Extra Work in Phoenix
Are you wondering what an extra is? An extra is someone hired to help make scenes more realistic and populated in short films, independent films, and major feature films. As an extra, your job is to appear in the background of the scene and make it appear more natural.
As an extra, you won't usually have any lines to say or read. But you may be what is known as a "featured extra," which means you will get more screen time, work closer to the actors, and get paid more. You may even get the chance to speak if the "day player" isn't available. If the production is a SAG (Screen Actors Guild) production, you may even be able to join the SAG. You may also work on sets of non-SAG productions, depending on the demand for extras.
If you're looking for extra work in Phoenix, location can be the key. Try showing up to a shoot as a spectator and express your interest in working as an extra. Be respectful and don't be intrusive. Though it doesn't happen often, the crew may invite those in the area to join the set as extras if their originally hired extras don't show up or if the director spots someone who fits the look of a background character.
It is generally recommended for extras in Phoenix to avoid wearing white, red, or clothing with large brand logos. Understand that sometimes the extra work you do may not appear in the final production, usually for creative reasons.
In Phoenix, extras are expected to be ready and on-set at the designated call time, as the director or assistant director instructed. Generally, extras are expected to wear their clothing with some minor adjustments as requested by the director. However, when the film is set in a specific time, the Wardrobe Department will provide the clothing and do the necessary fittings.
Companies in the Phoenix area that work with extras typically maintain a record of them by filing away a headshot along with their registration information. An 8"x10" headshot with a resume attached and trimmed to the same size is usually used. While resumes are not essential for working as an extra, they can aid in obtaining work and should include your physical attributes and any experience as an extra.
An effective resume for an extra should include a comprehensive list of their physical attributes, such as height, weight, hair and eye color, and their measurements for dress, shirt and pant size. Additionally, it's important to include contact information, special skills, hobbies, and sports. Keeping the resume up to date is essential, as casting directors may be unable to reach you if their contact information is incorrect. All these elements combined will give the extra advantage when applying for jobs.
Extras working in Phoenix should be vigilant against potential scams in the entertainment industry. Such scams may involve the extra or actor being asked to pay fees or help fund the production. Avoid this type of scam, as it is unlikely to benefit your career. Legitimate services, such as those for headshots and resumes, will not require monetary donations upfront.
As an extra, knowing what to expect is essential, especially when awaiting your moment to shine. A typical day will involve waiting behind the scenes until you get the cue to walk across a scene. This is done in the same manner and with the same timing every time, and you may have to cross the set up to 50 times before the scene is completed. Extra work is easy to come by, and those with special skills such as juggling, martial arts, and dancing tend to get called up more often. Even the make and model of your car may get you noticed for a project in Phoenix.
The look you present can make all the difference in getting noticed by the director. You have a better chance of getting the part if you have the right vibe or atmosphere. However, if you do manage to get the role, be sure to prepare and plan - extra work can take a long time. In Phoenix, you may be on set for up to 18 hours, with a significant portion spent on standby. Make sure you're ready for that moment of screen time.
When working on a set in Phoenix, it is important to be courteous and respectful to directors, crew members, and other actors. Take the time to learn their names and be friendly. This not only helps create a more positive atmosphere on set, but can also help you to build your network of contacts and increase the chances of getting more work in the area. Remember to act like your parents raised you - with manners and politeness.
The pay for an extra working in Phoenix can be very good, but the availability of jobs may be limited. This is especially true if the casting director favors union extras over non-union extras. Union affiliation can also influence pay. The amount of extra work available in an area depends on how often films are shot nearby. Fortunately, living in Phoenix increases an extra's chances of finding work, and the more experience one has, the more likely they are to be called for a job. Joining the Screen Actors Guild is not required to be an extra, but they provide useful support to actors. AFTRA, the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, is another union that could benefit if you seek extras work in Phoenix. To make the most of your membership to either of these unions, it is recommended that you keep a headshot and resume filed at AFTRA's headquarters in their "extras" file. Producers frequently contact AFTRA in search of extras, so you can increase your chances of being noticed.
Becoming a member of the Screen Actors Guild requires certain prerequisites, such as being a member of another performers union for at least one year beforehand. AFTRA is a great place to start. Additionally, you must have worked as a principal extra at least once in that union's jurisdiction. While starting as a non-union extra in Phoenix initially is common, the difference in pay between the union and non-union members is vast.
Don't despair: you can still become a member of the Screen Actors Union in Phoenix by working as a SAG extra. All that's required is a minimum of three days' work, and productions in San Antonio must hire a few SAG extras each day before they can employ non-union extras. If a SAG extra fails to appear, a non-union extra can be given a voucher to fill the slot in the Phoenix area.
If you're a non-union member hoping to get a SAG voucher in Phoenix, it's essential to make a good impression on the assistant director. Be polite, remember their name, and keep small talk courteous. Offer help where you can but be sure to stay out of the way and be tactful with your performance. After working on set, a thank you note sent to the assistant director can also make a good impression. Three of these vouchers will qualify you to join SAG; you can find the assistant director's mailing address on the Director's Guild of America (DGA) website (http://www.dga.org/).