Hi there! Today the lovely Tonya will explain how you can make money as a TV or movies extra. Let me know if you would like to share a guest post about your side hustle too.
Tonya is a beach volleyball-lovin’ video editor and writer living in Los Angeles. She chronicles her journey of becoming financially independent in her personal finance blog Budget & the Beach, and building self-confidence in her sassy new blog It Started With Lip Gloss . You can follow her on twitter at @beachbudget.
When I was a little girl, I wanted nothing more than to be in the movies or on TV.
I even remember asking my mom if I could be on The Brady Bunch, because I was so jealous of Susan Olsen, who played Cindy on the show. If she could do it, then why couldn’t I?
And I even went so far as to look up acting classes in the phone book (pre-internet days) in the greater Detroit area. Well, that didn’t happen.
In fact I never really even got involved in community theater, so unless I planned to make a huge effort as an adult to try and be a movie star, I best be findin’ another career. I chose to work behind the scenes instead and majored in television production…what I thought was the next best thing.
So when I moved out to LA ten years ago, I thought it might be my chance to dabble in the acting biz just to taste it, and what better way than being an extra.
As luck would have it, my friend Sarah is a writer/producer on the TV show Parenthood.
I went with my friend Dave, and although we got paid through Central Casting, we avoided the usual route of going through them to get the job since we knew Sarah.
What struck me at first was how logistically crazy everything is. From forms to fill out, to costumes (yes, even us background folks get fitted for appropriate wardrobe), to shuttling the extras back and forth between sets…let’s just say the crews on these shows deserve every penny!
They shot several scenes, which would be in several episodes, at a local bar. The time between scenes took one to two hours, so us extras (there had to be at least 100 of us there) were camped out in an air-conditioned, double-wide trailer, complete with water and snacks. When they were ready for us, they would walk us over to the set and place us systematically to what would look best. I was usually placed with my back towards the camera, speaking to a complete stranger over our fake dinner as if we’d known each other for years.
The other funny thing is you have to pretend to have a normal conversation by just mouthing things to each other without making any noise, which will be added in post-production. So now when I watch TV shows I can’t help notice extras and laugh when they pretend to know each other.
At one point in the day, the casting people needed a guy to say one line to actress Lauren Graham, the lead in the show, who was working behind the bar. My friend and several others were asked to read the line. He didn’t get the part, but if he had that would have been an extra 1k, and automatic membership into the Screen Actor’s Guild. And this is someone with no prior acting experience!
The last scene of the day, Dave and I finally got a chance to get some “screen time.” We actually sat at the bar where Lauren was having a conversation with a guy next to us about her daughter going to college. Dave and I faked a conversation while trying to avoid eating the food that was in front of us because it had been sitting out all day.
In the end our scene was cut out of the show, which we were sad about. But overall it was a cool experience.
Here’s what you need to know if you ever want to be an extra:
- Your days can potentially be really long and boring. You will be sitting around forever just waiting for something to happen. A lot of the seasoned extras brought homework, laptops, books, etc., because they knew better.
- You will probably eat an amazing lunch. Craft service is no joke. The food is out of this world, abundant, and freshly prepared. The way Dave and I ate that day, you’d think we’d hadn’t eaten in weeks!
- The pay is low. Very low. I think we made $65 ($5 of that was extra because they used smoke machines in the bar), and we were there from probably around 8am to 8 or 9pm.
- It’s a great way to meet new people, especially if you just moved to a new city, especially LA.
- More than likely you will have a better chance of getting struck by lightning then being discovered as the new Brad Pitt.
- You will probably never actually see yourself on camera.
- You never, EVER need to pay up front to be an extra. Any organization claiming you need to is a scam!
- It’s not glamorous, and you will not hang out with the actors, and really barely even see them.
Since I did that show, I have signed up for various other organizations (a quick Google search is all you need) where I have been an extra.
For instance a show on the Game Show network needed audience members, so I got paid $50 to sit all day in a freezing studio watching several tapings of game shows. They didn’t pay for our lunch, but I was smart and brought mine.
Another time I was an extra on a Food Network show, which I didn’t get paid for, but got to eat the food the chefs made on the show. That was the only time I ever appeared on camera and of course the shot was of me stuffing my face.
If you live in the LA area (and I believe it also covers NY), the three organizations I’ve been a part of are:
You can also use Craigslist under their TV/Film job board for people looking for extras, but please be warned about scams. Again, it should not cost you anything to be an extra.
Break a leg!
On a related topic, find out how I made $1,000s thanks to my mum!
This post was featured on the Yakezie Carnival, Evolving Pf, Retirement Enemy, Budget and the Beach, Carnival of Financial Independence, Personal Finance Carnival, Carnival of Personal Finance, Budget and the Beach, thank you!
Oh wow an extra $1k for saying one line! Now that’s a side hustle if you ask me! Though $65 is a bit low in my opinion considering how many hours you had to be there. Nevertheless, it sounds like it definitely has it’s pros and I know a couple of people who do this quite regularly.
DC @ Young Adult Money recently posted…Three Amazing Things to Buy in India
Yeah we were so hoping he’d get to do it! It’s definitely not something I’d consider doing as a regular side hustle. For me it was just about the experience.
