Background Acting: What is being an extra like? 🎥🍿 A Compilation of All the Movies/Shows I Was In!

[@alinawmn]

I've always been interesting in being an extra / background actor. But I've never really done acting before and also I'm too scared to do that. But it sounds like so much fun and such an amazing experience!!

[@LegallyCaroline]

There’s no really much acting involved! It’s actually a super chill experience, I really recommend it :)

[@Callium248]

@@LegallyCaroline do you know any good websites to apply on?

[@JasmineRossolVlogs]

i just did my first work day as a background actor yesterday and it was super easy! the most stressful part for me was figuring out where to go in the beginning. once you get through hair, makeup, wardrobe, they put you in holding and you wait a lot, just like she said haha for my roll, all i did was walk on the beach back and forth with a girl i met on set for an hour while they shot. no acting at all and i made a new friend :) easiest job i’ve ever had!

[@royurbanozo]

No experience necessary! I LOVE being a background actor so much that I create a reel of my work annually! You should check it out!

[@nazeos8419]

@@JasmineRossolVlogs I definitely wanna get in this

[@allie2260]

Sorry for being late to this video but I definitely recommend experiencing this side of acting. Background actors/extras may be small roles, but they are very important to the scene. They’re what bring the scene to its most realistic form. I was a background actor on an HBO show, and let me tell you that I don’t regret doing it at all. There were times that we had to wait in a room for hours at time waiting to be called to film but you still get paid for doing it. I met so many friends my age from doing this and even got pictures with one of the main actors to make up for making us wait for so long. I really enjoyed it and definitely recommend it. You will have different experiences though depending on the streaming, company, etc. With my experience, the directors were so nice and gentle towards the background actors and the main cast. Since most of us were beginners. The food was also amazing.. which is why I didn’t mind sitting in a room for 5 hours lol. For those who are scared to do it because of no experience, just go for it! I went into acting without any experience and I’ve grown from each set!

[@galaxygirlplaz2551]

The way I SCREEMD when you said the next step

[@winkycai4770]

I don't know if you remember me but I did background acting with you in Grand Army! I stumbled across your Law school videos and thought you looked familiar lol. So interesting to see you describe the process from you point of view!

[@LegallyCaroline]

omg that's such a coincidence lol, yes I think I do remember you, I think you were studying a lot in holding? haha

[@joannasiu8769]

really cool experience!! keep up the great work and I hope to see you thrive!!

[@LegallyCaroline]

Thank you so much :) 🥰

[@louisaparker]

Great video. I was recently an extra in a major Hollywood movie, which happened to be filming in my home town. It was a unique experience. And I didn't need an agent or anything.

[@LegallyCaroline]

oh wow! that sounds like a great experience :)

[@jerrybanshee2970]

how did you get the opportunity?

[@louisaparker]

@@jerrybanshee2970 The studio just needed a lot of people for a crowd scene. So, many people were taken without much choosing. The call was advertised in Facebook.

[@foxkitsune7]

OMG you were in The Umbrella Academy? That's amazing! Wish I was part of that series xD

[@LegallyCaroline]

Yeah haha, I think they cut the scene I was in though 😂

[@Thomasjamesnestico]

Wow, it's really cool that you have able to be a part of so many different movies and TV shows! I'll make sure to add a few of them to my watch list!

[@LegallyCaroline]

aww I hope you like them!!

[@E-99x]

Neve realized how low the pay is. I worked in retail at UNIQLO for a while and was making $16 an hour. I’d still try this though during Summer Break when my work is off. Seems fun.

[@LegallyCaroline]

ohhh I didn't know UNIQLO paid above minimum wage! it definitely is low pay but it's also very low effort work so I thought it was worth it :)

[@Blackjesus3]

People criticise background work, you can make great people and make decent money doing it. Plus you can also get lucky on set.

[@cursedmonkey1033]

I admire you. I was encouraged to register with an agent where I live in Auckland (New Zealand) where there's a lot of work for extras, but I'm just too nervous. I don't have the confidence. Good for you and I wish you well.

