If you’re living in LA and trying to break into the industry but don’t know the types of jobs that will allow you to eat and audition; I suggest you consider Background Work. Yes. I said this dirty little word. Become an extra. So you think it is beneath you? Don’t. Many actors begin as extras because its an easy way to get experience of being on set and make some money. I’m not saying this will pay your mortgage, but it will definitely help with some expenses that you have. I think this is a great option for people who aspire to in the television industry and have very little debt. If you have loans, car payment, credit cards, etc., still by all means, do the extra work but make sure to look for a good weekend job to make ends meet. ** For those who may not know what background or extra means; its those arbirtary people you see walking in the background of movies, tv shows, commercial, even the audience members of game shows.
Question: What’s the pay rate for Background?
Answer: If your non-union, it’s 64/8 hours. Regardless if you work 8 hours or not you will still be paid the $64. Yes a whopping 8 dollars an hour but I think this is fair, seeing that most of the time you hurry up and wait on set and they feed you as well.
If your union, 130/8 hours. Which works out 16.25 an hour. If you can book Back ground work everyday and a have little debt you can pretty much make ends meet in LA as you make your way to stardom.
Any overtime is always time & 1/2 so non-union, expect 12 dollars/hr after the 8th hour and union, expect 24 dollars and hour.
Question: That sounds great, but how do I get into background work?
Answer: There are numerous Background Casting agencies you can join, but I suggest you begin with Central Casting. It is the largest background casting agency. 85% of all Hollywood Television and Film background needs are met through Central Casting. You have to sign up in person.
Non-union days are Mon,Wed,FRI from 10:30-11:30 am ONLY. Union Tue & Thur 10;30-11am. (union people can go on non-union days) I suggest you arrive by 10 as the space fills up quickly. There is a 25 dollar registration fee and they ONLY ACCEPT CASH. There is no ATM in the building so you should bring the cash with you. YOu will also need proof of citizenship. A passport or driver’s liscense along with an original social security card or birth certificate (you must have two forms of id if you using the Driver’s ID). For Legal aliens or foreigners with work visa, you must provide green cards and work authorizations cards. Bascially, come prepared to prove you have a right to work in the states or they will not let you sign up.
Once you’ve signed up with Central Casting you will need to call into the line everyday and listen to a message that tells you what they are casting for. When you hear something that fits your profile, you will dial the 4-digit code given to you for that specific role and you will call in until you get through. There are about 15,000 people claling in at the same time, so you probably will need to put the number on speed dial and hope the slot hasn’t been filled once you finally get through. If you want to get the background work, you will need to be proactive! You are your own business.
Ok, so just joing Central Casting will approve you for backgroudn work but it doesn’t guarantee that you will book. This is where I suggest a call-in service.
Directly across the street from Central Casting is a call-in agency called Extra’s Management. Instead of you sitting on the line for 45 minutes at time trying to book background work, they will do it for you! Yes that’s right they will submit you from 7am-12 midnight and book work for you. This is one of the top call-in services for background work. 80-85% of their clients book work 4-5 times out of the week. Thats huge for you because it frees up your time to work on monologues, start a business, SAVE your wireless minutes!!
But convenience does come with a price. For this agency, it is 85 dollars to sign up and then 75 dollars a month. OUch! Sound like a lot but the day I signed up, they booked for SCRUBS, the next day. I was paid 64+ 48$ (4hrs OT) thus making back my 85 dollars plus 27 dollar profit. That was just day 1. They booked me on LICOLN HEIGHTS the next day and then GREEK the day after. So I signed up on Monday and worked 3 days directly after. I guess I’m in that 85%. Trust me, it is definitely worth the money! There are specific rules with each call-in service that you must agree to. They will give you an orientation and you can decide if that call-in service is for you. There are also cheaper agencies, but remember, you get what you pay for.
Good Luck! See you in the background… Remember, ther are no small parts, just small actors; so enjoy this, network and learn the industry as you will be the principal on camera or the one calling the shots in the very near future:)
Peace & Blessings!
