In movies, around the main and secondary characters, there are lots of other people; on the street, in the shops, even dead bodies on sidewalks. Those people are called extras.
Posted by Katriona on 01-11-2011
The purpose of extras is to give the audience the feeling that the scene is real. When a realistic look is called for, the extras will come in all shapes and sizes, some good-looking and some not so, young and old, some bald and some even limping. On the other hand, when the place is meant to look different than the real world, the extras will be chosen according to the type of each scene or based on the subject of the whole production.
Can't they just shoot street scenes where people happen to be walking by?
No, that's impossible, because the movie is made in shots. Sometimes the photographer shoots close-ups and then the camera has to be moved to a different location to shoot exactly the same situation only from a distance. In the editing room all the shots are connected, if a shot is taken with regular people then the actor will be seen with different people in the background in each of the different shots. That's why the production crew hires extras to be in all the relevant shots, so that there is continuity through the scene.
Is it hard to be accepted as an extra?
No, it's not hard. Everyone knows that entering the world of television and cinema is usually not very easy: You have to be talented, and not everyone is up to it. But to be an extra, you have to be a regular person, that's the whole point. In order to create realism in the film or series, all kinds of people are needed, no matter what they look like or their level of talent. So everyone can be an extra.
What abilities does being an extra require?
Lots and lots of patience are highly necessary, because a filming day is very long and tiring. An extra needs to be able to receive directions and repeat them again and again. It's not absolutely necessary, but a certain amount of modesty is favourable, because extras must never draw too much attention to themselves on the expense of the main actors. And, of course, never forget that you must never look directly at the camera.
How to apply for work as an extra?
Extras are always in great demand. All you need to do is apply with an extras agency, or with audition sites on the Internet and leave your details and wait for the phone to ring.
Can't they just shoot street scenes where people happen to be walking by?
No, that's impossible, because the movie is made in shots. Sometimes the photographer shoots close-ups and then the camera has to be moved to a different location to shoot exactly the same situation only from a distance. In the editing room all the shots are connected, if a shot is taken with regular people then the actor will be seen with different people in the background in each of the different shots. That's why the production crew hires extras to be in all the relevant shots, so that there is continuity through the scene.
Is it hard to be accepted as an extra?
No, it's not hard. Everyone knows that entering the world of television and cinema is usually not very easy: You have to be talented, and not everyone is up to it. But to be an extra, you have to be a regular person, that's the whole point. In order to create realism in the film or series, all kinds of people are needed, no matter what they look like or their level of talent. So everyone can be an extra.
What abilities does being an extra require?
Lots and lots of patience are highly necessary, because a filming day is very long and tiring. An extra needs to be able to receive directions and repeat them again and again. It's not absolutely necessary, but a certain amount of modesty is favourable, because extras must never draw too much attention to themselves on the expense of the main actors. And, of course, never forget that you must never look directly at the camera.
How to apply for work as an extra?
Extras are always in great demand. All you need to do is apply with an extras agency, or with audition sites on the Internet and leave your details and wait for the phone to ring.
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