This book is dedicated to those who want to pursue a career in TV and films. Starting out as an Extra can get you working behind the camera quickly where you get to see professionals at work. You will find a wealth of information on the business of being an Extra in the pages that follow..
Introduction to Background Acting
Working on a set as a background actor can be fun, exciting and a great way to gain experience working behind the camera
SAG's Theatrical Films and Television DigestNEW Includes information on payscales and conditions on the set
SAG's Commercials Contract Digest NEW Includes information on payscales for commercial work
Tools of the Trade Every business requires the right tools for the job. Being a background actor is no different
Wardrobe Basics When you are hired to work on a set, casting directors will usually ask you to bring a selection of wardrobe. Typically this means that you will wear..
Getting Registered The first thing you must do to get yourself booked is to register with the different Extra's casting agencies./li>
How to Market Yourself Effectively To be a successful background performer, you need to market your product-YOU!
Casting Agents Listings There are many Extra casting agencies that you can register with (fee, free, kids, commercials)
Extras Booking Services Having a booking service can prove to be a valuable asset(list of booking services included)
Association of Film Commissioners International Who to contact for project information if you live outside of the Southern California area
Production Studios Addresses and phone numbers of major TV and Film production studios.
Things that Upset the Casting Director If you want to get work, you don't want to upet the casting director. You must avoid...
Things that Please the Casting Director You can improve your chances of being booked on future projects by doing things that please the casting director
Working on the Set Working around any type of production whether it be film, TV, commercials, music videos etc. can be a very hectic environment
Things to Bring to the Set It's very important for you to be prepared when you are working on the set
Getting to the Set Preparations begin even before you get to the set
Checking in at the Set When arriving at the set, you will check in with ...
Getting your SAG Card Sooner or later in your acting career you will probably want to join SAG
SAG Eligibility RequirementsNEW What does it take to join the Screen Actors Guild? This chapter tells you
Registration Card Printable registration card to record all of your vital statistics that you can submit with your picture to the casting agents
Sexual Harassment on the SetNEW You deserve to work in an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment
Call Sheets When you start working, you will need to keep track of your call time, location, wardrobe instructions etc. Use this printable "Nifty Little Call Sheet" to record your important details
Sample Resume After you have done a few projects, you should create a resume to print on the back of your 8X10 headshots. A sample resume is provided as a reference./li>
Film Talk from A-Z Learn the words and phrases you'll hear on the set.