[@Teyasummerx]

hey! this is so random but im actually from auckland too! i saw an job listing on trade me for background actor with KAM talent and got an interview straight away! although ive never done any sort of acting i reckon its a good opportunity and not a super difficult job so you should definitely give it a try, dont let lack of confidence shy you away from doing something ! the job listing is still there so i think you should still apply :)

[@cursedmonkey1033]

@@Teyasummerx Hey thanks for that. I might give it a shot at some point but I'm also a bit put off by having to be there for ten to twelve hours. By the way would you happen to be playing a stand in Orc? Thanks again.

[@Drugstorecowboy8]

Just got back from being a background actor for the first time, and it was disappointing. I was one of the last people to film, and they made us wait on a bus for an hour to get on set until they told us that they wrapped and aren't going to use myself and the other actors I was with. Not gonna let that stop me though, just drives me to pursue and get lead roles.

[@zoejessica_actor5484]

This is such an informative video. I am just about to start a gap year and have just got my first role as an extra so I can't wait. Hoping to vlog the experience on my channel.

[@savina59]

I got called to be an extra in gladiator 2. 1st time as an extra. Hope it’s fun!

[@Fxrevercym]

Im a background actor for locke and key on netflix and if you see the food they give us its amazing i even got myself some salsbury steak and jerk chicken. i got to meet some of the main actors like bode and dunkin and it was awesome im trying to work myself up to Actra right now so im trying to get 3 credits

[@angie-iy4by]

seems like a fun experience! might just sign up for one that films next week 😭😭

[@kloudly_]

Did be in the background?

[@AaliyahAllenWayne]

Locke and key is my show man !!! It’s so good you gotta watch it

[@blossombykay]

This is pretty cool, thank you!

[@CrazyFai]

I would love to do this it looks so fun!

[@reachingsolar]

Hi Caroline! I have a question regarding collecting the footage of the work you found of yourself when you were working as a background actor. How did you obtain the original film footage of your work? How were you able to get ahold of your footage? I am in the process of creating a demo reel for my acting work and I also need to use original film footage to create my acting reel. Can you walk me through the steps?

[@altly317]

Hey congrats! Could you tell what companies to go to for casting. It's important because I'm sure there are some fakes out there which can be unsafe. Please let me know

[@ARedVelvetBunnie]

Omg sounds like a job I want bc I’m a college student and I’d love to get paid for waiting lmao. Also what are the requirements for the photos? Do they have to be taken in professional photo shoots with like white backgrounds?

[@LegallyCaroline]

nope! dont have to be professional at all, i just sent in whatever pictures i had of myself

[@lilynote2016]

Wait I can turn this into a game: Finding Waldo but with you in the shows lolol xD

[@patriciam3810]

Hey Caroline, thanks for all the super useful info! Would I still be able to book jobs on just the weekend if I have a full student schedule? Or does filming only happen on weekdays?

[@fruitflyhunter]

ive been doing background fir 11 years in NYC and id say 80% of the time its a weekday shoot

[@LegallyCaroline]

most of it is weekdays unfortunately :/

[@may_lene]

Woah it’s so cool how you were an extra!

[@LegallyCaroline]

It’s a great job for someone in college! 🥰

[@Xanderandkwonfan101]

Can u do it without pictures auditions and all that other stuff an agents ? Or do u need to do all that before u can even be an extra as well?

[@moonble]

When you said that they feed you lunch, what if you are like vegan, are are allergic to things? Are you allowed to bring your own food?

[@aleksandrainspace4652]

it sounds pretty cool to me. good luck! 😊

[@LegallyCaroline]

thanks so much!

[@yungmar7246]

Question what if you ask to be in the movie do you think they would let you or consider you being in the movie ??

[@LegallyCaroline]

what do you mean? you are in the movie already?

