Expert: Phil Nemy - 9/22/2008

Question
Hi Phil,

Just curious what you thought about doing extra work in general? If inexperienced in acting, etc. would you recommend it as a way to get a feel for how things work - auditioning, onset, etc? I am a relative newby so to speak who has never been on a set or gone out for an audition. What I know about the business is through a few friends who do act and have done some modeling stuff.

Do you suggest taking a few acting classes even before trying out for an extra roles or is that unnecessary?

If a beginner is it necessary to have a resume to apply for extra roles?


Answer
Josh,

Thanks for writing. Extra work is great for some people and not great for others. You won't gain experience auditioning from being an extra because extras don't audition. You simply register with an extras casting company and when they need someone with your weight, height, age and coloring, they call you and you work. You WILL gain an understanding of how film and TV is shot as you will be on the set. But, the worst thing about being an extra is the "hurry up and wait" syndrome. There are moments when the assistant directors will treat you like cattle moving you around in a somewhat rough, abrupt way, usually hurried. And then the remainder of the time you will sit around a wait. Make sure you bring a book to read, or an ipod to listen to music. And bring your own folding lawn chair so you have somewhere to sit. Productions usually don't provide you with seating when you're not on set.

If you want to be an "actor," then yes, take acting classes. Being an extra will not teach you how to act, really.

Hope this helps.

Good luck!

Phil