Extra Ettiquette

Being an extra can be the easiest job in the world, but also the easiest to screw up. You see, film sets are this hierarchy. Directors and actors are at the top: having food ran to them and filming stopped at their whim. Extras are the algae of production. Seen but not heard, easily ignored, yet essential for the eco system as a whole to thrive.

Photo from BeAMovieExtra.com

What to bring

There are a few must-haves when going to set.

• Any and all wardrobe requirements in a garment bag, freshly ironed and clean.

• Residency information. This usually requires a Notice of Assessment from the previous year, and a copy of ID. They will tell you exactly what to bring beforehand, but I usually print off a dozen copies of the above-mentioned forms in case I get a last minute call.

• Pen (maybe a couple), and paper. You will need to fill out paperwork, and it is much more professional to have a pen than to have to find one.

• Cards, books, or any other quiet activity to do on break.

• If low budget or if you have food allergies: food to snack on and a water bottle

• Anything else you feel will make the day more comfortable: a warm coat, sunscreen, a hat, or comfy shoes.

Safety First

Film sets are a busy, and sometimes dangerous place. There are lights being set up, heavy equipment being moved, and an overall hustle with (sometimes) little regard to surroundings. So keep your eyes up. Listen for instructions, and stay out of the crews way. Do not try and assist the crew with moving anything; they have specific departments for each task. Ask your wranglers where the first aiders are, and go there if you hurt yourself.

How a scene works

Once the Extra's Wrangler escorts you to set, the Assistant Director, or AD, will place you into position, and give you an action to do during the scene. The sound guy (or girl) will yell "Sound speed", and the camera assistants clap the clapperboard. You will hear "BACKGROUND", which is your cue to start your actions and movements. Then finally, "ACTION" will be called, which is only for the actors, unless you are told differently. Pretty self explanatory. Once the scene ends, you will be likely asked to "reset", "go again", or "back to ones". This all means to go back to where you originally were. Sometimes you will be moved by the AD after a take, so follow their new directions for the remaining takes.

Photo From CBS New York

Don't talk to the actors, crew, or director

The general rule of the thumb is only talk to someone who talks to you first. Sets are busy, and interrupting a crew or cast member when they may be extremely focused on their work is a way to end up on the annoying list. I have also been asked to avoid eye contact with actors on set. In emotionally heavy scenes, the last thing actors want is a dozen sets of eyes watching their every move.

Seen, not heard

Extras play a fundamental part in setting the scene. They make movies look realistic, and set the tone of the environment. What they don't do? Make noise. During, before, and after scenes, extras should be as quiet as possible. The number one complaint I hear on set is that extras are being too loud. Even if you are told to have a conversation in the background, always assume they mean mimed. Sound is critical, so having unnecessary chatter in the background can be infuriating. Additionally, directions are often yelled from across the scene, so being alert, and ready to take commands at all times is important. Even when on break, keeping the noise level down will garner the appreciation of the crew.

Continuity

Let's set the stage: characters are talking, and you are given business to do in the background. You could be told to talk to this guy, pretend to converse with these people, put something away, etc. It is important, unless redirected, to remember what your actions are in accordance to the actors lines. The reason for this is when the cameras move to a new position, you should be in the same spot when the scene is edited together. For example, my last film where I was an extra, I was involved in a four page scene. I was a waitress, and therefore had to keep busy and move constantly. I would mark in my notebook what lines corresponded to my position and try to maintain the same path every take.

Image Courtesy of Collider.com

"Wrapping" it up

The key takeaways here are this: you are a professional hired to work. Complaining, being loud, and acting inappropriately or against the boss's wishes would not fly in a regular job, so they especially don't apply here. You are an easily replaceable cog in a very fast moving, complicated machine that everyone and their dog wants to be involved in. That being said, if you listen well, be polite, and do everything you are asked, the likelihood of getting called back is high.

Best of luck, background.

And "CUT!"

-Lexi