How to be an extra in a movie or TV show filming in NC

Being an extra can be a fun way to see yourself on the big (or small) screen.

Extras are paid background actors in movies, TV shows and more. They don’t have any lines, and most of the time, no prior experience is necessary.

Last year, during the state’s banner year for the film industry, there were 21,000 job opportunities for extras and background talent, according to numbers from the state film office.

The News & Observer compiled resources from media and broadcasting agencies that cast extras for projects around North Carolina.

Here are some tips to help you take your shot at stardom.

How to be an extra in a movie or TV show

Extras are people hired for a short amount of time to make scenes look more realistic, according to Tona B. Dahlquist Casting.

This Southeast-based casting company has cast extras in movies like “The Hunger Games” and TV shows like “Sleepy Hollow.” TBD Casting has recruited extras to shoot in Wilmington, Charlotte, Raleigh, Hickory, Statesville, Huntersville and other locations.

Here are some things to know (note that our examples are for past projects and are no longer active casting calls).

▪ Extras don’t need prior experience, TBD Casting said. Production companies need a variety of people spanning all age ranges, ethnicities, abilities and more.

▪ Sometimes, specific kinds of people will be sought out, as in this example from a November Facebook post by Kimmie Stewart Casting, an agency casting for projects around NC:

“1 year old taking first steps. Caucasian female, brown hair, brown eyes. This scene will be a flashback of our young actress taking her ‘first steps.’ Must be able to take steps but not off and running yet.”

▪ Companies may ask for extras to bring their own props. An example:

“DJ w/ Equipment: All genders, any ethnicity, ages early 20s-30s. Those submitting must be able to provide their own gear but will not be expected to actually DJ,” TW Cast & Recruit, an agency casting for projects in NC, posted to its website in December.

▪ When seeking extras, casting agencies may post details about shooting and information about how you can apply. These posts can look something like this:

“In search of two males and two females for a boat scene shooting March 23 in Wilmington. Aged 25-35. Must be willing to potentially brave colder weather in summer attire and get a little wet if necessary. If interested, please email headshot and resume to hello@hendystreet.com to be considered with the subject line ‘BOAT SCENE.’ Shooting hours approximately 1pm-7pm at $100 flat.”

(This was a Kimmie Stewart Casting call posted to Facebook for extras on behalf of Hendy Street Produxions, a Wilmington-based media and broadcasting production company. The N&O edited the post a bit for clarity.)

Casting agents to follow to book jobs in NC

Keep tabs on casting agencies’ websites and social media pages for upcoming opportunities. Here are a few that currently have opportunities available:

• Tona B. Dahlquist Casting. Info: tbdcasting.com

• Kimmie Stewart Casting. Info: facebook.com/StewartCasting

• The Southern Casting Call. Go to “North Carolina” section. Info: thesoutherncastingcall.coms

• TW Cast & Recruit. Info: facebook.com/TWCastandRecruit

You can also track upcoming projects at The North Carolina Film Office website: filmnc.com/current-productions.

What to know about being an extra

Here are some of the main things to know, according to TBD Casting and TW Cast & Recruit:

▪ Apply and get booked: Typically, you will apply to be an extra and get a booking confirmation. Applicants generally submit photos and other physical details about themselves (like measurements and clothing sizes), according to TBD Casting.

Only those booked can receive the filming location. Those who share the location with people who aren’t booked can cause security issues and compromise filming, according to TW Cast & Recruit.

▪ Extras are paid: The pay varies from production to production.

Sometimes, extras can get pay bumps for bringing their own props or working in hazardous conditions.

▪ Dress the part: Extras may be asked to arrive at the set in their own clothing that’s representative of the character, according to TW Cast & Recruit. They may also be asked to bring a few other outfit choices.

If extras use any costumes from the costume department, they are responsible for returning them at the end of the day. Extras who take costumes or other props home will be charged for them.

▪ Prepare for a long day: Extras are typically hired for the entire filming day, which can span over 12 hours, TW Cast & Recruit said. Make sure you bring warm and/or cool clothing (depending on the weather), medication and snacks.

And be sure to eat before you arrive, as production companies are only required to provide food every six hours, TBD Casting said. (When filming hours stray from the typical 9-5, “lunch” can be served at midnight.)

▪ Prepare to sit around for a lot of the day: Bring a book, a deck of cards or something else to help the free time pass, TBD Casting said. Casting agencies even recommend bringing folding chairs and cushioned shoes to make the free time more comfortable.

▪ Don’t look at the camera! This is one of the most important rules of being an extra. Unless your scene requires it, you are forbidden to look at the camera, and doing so may require the whole scene to be redone.

This story was originally published March 23, 2022 at 6:00 AM.

Kimberly Cataudella Tutuska

The News & Observer

919-419-6630

Kimberly Tutuska (she/her) is the editor of North Carolina’s service journalism team.