Greenie questions...sorry (apologies in advance)

Tue, 7 Apr 2009, 10:39 pm

MissDarcy6 posts in thread

Hi All, Just a few questions from a totally uninformed, no knowledge newbie. Say for example one wanted to be just an extra, purely an extra and didnt have designs or dreams of anything more than being wallpaper or blending in to the background for a bit of extra cash. Would one really be required to have 30-60 headshots (seems excessive for just an extra position)? Perhaps it is so, I certainly wouldnt know as I havent any real idea of what this industry requires, though I am hoping someone here might be able to give me some further clarification on these things. Also there seems to be a lot of furor over agencies, if one wanted work as JUST an extra which would be the best for this relatively small role (I am assuming there wouldnt be a huge amount of work required to promote an extra, just a basic profile and maybe one pic right?). Surely there wouldnt be an exorbitant fee for this type of service only a commission on any work undertaken? Any advice or inputs of knowledge much welcomed and appreciated, Wishing you a chocolatey Easter, Miss Darcy (the wannabe wallflower)

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MissDarcyTue, 7 Apr 2009, 10:39 pm

LabrugWed, 8 Apr 2009, 12:54 pm

Dependant

It really depends on the Agent. You see the agent doesn't really care what you are looking for when taking you on their books. They simply have a single entry policy. Mind you, 30-60 head shots (if your serious about that) is a bit excessive in any case.

There are casting agents out there that do only commercial and extra work. For example, Krissy Westwood in WA is first and foremost a modelling agency. However, they willcast for commercials and bit work also. I was with them some years back and they didn't ask for very much at all. True to their word, I had a few small roles here and there.

Find out what the 'agent' focuses on and that'll help guide your descision.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins

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Walter PlingeWed, 8 Apr 2009, 01:42 pm

I know Actors Now has what

I know Actors Now has what they call "commercial faces" and these are primarily people who only do extra work. They have one pic on the website. Generally though these people are sourced from the courses run by Actors Now.

MissDarcyWed, 8 Apr 2009, 02:14 pm

Possible?

So could one for example find their own extra work without an agent or is that virtually impossible? I'm in the Sydney area btw. Isnt anything just simple anymore, lol, so many different places, scams to avoid blah blah blah. Now it didnt look all that difficult for Ricky Gervais on 'extras' :) Great show that!

LabrugWed, 8 Apr 2009, 02:27 pm

Use of an Agent

Unless you already have an established list of contacts within the industry, then using an agent often the best and easiest way to find work. This is because production companies rarely (if ever) recruit 'off-the-street.' They do not advertise through conventional or public forums, nor do they walk up to people in the street. These are the mark of 'dodgy' agents and should be avoided.

The usual and accepted method of recruiting actors is to either call upon a casting consultant who then in turn contacts the casting agencies (always done for lead and supporting roles; occasionally done for extras) or to contact agencies directly. So unless you have contact with someone already in the know, you will have very little chance of hearing of anything legit, unless you are with an agent.

Refer to this FAQ page for som extra details on Agents.

Absit invidia (and DFT :nono:)

Jeff Watkins

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Walter PlingeWed, 8 Apr 2009, 07:02 pm

I found PG's wonderful as

I found PG's wonderful as an agent when in Sydney if you just want to do some extra work.

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