Extra (actor)

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For other uses, see Extra.

It has been suggested that Supernumerary actor be merged into this article or section. (Discuss)

In drama, an extra is a performer in a film, television show, or stage production who appears in a nonspeaking capacity, usually in the background (for example, in an audience or busy street scene). War films and epic films often employ extras in large numbers: some films have featured hundreds or even thousands of paid extras.

On a movie set, film extras are technically referred to as "background action," "background performers" or, simply, "background." In a stage production, extras are commonly referred to as "supernumeraries." In television they are sometimes known as "supporting artistes" or "S.A.s".

1 Casting
2 Salary and working conditions
3 Former extras
4 Cameo
5 In popular culture
6 Footnotes
7 External Links

[edit] Casting

Casting criteria for extras depends on the production. Becoming an extra often requires little to no acting experience; punctuality, reliability and the ability to take direction may figure more prominently than talent.^[1]

There are several casting agencies that specialize only in background work.^[2] When hiring extras, casting directors generally seek out those with specific "looks" that will contribute to the ambiance desired for the film, for instance, "high school students," "affluent senior citizens," etc. Casting directors may also look for extras who possess special skills needed for the scene, such as rollerblading or dancing. In addition, as extras are often required to use their own wardrobe on the set, casting directors may seek those who already possess specific costumes or props, such as police uniforms or musical instruments.

On smaller productions or student films, extras may be hired en masse with little formality.

The length of an extra's employment on a production largely depends on the needs of the director and the scene(s) being filmed. Some extras are only needed on the set for a day or two; others may remain with the film for extended periods of time. On James Cameron's film Titanic, for instance, a group of 150 "core extras" was hired to play the ship's passengers; these extras were employed throughout the entire length of filming.^[3]

[edit] Salary and working conditions

In the United States, most major film and television productions fall under the jurisdiction of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) or AFTRA; extras are protected and guaranteed the same working conditions as actors with speaking roles.

SAG extras are paid on union scale, with provisions for overtime, costumes, and special duties.^[4] Currently, the basic rate for an 8-hour work day for a SAG extra ranges from US $146 to US $309. ^[5]

Producers are allowed to hire non-SAG extras after a certain number of SAG performers have been cast; non-union extras are paid at a lower rate.^[6] On productions outside of union jurisdiction, payment for extras is at the discretion of the producers, and ranges from union-scale rates to "copy and credit" (ie, no pay).

Between 1946 and 1992, extras in film and television were largely represented by the Screen Extras Guild. SEG was disbanded and re-incorporated into SAG in 1992.^[7]

[edit] Former extras

Many actors who became celebrities began their careers as extras in other productions. For example:

Before becoming household names, Ben Affleck and Matt Damon served as extras during the Fenway Park scenes in Field of Dreams.
Rudolph Valentino appeared as an extra in several films.
Noel Coward appeared as an extra in Hearts of the World.
Shirley Temple appeared as an extra in several films before she was signed to a long-term contract with Fox Studios.
Bruce Willis appeared as an extra in the final courtroom scene in the film The Verdict.
John Wayne appeared as an extra in a number of silent films during the 1920s.
Brian Cox was an extra in various episodes of The Prisoner.
Clint Eastwood worked as an uncredited extra in a number of movies in the 1950s before becoming a star in the late 60s.
Dennis Hopper used to work as an extra before starring in Easy Rider.
Fred Zinnemann was an extra in All Quiet on the Western Front before he became a film director.
David Niven appeared as a Central Casting extra in many Hollywood films before going on to become a leading man.
Patrick Macnee was an extra in The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp.
Terry-Thomas was an extra in many British films before becoming a star.
Trevor Bannister was an extra in Reach for the Sky.
Michael Caine and Oliver Reed both acted as extras in British films of the late 1950s.
Dave Clark was an extra in the Judy Garland film I Could Go On Singing.
Patti Boyd appeared as an extra in The Beatles' film A Hard Day's Night.
Phil Collins was an extra in A Hard Day's Night.
David Bowie was an extra in The Virgin Soldiers.
Bob Hoskins was an extra in the Frankie Howerd film Up the Front.
Robin Askwith was an extra in an episode of Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased).
Jeff Goldblum was an extra in a Californian party scene in Annie Hall.
Julian Sands appeared as an extra in an episode of the British TV series Minder.
Kara Tointon was once an extra in EastEnders before later creating the character of Dawn Swann in the soap.
Cuban dictator Fidel Castro was an extra in the 1946 movie Holiday in Mexico before becoming Cuba's leader.
Novelist-philosopher Ayn Rand was an extra in The King of Kings before becoming a renowned writer.

[edit] Cameo

When a celebrity (be it an actor or not) performs a brief appearance in a production, it is usually considered a cameo appearance. For instance, Alfred Hitchcock's appearances in his own movies are cameo appearances.

[edit] In popular culture

The silent film The Extra Girl (1923) portrays a small-town girl who comes to Hollywood and becomes an extra in her attempt to achieve stardom.

The television sitcom Extras follows the exploits of two professional extras, Andy and Maggie. They spend most of their time on set looking for a speaking role and a boyfriend, respectively.