's the deal: Being an extra isn't for everyone. It can be long hours and can usually feel pretty thankless. It's boring and you may very well end up on the cutting room floor. But here's what CAN happen -- you can meet amazing and remarkable people who you end up singing songs with in an old gym and now are your friends for life. You can watch Bill Murray run around with a container full of Twizzlers while another extra chases him like a little girl after the ice cream truck. You can wipe nacho cheese off Matt Servitto's fake demon nails during a fake hockey scene. Or you can watch in awe and amazement as Will Ferrell and Christina Applegate ingeniously improvise their way through a scene for the upcoming "Anchorman 2". It's your choice. But be on time.