Posts Tagged ‘extras’

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Do You Want to Become an Extra?

Wednesday, July 20th, 2011

Becoming an extra is a great route into the world of acting and show business. No acting experience is necessary to work as an extra, but it can be an excellent way to learn the craft. Although anyone can become an extra, not everyone has what it takes. If you want to be an extra, there are certain qualities that you should have.

•    Patience
Being an extra requires a lot of patience. After you’ve attended some extras auditions and got your first job, you’ll find that the majority of time on set is spent sitting around doing nothing. Although this may sound like the ideal job, it can become rather tedious after a while. Extras should have enough patience to not let all the waiting around bother them.

•    Flexibility
An extra could be asked to play a huge variety of roles. It’s essential that you are fully prepared for the role that you are going to be playing. Cast and crew usually don’t appreciate extras wasting time because they don’t know what they are doing. Also, hours on a set can be long and impossible to predict, so you will have to be prepared to stay for as long as you are needed.

Becoming an extra can be difficult. Audition Now can make things easier by sending you text notifications of the latest extras auditions in your area (£1.50 per text with max of 3 texts per week). This service can be enjoyed by people of 18 years and over only.

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How to Get Extras Work

Wednesday, July 6th, 2011

Being an extra can be a fantastic career move. It can be the start of something even bigger, but it can just as easily be a viable career choice in its own right. With access to the right parts you could be known in the industry, or you could simply use it as a chance to have a bit of fun whilst you rub shoulders with the stars. But, while it can be a hugely enjoyable pastime, it isn’t always the easiest industry to get into. So just how can you get extras work?

One of your first thoughts could be that you need to join an agency. This is certainly one way to go and there are many agencies that specialise in this precise kind of work, and if you book with the right people then you’ll be able to hear about new and exclusive castings in the TV world. But, this isn’t the only option. One of the most important parts of getting work is knowing when the casting calls are going to take place, and that’s why you need to come to us.

By signing up to our text alert service (£1.50 per text, max of three texts/week, over 18s only) you can have access to all the latest extras casting calls to ensure you never miss a thing. But, we go so much further than that. Our TV professionals will be able to help and advise you on all aspects of getting work in this industry and we regularly offer seminars and short courses to help you achieve that goal, so if you want to be an extra make sure to sign up today and see how we can help.

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Fancy a Career on the Stage?

Friday, July 1st, 2011

Many of us harbour dreams of West End glory, our name in lights and our presence lighting up the stage. Unfortunately, that only ever happens to a select few, but don’t let that put you off. If you fancy a career on the stage, and if you’ve got the skill and ambition to go along with that, there’s nothing stopping you from achieving that goal – all it takes is a bit of know-how.

It’s important to be at the right place at the right time, and going to all the necessary casting calls is essential for anyone that wants to catch their big break. Luckily, the West End is open to a number of talents. Whether you’re a singer, dancer, actor or have the enviable combination of all three you’ll be able to find the audition to suit, and a great way to start out is to go for extras work. Being an extra can easily get your foot in the door (or on the stage) and is a great way to get a feel for the business, but again it all comes down to knowing when those West End auditions are going to take place. That’s where we come in.

By signing up for our text alerts you’ll have instant access to the best theatre auditions available, ensuring you don’t miss out on what could potentially be your big break. We’ll be able to let you know when and where these vital calls are taking place so you can plan accordingly, and for just £1.50 per text (a maximum of three texts per week, over 18s only) you could soon be enjoying a career on the stage.

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Be an Excellent Extra

Monday, June 27th, 2011

Working as a TV extra is an great way to earn an additional income. Make sure to impress your production team by following these simple tips.

Try to get an early night the night before, and avoid hangovers. Your day could start as early as 5 in the morning.

Don’t be late. Make sure that you know where you’re going and have a backup transport plan in case there are any difficulties with your journey. If you’re going to a remote location then take a map with you, just in case.

You may have to wait in-between takes, so be prepared. Take a book or some music with you for while you’re waiting, but keep the volume down so that you don’t disturb anyone.

If you’re going to be somewhere cold then consider wearing extra layers or even thermal underwear to help keep you warm. If you’ve been asked to wear your own clothing then avoid logos and bright colours. Stripes and checks don’t work well on camera either. Many extras bring a second set of clothing with them, as a backup. Also, bring a warm coat if you’re going to be outside. You don’t want to get wet – unless it’s part of the scene!

If you’re looking for part-time acting work then try to attend as many extras casting calls as you can. At  Audition Now we have a dedicated research team who will text the latest opportunities directly to your phone. Please be aware you must be over 18 to use this service. You’ll receive a maximum of 3 texts a week at a cost of just £1.50 per text.

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Extras Work can Lead to Bigger Roles

Monday, May 9th, 2011

Getting that break in television requires a lot of hard work and tenacity, but if you are committed to making your name in television or on stage, you will be well aware of this. There is a lot of competition out there, but one way to get into the business is to start by doing extras roles, which will guarantee that you will be on TV, even if it is only in the background pretending to talk to somebody!

Many actors began their careers as TV extras, among them Russell Crowe, who had minor non-speaking roles in Neighbours before he became the Hollywood star he is today. As with any acting role, you will need to have extras auditions if you want to get these positions, and as there is a lot of competition you need to make sure you are ahead of the game when it comes to finding them.

One way to do this is to sign up with Audition Now, a website dedicated to finding auditions of every kind, from modelling and dance right through to film and west end roles. When you leave your details on the site, you will be updated with information about the auditions you want to attend, which means you don’t have to constantly survey the magazines and websites to find auditions. So sign up, and start preparing for the audition that could give you that break!

You must be 18 or over. To stop anytime text STOP to 84025.