Budget and the Beach recently posted…Breaking My Own Glass Ceiling
One of my friends was an extra for one of the The Rock’s movies about being a nanny or something. It sounded like a pretty cool one-time experience, but like you said a lot of waiting around and I actually don’t even think he got paid, or if he did it was very little. Anyways, it’s something that I think would be fun to try out but probably not as a regular gig.
Matt Becker recently posted…How to Do an Oil Change for Your Car (Part 1)
Exactly, just the experience. Not glamorous at all!
Budget and the Beach recently posted…Breaking My Own Glass Ceiling
I’ve known for a long time now that they have to pay extra’s a lot more if they speak so much as a line, so I always watch for that. Whenever there’s a group of people (like kids in a summer camp) there’s only ever one or two kids that speak.
I think it’d be fun to be an extra if you had the time. I was an extra once for a local film producer and it was cool experience. I didn’t get lunch, though. 🙂
Amanda recently posted…August Money Recap
I’ve done a couple things where you had to get your own lunch. It depends on time..if I have a LOT of time on my hands (which is usually never) I might check out the boards and see what’s out there, but by the time you drive all over town and sit for hours, it’s not really worth it.
Budget and the Beach recently posted…Breaking My Own Glass Ceiling
What a fun experience. It doesn’t sound like you will get rich doing it, but it would be great to tuck a day as a extra under my belt!
Marie at Family Money Values recently posted…Blogging Systems – My Method of Tracking Finances
Yeah it was a bucket list item. Cool experience but didn’t really do it for the money.
Budget and the Beach recently posted…Breaking My Own Glass Ceiling
I really need to look into this, seeing as I live in Atlanta and we’re becoming a huge hub for filming – I actually saw a call for extras for the third installment of The Hunger Games the other day! (They’re filming in the Georgia Dome and in the park adjacent to it). Seems like an interesting, different way to make a few bucks on the side. Maybe I’ll submit my info for the Hunger Games filming.. 🙂
Kali @CommonSenseMillennial recently posted…Why You Don’t Need a Gym Membership
It’s worth doing for the experience and seeing how they do things behind the scenes. I think you realize there is more standing and sitting around then actual filming. Bring a book!
Budget and the Beach recently posted…Breaking My Own Glass Ceiling
That sounds like a good gig when you are free and just want to spend time doing something new but if you are lucky and be chosen to say the line, then that’s much better.
Demaish @ Borrowed Cents recently posted…Life after cable downgrade and other bills
I know! I have no idea how often that happens.
Budget and the Beach recently posted…Breaking My Own Glass Ceiling
That sounds like a fun experience. I’ve been an extra in a few movies and the experience was similar with a few differences. The lunch wasn’t that great on the movies I’ve worked. The extras get a different lunch than the cast and crew. A couple times when there were very few extras we got to eat the same lunch as the cast and crew and it was much better than the usual extra lunch.
The pay isn’t much. I’ve always gotten minimum wage. You do get overtime when you work over 8 hours and I’ve always worked over 8 hours, sometimes as many as 15 or 16 hours. It sounds like a lot, but since I’m mostly sitting around reading on my Kindle or talking with other extras it isn’t bad. Seeing my face on the big screen is a pretty cool additional benefit.
Andy Hough recently posted…Ways I’m Saving Money on My Katy Trail Hike
awesome! what kind of stuff have you been in?
Budget and the Beach recently posted…Breaking My Own Glass Ceiling
I was in “The Alamo” which starred Dennis Quaid, Billy Bob Thornton, Jason Patric, and Patrick Wilson. I spent two weeks on that movie and all you can see of me is my legs in the background of one scene.
I was also in “The Ringer” which starred Jonny Knoxville and Katherine Heigl. I only worked one day on this movie but you can actually see me in the movie. It is a very quick appearance, using the pause on the DVD player makes it much easier to see me.
I filmed “Devil’s Knot” which stars Reese Witherspoon, Colin Firth and others. I actually got to meet Reese Witherspoon and have one scene where I’m sitting next to her in the courtroom and another scene where I’m standing next to her in a stairway. The movie hasn’t come out yet, but unless they completely cut those scenes I should be identifiable.
Andy Hough recently posted…Ways I’m Saving Money on My Katy Trail Hike
Being an extra in a movie is one of those goals that is defintely on my bucket list. A few years ago I had the opportunity to be an extra on the Dark Knight Rises but I couldn’t make to Pittsburg that weekend.
Awe sad! That would have been cool!
Budget and the Beach recently posted…Breaking My Own Glass Ceiling
Wow, that’s really cool. It’d be awesome to just say that you did it. I doubt that there are many opportunities up here in Minneapolis, though.
Jake @ Ca$h Funny recently posted…Recent Reads: The Elite
You’d be surprised. Maybe not as many, but worth googling if it’s something you’ve always wanted to try!
Budget and the Beach recently posted…Breaking My Own Glass Ceiling
Living in NYC, I’m sure there would be some opportunities, but I don’t think I’d have the time for it nowadays. Back when I was in college, I’d jump at the chance to possibly be on TV and making $65 for sitting around would be fine for me then too.
