Extra Work in Columbus
Ever wondered who fills out the background of your favorite movies? Those people are extras, hired to bring scenes to life with a sense of realism. From student films to Hollywood blockbusters, extras play a crucial role in creating a believable atmosphere. If you become an extra, you'll be part of the magic of filmmaking, supporting the creation of a scene during production. If you are interested in acting more significantly, you may want to check out acting techniques to improve your craft.
Being an extra might mean staying silent on set, but featured extras have a bigger presence on screen. This can translate to increased pay and the chance to join the prestigious Screen Actors Guild (SAG). Featured extras might even get a chance to speak a line or two if a scheduled "day player" isn't available, and in SAG productions, they might be considered for union membership. Even if a project is non-SAG, there's often a high demand for skilled extras.
As an extra in Columbus, you'll report to set promptly when you hear your call time from the director or assistant director. Your typical attire for the role will be your own clothes, although wardrobe fittings may be offered on occasion. For productions set in a particular historical period, however, the wardrobe department will provide you with clothing that accurately reflects that era.
When working as an extra in Columbus, steer clear of clothing in white, red, or with big brand logos — that's the general advice. Just a heads-up, even if you film your scene, it might not always make the final cut due to creative decisions.
While film shoots in Columbus are uncommon, attending one could land you a surprise role as an extra. Sometimes, productions need to replace extras who don't appear, and they might just ask someone from the crowd to step in. The director could even be looking for a specific appearance for a scene, and spot someone watching who fits the bill perfectly. Remember, being in the right place at the right time can be a stroke of luck, so don't hesitate to politely mention your interest to the crew if you see a shoot happening.
In the Columbus area, if you're interested in extra work, look for talent agencies that specialize in placing extras. When registering with such an agency, you'll likely be asked to provide a headshot. The headshot should be a standard size, typically 8"x10". While a resume isn't required for extra work, having one can be beneficial. If you choose to create a resume for extra work, include your physical attributes and any past experience you have as an extra on your resume. You can attach your resume, trimmed to match the headshot size, to the back of your headshot with tape.
A successful extra's resume should feature not only their prior experience but also their physical attributes such as height, weight, hair and eye color.
Include details about your clothing sizes, such as dress, shirt, and pant size, along with all your contact information.
Adding a small list of your special skills, hobbies, and sports can be beneficial to casting directors.
Finally, it's crucial to keep your resume up to date. Outdated contact information could mean a missed opportunity, as casting directors might try to reach you at the wrong number.
Extras in Columbus should be on the lookout for entertainment industry scams to protect their careers. One red flag is being pressured to pay fees or contribute financially to a production just to get work. Remember, legitimate opportunities won't require upfront payments before you're hired. This applies to services you need too, like printing headshots and resumes — you pay for those after you get the job.