Maximum 3 x alerts per week, costing a maximum of £4.50 per week plus network extras.

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How to Be An Extra in A Soap Opera

Monday, November 22nd, 2010

Many people begin their acting careers by appearing in TV shows as extras. If you want to make a break but don’t have the background or education, or you don’t have an agency, you may want to start really small. Here are some tips on how to be an extra in a soap opera.

Soap auditions may be harder to find because they generally have a smaller budget that more widely broadcast television shows, and certainly less than a Hollywood or even a BBC movie. This means that the producers work with a small pool of actors and that’s why you often see the same faces more than once – even if they are walk-ons.

To find opportunities to be in soap operas, it may seem like you have to know someone who knows someone. But if you know where to look, you will soon find that soap castings are available to people out of the loop as well.

Audition Now is a company that provides inside information about auditions that are tailor made to your interests. You can choose from theatre acting auditions, TV acting, or modelling, and receive up-to-date, relevant casting information directly to your mobile phone for just £1.50 per text. (You must be at least 18 years of age.)

If you use a company like this you are receiving information from people who are educated in the industry and they only pass on the best information to you. You won’t waste time auditioning for things you aren’t interested in.

Good luck!

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Extras Work – How To Prepare

Friday, June 18th, 2010

If you take a part in extras roles, there are very few demands made of you on the set. What is expected of you is that you blend into the background, and make the main action of the scene look as though it is happening in the real world. It will make a considerable difference, however, if you turn up to the shoot as prepared as possible.

In the interests of the production company, if you are to be filmed in your own clothes, do not wear items with obvious logos, avoid bright or fluorescent colours, and steer clear of close stripes and checks – especially if you are going to be on TV. Some extras turn up with a spare set of clothes so that the costume department has a choice. Obviously if you are appearing as an extra in a period costume drama, then your clothes will be provided by the costume department.

For your own sake, remember that you may be outdoors for most of the day – particularly if your fortay are film or TV auditions. Much of your time will be spent sitting around waiting while the crew set up the next shot, so come prepared to withstand the weather. Also, be ready to fill the time. It may be literally hours between takes, so having a book to read, or music to listen to is a good idea. Most importantly, check where you are meant to go, and when. Turning up late could cost you dearly.

Here at Audition Now we can get you all the latest extras work opportunities, and text them direct to your mobile phone.

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Extras Work: Some Do’s and Don’ts

Wednesday, May 26th, 2010

Extras work can offer many interesting opportunities to the incurably stage-struck, and even the chance to advance your career prospects in television or film.

Remember first and foremost that you are engaged as an extra and that means being part of a credible backdrop to the main events in any (usually public) scene. Whatever training or experience you have as a performer you need to unlearn, so that your involvement in a scene doesn’t ‘pull focus’. You have to be as natural as possible: the way people are in a public situation, minding their own business, and not wanting to be noticed.

It is important that you respect the leading actors off-camera as much as you do on set. There is no harm in chatting to them, but don’t be pushy, or ask for their autograph. Principals and extras are often kept apart, for example at mealtimes, and you should respect this.

It is important to adhere to instructions, and to cooperate as much as you can. Always turn up to a day’s shoot a little early, and make a point of keeping out of people’s way. Time-wasting is expensive, and you will not be asked back if you become known as unreliable in any way.

Here at Audition Now, we send you details of extras work direct to your mobile phone, keeping you up to date with all the latest opportunities for you to advance your career in the television and film business.

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Preparing for the Unprepared at Acting Auditions

Wednesday, May 19th, 2010

No matter how ready you make yourself for acting auditions, your audition panel will almost certainly want to see how you respond to the unprepared. This is a test of your basic instinct as an actor to ‘keep the curtain up.’ Most staged performances suffer glitches, even if it is just the audience reacting in an unexpected way, and the good actor knows how to respond to that in a positive, non-alarmist way. Auditionees also need to show that they have an active imagination, because often that is a source of inspiration to both theatre and film director.

It is not easy to practise the unexpected, but at least you can get used to a degree of improvising by taking a part as an extra. One good way is to watch how other performers manage it, whether by studying them at work over a run of performances, or reading about their work. Stand-up comics, if you can ignore the jokes, are useful for this: they are constantly on a knife-edge with their audience, and it is possible to see where they succeed and fail, and learn strategies for yourself from that.

The more you acclimatise yourself to performance of the unknown and unexpected, the more you will have to offer when you go into auditions or casting calls. The side-benefit is that you will gain in self-confidence, and look forward to your next auditions.

At Audition Now we maximise your opportunities for theatre and TV auditions, with all the latest possibilities sent via text direct to your mobile phone.

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Extras Work in the Quiet Times

Tuesday, May 4th, 2010

Actors doing extras work in their ‘resting periods’ is generally frowned upon in the profession. On the other hand, extras film or television work can be quite well paid and many out-of-work actors would be glad of the income, particularly in these recessionary times. After all, there is not much call for Santa in his grotto at this time of year.

A lot of theatre (and film) work goes to actors who know other actors or directors, so if you are starting out on your career, you need to build up your contacts in the business. No amount of college or vocational training can help you as much as building good working relationships with others in the profession. You shouldn’t let your pride hold you back from taking every opportunity to expand your work horizons, and going for extras auditions reflects this attitude on your CV.

The only issue is time.  If you are to make yourself available for extras work, then you may find yourself being called at times when you want to be auditioning. This is down to you being organised with your diary, so that you don’t find yourself letting others down. That could adversely affect your working relationships for the future.

At Audition Now we text you all the latest work opportunities direct to your mobile phone, so you will be amongst the first to know what is available. With our formidable array of professional theatre, television and film contacts, we offer an excellent support service to both actors and extras. So, if you want to be an extra to keep work going during dry spells, make use of our service.

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