[@yungmar7246]

Legally Caroline I mean like can you ask them to be one of the main characters to like be apart of that

[@LegallyCaroline]

@@yungmar7246 no you can't because by the time you're asked to work/sent the job, they've already casted all their main characters, that happens way before background. Also you'll probably be blacklisted if you do that because it's super unprofessional

[@Mariesoul6]

Are all of your jobs in Toronto or do you travel a bit? My concern knowing I’d definitely have to travel is not know how long I’d have to be there for or if they’re gonna pay for hotel fees. There was one job I was looking at that paid for the transportation to the state they filmed in. But it didn’t say how long you’d be there for and if housing was provided while you’re there. I don’t want to potentially book a job to later find out I’m going to have to stay longer than imagined and work out a hotel situation. I just want to know what to expect. I guess it’s different for each production maybe.

[@Kelly-ps7oi]

Could you give us the links to the agency you worked with in Toronto? Or ones that you recommend we try? Love this video by the way it was very informative!!

[@LegallyCaroline]

hi sorry for the late response! I've added it to the bio, but I used these two: there's a bunch of others too! www.mltalent.com/ www.twinstalent.tv/

[@stevewoods8116]

ty

[@1989stone]

Wayne was a good show

[@emersonlabovich9932]

How long does it take for them to get back to you to tell you that you booked and do they tell you if you didn't get the role?

[@LegallyCaroline]

usually within a few hours!

[@emilyfernandes8247]

hey! i was wondering if you have an agent, and who you were with to get those jobs?

[@LegallyCaroline]

yeah I had an agent! I was with ML Talent :)

[@emilyfernandes8247]

@@LegallyCaroline thanks!!

[@Cutiemaan]

Can u give examples of good agencies in Toronto and ur agency pls

[@lievevlindertjes.7933]

In what kind of movies have you played then?

[@diav775]

Hiii loved your video but I have a problem I can't aford having an agent is there a way I can be an backround actor without one? Please help 💔

[@LegallyCaroline]

You have to have an agent to get the jobs, but there are agents that don’t have registration fees!

[@MellowsView]

it also depends where you live, i live in the US and ive been booked thru free castings before, so if you live there then theres no need for an agency

[@makaylasudue3030]

But what if you don’t live in a city where they film like LA or NYC do you have to book your own fight and all that once you get the job?

[@LegallyCaroline]

yes! so I dont think its super worth it to do background work unless you live in the city

[@PoeticDeterminationIg]

I’m on my 3rd call back ❤

[@likua8]

TORONTO GANG

[@LegallyCaroline]

Toronto will always be home hehe

[@barrybenson3570]

i just put my name in to be a movie extra in DISNEY with maya rudolph, patrick depsy and more

[@LegallyCaroline]

haha disney movie sets are c h a o t i c

[@heyfellows9017]

Nothing is glamorous the artists have to work hard til became famous and be on the flashes.

[@shandrellwebb517]

You don’t need an agent guys

[@rayewb6507]

💵💵💵 I like to hear it!

[@shekinahglory604]

I wanna be an actor and I hope I’m not getting too old for the kid role bc I’m 12 looking 16

[@vaidyatejas]

Can we work as a background extra on student permit?

[@mariahphipps7034]

What agency are you with?

[@kidflipper1505]

You need to do more role in summer

[@LegallyCaroline]

it can be hard to get them sometimes!

[@summerdow7149]

Can you talk to the other people who are extras while waiting around? :)

[@LegallyCaroline]

yes!!

[@ARedVelvetBunnie]

What agency are you in?

[@CarolineStrunk-ld4ri]

My name is Caroline lol

[@cheyannelecamp226]

who do you contact / how do you find background acting jobs?

[@LegallyCaroline]

you have to get an agent!

[@Itzemilyfr]

do you really need an agent tho?

[@LegallyCaroline]

to do background work? yes!

[@shandrellwebb517]

No you don’t, I don’t have an agent & landed 2 jobs. Just started this month. You don’t need an agent!

[@laceanaga]

@@shandrellwebb517 how were you able to get acting work without an agent please

[@ashleymiranda17]

I didn’t need an agent, I will be a background actor and didn’t need agent. Just sent my pictures to the people casting

[@yoursuccessfullife.]

Please slow down.

[@41walmart]

pay sucks

[@lucianapossemato.]

nice vid! love the video! also, i have a question, did you actually have to wear the outfit for four days straight, or did they let you take it off at the end of set days? just curious! - lu 🩷