And...scene?

February 21, 2008 3:52 PM

MeFi actors/casting directors/people who have been extras before... any tips for what I should do at an "extras casting call"?

They are having a casting call for the movie "State of Play" with Russell Crowe and Ben Affleck this weekend. I have no link or connection to the acting field, but I thought it would be fun to try out for an extra. The casting notice really gave no direction for what kinds of extras they are looking for, other than "bring a pen and a small photo." Should I get dressed up? How dressed up? (i.e. Washingtonian-esque? the movie is about some congressman having an affair and his mistress turns up dead... or something like that). Or will they just be looking at my face and I should just keep it simple.... again, this is for fun, but it would be a kinda sweet experience to have if I'm chosen as some background extra. I've googled the topic, but I wanted to get some real-life anecdotes if anyone has them! thanks

posted by paperlanterns to media & arts (7 comments total)

ETA: I'm female, age 26 if anyone wants to give out clothing advice.
posted by paperlanterns at 3:53 PM on February 21, 2008

The less you do the better. Nobody is looking for memorable background, and suggesting that you've put a lot of effort into this would, IMO, raise a red flag. (btw: I've never done casting, but I did write network tv sitcoms for about five years.) So anything that says 'notice me' would be bad. Just be yourself, and display that you're gonna be cool and not a headache or a star gazer on set. This said, I think you can't go wrong going business casual -- if casting pictures something fancier it's not a stretch for them to imagine you there, likewise if the scene is totally casual, well, they could probably see you that way, too.
posted by herc at 4:04 PM on February 21, 2008

Try to look unique, but not too unique, if you get my drift. Something memorable but not overbearing. Try to look like someone you'd want to invite to a cocktail party because they look like they'd be interesting to talk to without being a freak.

The casting directors are looking for types, so you may or may not be the type, just on its face. But it never hurts to look like a person you'd want to talk to.
posted by Cool Papa Bell at 6:08 PM on February 21, 2008

Your primary qualifications are (a) compliant and (b) forgettable. They just want people who can blend into the scenery, and stand around for hours (not in that order), with no fussing. So bring or book or mp3 player, a bottle of water, and a light meal discretely tucked in your purse. You can be waiting around a while, and it's excruciatingly boring. Those who can arrive in the casting room in a pleasant, amiable mood will have the advantage.
posted by nakedcodemonkey at 8:13 PM on February 21, 2008

I've done a few extras gigs here in Austin.

Don't dress up - they won't care. But DO know all your sizes (waist, inseam, etc.) , because you very likely will be putting that down on a form. (The form might also ask about special talents, depending on the movie - for instance for The Alamo, they wanted to know if you had ridden horses before)

For an extras casting call, my limited experience is that you show up, fill out a form, attach photo and leave. Fairly quick (and quicker still if you bring your own pen).

It's the actual extra work that is long, many times boring and you need to bring something to read.
posted by nightwood at 9:23 PM on February 21, 2008

You don't need to do much more than show up. I did a bit of screen acting as a kid, and the joke was always "hurry up and wait". You'd get these calls to just frantically run down to the agency, but once you got there you would sit on your hands for two hours waiting. When I'd finally get called in, most times it would last about two minutes, and then it would be "don't call us, we'll call you". They do call sometimes though, so good luck.
posted by BinGregory at 10:34 PM on February 21, 2008

just an update for anyone who may have a similar future question: i went the other day to the casting call and it was exactly as nightwood described, very low-key. i just wore dress slacks and a turtleneck, filled out a form with my measurements and some personal info, waited in line behind all the SAG members. got up to the front of the line, met the casting director, grabbed a number, got my picture snapped, and left with some movie information sheets. all in all it took about 15 mins. i came early and beat the rush, as i was leaving there were tons of people starting to line up.

in terms of clothing: people were dressed ranging over all extremes: lots of college kids with jeans and shirts; others dressed in suits; still others dressed in uniform (police, military); and a few people who really took it to another level and looked very "LA-esque" with hair extensions, full makeup, designer clothing, etc.

however, i think the more and more i learn about what it is you actually do as an extra (from this thread and from the info sheets handed out), the less exciting it seems.... but hey, if i'm chosen as background, i'll update the thread about that experience as well.

thanks to everyone for their 2 cents :)
posted by paperlanterns at 11:28 PM on February 24, 2008