How To Be An Extra In Los Angeles
Dude, wanna be famous? Well, maybe not super famous, but like, famous in the background of a major blockbuster? Like, you're chilling, holding a coffee, and BOOM—The Rock walks past! That, my friend, is the life of a Hollywood Extra, or a "Background Actor" if you wanna sound all professional and stuff. Being an extra in Los Angeles is the ultimate side hustle, the place where you can get paid to literally watch movies being made. It's epic, it's weird, and it's surprisingly simple to start.
Here is your super-duper, totally humorous, and ad-friendly guide to becoming human set decoration in the City of Angels.
The Super-Sized, Slang-Tastic Guide to Being an Extra in LA!
 |
| How To Be An Extra In Los Angeles |
Step 1: Get Your Digital Vibe Right
This is the 21st century, my little background buddy. Nobody is getting discovered while buying a churro on Hollywood Boulevard. You gotta go digital.
1.1 The Golden Ticket Registration
Tip: Read at your own pace, not too fast.
Listen up, the absolute major key to being an extra in LA is getting registered with the big-shot casting agencies. Forget the small fry for now. The biggest name in the game is Central Casting. Seriously, they're the OGs.
Pro Tip: Their website can be a bit clunky, like a low-budget robot. You need to sign up online first, and then sometimes you have to go in person for a quick registration session to get your ID and photos taken. Don't get discouraged if it takes a few tries to get an in-person appointment—it's like trying to get the last slice of pizza, you gotta be quick!
1.2 Your Insta-Ready Profile (But Not Really Insta)
Once you're signed up with Central Casting and others like Casting Networks or Backstage, you need a profile that screams "I can blend in anywhere!"
Photos are everything: You don't need a fancy, expensive headshot. They just need a clear, well-lit photo of your actual face. No duck faces, no filters (seriously, the casting director is not looking for a puppy-eared bank teller). You need one clear face pic, one full-body pic, and maybe a few "looks" (like if you own a suit, or a nurse uniform, or a vintage Hawaiian shirt—those are gold!).
Stats, Stats, Stats: They need your height, weight, sizes (shirt, pants, shoe). Why? Because you're human-sized furniture! They need to know if you can fit into the costume they picked out for "Random Person #4 at a Swanky Gala." Be honest! You'll only make life harder for everyone if you say you’re a size medium when you’re definitely not.
Step 2: The Booking Hustle (It's a Vibe)
Now you're in the database. Congrats! You're basically a hidden gem, waiting to be polished. Now you gotta get booked!
QuickTip: Look for lists — they simplify complex points.
2.1 The Daily Check-In Game
Casting Directors post their needs every day. They might need 50 'Tattooed Biker Types' for a music video, or 10 'Nerdy College Students' for a streaming series.
How it works: You'll get texts, emails, or app notifications from the casting agencies. They’ll say something like: "Seeking: Men & Women, ages 25-45, to portray 'LA Office Workers.' Must have business casual attire. Rate: $135/12 hours."
The Reaction Time: When you see a notice you fit, you need to respond ASAP. Like, lightning-fast. These roles fill up quicker than free donuts. If you wait 20 minutes, the opportunity is probably toast.
2.2 Wardrobe is the Real Flex
When you get booked (!!!), you'll get a super-detailed email called your "Details." This is important, so don't just skim it like a privacy policy.
The Wardrobe Request: This is where they tell you what to wear. It might be: "Bring 3 options for 'upscale beach tourist' – No visible logos, no white shoes." This is not a suggestion, it's a command. If you show up in a Grumpy Cat t-shirt, you're gonna get sent home (and not paid).
The Costume Vouchers: Sometimes, if you're playing a cop or a doctor, they'll give you a real uniform. Treat it like gold. You are now temporarily a professional!
Step 3: Set Life: The Ultimate Chill-Out Session
You're on set! You're in LA! You're doing the thing! But what's the actual job? Mostly, it’s sitting.
Reminder: Short breaks can improve focus.
 |
3.1 Holding: The Waiting Game (AKA The Extra Olympics)
When you arrive (on time! Early, actually!), you’ll check in and then be sent to a "Holding Area." This is a big room, a tent, or sometimes just a bunch of chairs in a parking lot.
Bring Entertainment: Seriously, pack a backpack with a book, a fully charged tablet, or a notebook to write your own Oscar-winning screenplay. You will be sitting for hours. And hours. And hours. Downtime is your co-worker.
Snacks are Your Friend: The production provides food, but sometimes not right away. Hangry extras are not cool extras. Pack a granola bar.
3.2 Action! Now Don't Mess Up!
When you’re finally needed on set, the Assistant Director (AD) or a PA (Production Assistant) will give you super simple instructions.
The Golden Rule: Be a Pro: Be quiet. Listen. Don't look at the camera. The AD will tell you, "On 'Action,' you guys walk from the coffee cart to that blue pillar. When you hear 'Cut,' freeze where you are." Your job is to do exactly that, maybe 15 or 20 times.
DO NOT Talk to the Stars: Seriously, don't. It's not the time for a selfie or to tell the lead actor you loved them in that one movie. You are invisible, and that is your superpower. Be respectful, be professional, and be a silent, awesome background dude.
The Extra FAQ-Palooza
QuickTip: Focus on one line if it feels important.
How to find the main casting websites?
Search for "Central Casting," "Casting Networks," and "Backstage" in Los Angeles.
How to get paid as an extra?
You fill out paperwork (a digital voucher or physical form) on set and you'll get a paycheck, usually a week or two later, sometimes via a special payroll company.
How to know what to wear?
Read your booking "Details" email carefully; it will specify the exact look and items to bring.
How to get to set if I don't have a car?
LA is tough without a car, but use ride-share or check if the location is near a public transit hub, but always confirm the call time is flexible enough for travel.
How to act "natural" in the background?
Mouth words silently or mime actions (like chatting or looking at a phone); avoid staring directly at the main actors or the camera.
How to make friends with other extras?
Be friendly and chat in the holding area; most extras are cool people in the same boat, just respect if someone needs quiet time.
How to get a "featured" role?
Be reliable, have a versatile look, and sometimes you'll be hand-picked by the AD to do a specific action (like crossing the street with a specific prop).
How to join the extra union (SAG-AFTRA)?
You must accumulate three "vouchers" from union-only sets, which you get if the production needs a specific number of union extras and you're working as a non-union extra.
How to handle very long days on set?
Bring entertainment, wear comfortable shoes (even if you have to change for the scene), and stay hydrated.
How to know if a casting call is a scam?
Never pay a fee to an agency just to "register" or "audition" for a job; the legitimate ones like Central Casting have a free registration process (you might pay for a profile on some casting sites, but not to register with the agency).
 |
