First Acting Job - Tips for Extras

It is likely that your first paid acting job will be as an extra or a 'Background Artist'.

Extras work is advertised quite widely and can be found reasonably easy, as long as you know where to look - I will be writing an article shortly on where to best find work.

First however, you should prepare for what you will need on your first big day in the world of acting, here's a handy checklist of the things to think about taking when working as an extra:

Here is a list of things to bring with you to set:
1. A Pen or Pencil - you will have to fill out some forms.
2. Garment Bag - Bring your wardbrobe in this, It keeps your clothes wrinkle-free.
3. A Book - You may have plenty of time to kill.
4. Chair - Many extras bring their own little chairs. Some sets are not set up properly and you will need to sit.
5. Mobile Phone - Always a neccessity, just make sure to keep it on silent!
6. Sunscreen - If its a sunny day you will need to protect your skin, and also not look like a beetroot on the next day of filming!
7. Light Jacket - Many studio sets are set at cold temperatures. Even if it is 90 degrees outside, inside it can and will be 50. Especially on the days you don’t bring this item.
8. Make-up/Hair Products - For the ladies, mostly. Hair and Makeup crew may touch you up, but you are responsible for looking the way you were casted.

Hope this helps :)