Andrew@LivingRichCheaply recently posted…Patience is a Virtue
There were a LOT of students there and they were doing homework in between any scenes.
Budget and the Beach recently posted…Breaking My Own Glass Ceiling
I think if I were to do this, it would be for the experience, not for the money since I know it’s hard to make a ton of money as an extra. Sounds fun though!
Lisa E. @ Lisa Vs. The Loans recently posted…Weekend Recap: Adventure
yeah I originally didn’t even know I was getting paid at first, so it was a nice little side bonus. 🙂
Budget and the Beach recently posted…Breaking My Own Glass Ceiling
Sorry, but low pay and waiting for many boring hours sounds a lot like jury duty. Most people with a life try to avoid that.
Bryce @ Save and Conquer recently posted…Stop Debt Collector Harassment
awe your so sweet to not-so-subtley tell me I have no life!
Budget and the Beach recently posted…Breaking My Own Glass Ceiling
you’re. People with no life have trouble with grammar. 🙂
Budget and the Beach recently posted…Breaking My Own Glass Ceiling
Sorry, I didn’t mean to imply that, but I guess I did.
no worries! 🙂
My friend in LA is an extra all the time! I’m interested in doing it, but I don’t know how much work there is here. I’m going to check it out. I love extra money and free food 🙂
Dear Debt recently posted…Class and Privilege
It kind of just depends if you have the free time and curiosity. It can be cool, especially if you’re interested in the content. I LOVED being an extra on the food network show because I got to meet Guy and Rachel from their celebrity cook-off show, and the food was awesome.
Budget and the Beach recently posted…Tiny Obstacles
Good adventures! Earning money trough saying few line and meeting famous people.
My Wealth Desire recently posted…13 Ways to Solve Not Having Enough Money to Live on | My Wealth Desire
It’s pretty cool to see how the whole “process” works!
Budget and the Beach recently posted…Link Love/Week in Review 9/27/13
Great tips Tonya, I had a friend who tried this years ago, but he had no luck. However, he did land a spot as a contestant on the Jokers Wild, which I think is no longer on. Turns out that the reality of him being on there, freaked him out and he bailed. He coulda won 100K!
Jim recently posted…The Fulfillment Curve, When Is Enough, Enough?
I have a friend who was on a short lived gameshow about two years ago. He was on it but it aired about 6 months later. He said he won something but could not say how much. If the show hadn’t aired (and a lot of them don’t) he would have no received a dime. Fortunately he was actually on the first show and he won 50k. I think it was canceled shortly after that.
Budget and the Beach recently posted…Link Love/Week in Review 9/27/13
Hey Tonya and thanks for a fun and informative post 🙂
I have many friends who are actors here in Montreal and I’ve thought about being an extra many times…I just have to make some calls! I understand the boring aspect of it all and even when you’re a principal actor, it still is boring as you wait and wait for all kinds of things to be done before it’s a go.
That being said, if you’re gonna sit at home not getting paid, or you sit in a trailer getting paid, then I would go with the latter 🙂
Take care and thanks for sharing your experiences. That was fun!
Lyle
lyle @ the Joy of Simple recently posted…Damn Right, I’ve Got the Blues!!
Thank you Lyle! I think that’s why there were so many students there. They were just doing their homework anyway so might as well get paid to do their homework!
Budget and the Beach recently posted…Link Love/Week in Review 9/27/13
As a professional actor, I’ve never understood why people do extra work. Sure, if you get a one line feature, you get a good payday, but that is so rare. I have a lot of friends that do it and it comes out to less than $10/hour and does nothing for your resume. I guess if you’re really into a TV show, it might be a fun way to spend a day, but definitely not a career move.
Stefanie @ The Broke and Beautiful Life recently posted…NYC Chocolate Tour Review
That was a cool experience, even better is that you earned money out of it! I should be hanging out on movie shoot or commercial locations. LOL! I kid. But that would be a fund thought.
Marissa@Thirtysixmonths recently posted…Why I Spent Twice My Budget on My Car
Thanks for sharing quality information and important for help those who want to live on the internet Internet Business .
I’ve always wanted to do this, despite the low pay. Just the sheer experience of it and meeting new people, and possibly new connections, seems worth it to me!
Christina @ Easy Financial Tips recently posted…How to create a successful Youtube show
Usually I don’t learn post on blogs, but I would like to say that this write-up very pressured me to take
a look at and do it! Your writing taste has been amazed me.
Thanks, very nice article.
http://otomotifclub.com/ recently posted…http://otomotifclub.com/
Hi Friends. How are you doing fine. I hope so. My names is Melissa Hunt. I am looking for a movie extras work right now? I want to do a movie extras work and want to get paid to doing the movie extras work sooner as possible okay? so please get back with me sooner as possible next weeks okay?
I hope I will be hearing from you real sooner as possible! having a nice good day! Happy Holidays to you!
Thank You!
Melissa Hunt
Great article! Thanks for sharing those inspiring experience of yours. I really want to be an actress, and being a movie extra is just a first step to it.I love reading articles about How to Become a Movie Extra ’cause it really give me some helpful information.