Extra Work Denver
While most people associate "acting" with starring roles, there's another role called an extra. Unlike actors with speaking parts, extras primarily fill the background of a scene and contribute to its realistic feel. The good news is that Denver offers opportunities for both aspiring actors and those interested in extra work. In fact, extras are often used in Denver's film productions, ranging from student-made shorts to independent features and even occasional big-budget movies.
The entertainment industry offers opportunities beyond just starring roles. Being an extra can be a rewarding experience, even without spoken lines.
Some extras land special roles as "featured extras." These background performers receive more screen time, working alongside the main actors. Featured extras typically earn a higher daily rate than standard extras.
There's even a chance for advancement. Occasionally, featured extras might be bumped up to "day players," with the possibility of a few lines of dialogue.
Working on a SAG (Screen Actors Guild) production can lead to even bigger benefits. Being part of a SAG project opens doors to joining the union, a prestigious position in the acting world.
Of course, not every production is a union one. The need for extras will determine whether a project falls under SAG guidelines.
Living in Denver and seeking some side hustles? Look no further than your own neighborhood! While it might seem unconventional, attending a film shoot as an observer could land you a paying gig. Just be sure to politely express your interest in working as an extra while avoiding any disruptions. There's always a chance that some background actors might not make it, or the director might find someone whose appearance perfectly complements a particular scene. In such cases, you, the observant bystander, might just be invited to join the fun and become an extra yourself.
- Aspiring extras in Denver should avoid wearing white, red, or clothing with a large brand logo.
- This is to prevent the appearance of unintentional brand promotion in the final production.
- Remember that your scene might not be included in the final cut due to creative decisions or editing needs.
Extras working on a Denver film production should be on set and ready to work when their call time arrives, as they will need to report directly to either the director or assistant director.
While wardrobe fittings might be offered on some productions, extras usually come dressed in their own clothes. However, the director or assistant director might give instructions on what kind of clothing to wear to fit the scene.
In situations where the movie depicts a particular historical period, the wardrobe department will take over, providing the extras with appropriate attire and handling all the fittings.
Denver-based casting companies that hire Extras for film and television productions often keep track of their talent pool by creating files for each Extra. These files typically include a headshot and a copy of the Extra's registration information. The headshot is usually an 8"x10" photograph. While a resume isn't mandatory to become an Extra, having one can be beneficial in getting jobs. A good Extra resume should list your physical attributes and any relevant experience you have.
A well-formatted resume is key for extras. It should include a detailed breakdown of your physical appearance, such as height, weight, hair and eye color. Don't forget to list your clothing sizes for dress, shirt, and pants. Of course, your contact information needs to be current and easy to find. Casting directors rely on this to reach you for potential jobs. In addition to your physical attributes, highlight any special skills, hobbies, or sports you possess. These can be a plus when casting directors are looking to fill specific roles. Finally, be sure to update your resume regularly. Outdated information could mean missing out on opportunities because casting directors can't reach you. And lastly, mention any past experience you have as an extra. Even background work shows you're familiar with the set and professional environment.
Denver extras: Be on the lookout for scams in the entertainment industry! These scams can trick you into spending money or hurting your career. One big red flag is if you're asked to pay to get cast. Real opportunities won't require upfront fees for things like headshots or resumes.
Being an extra means understanding that you'll primarily be waiting in the background. Your job is to be ready to spring into action when they call for you, crossing the set precisely as instructed, and repeating the movement until the scene is perfect. This could happen numerous times. If you want to improve your chances of landing extra work, developing special skills like juggling, martial arts, or dancing is a big plus. In some surprising instances, even the kind of car you drive can make you the perfect fit for a particular scene.
Denver is known for its focus on appearance, and looking the part can definitely get you noticed. However, landing a modeling or acting gig in Denver isn't just about having the right look. Be prepared to hustle — modeling and acting often require long hours, with some shoots or sets lasting up to 18 hours. Projects themselves can vary in length, lasting anywhere from a few days to several weeks. Finally, be patient! There can be a lot of downtime between when you arrive and when you're actually needed on camera.
In Denver, whether you're an actor or an extra, being on set means working alongside directors, crew members, and fellow actors. This is the perfect opportunity to show off the good manners you learned at home. Courtesy and friendliness go a long way, and making an effort to remember people's names is even better. Not only will this help you build valuable connections in the acting world, but it will also make you a pleasure to work with, ultimately increasing your chances of landing more jobs in the Denver film scene.
While working as an extra in Denver offers the potential for good pay, finding consistent work can be challenging.
Union membership often takes precedence when casting directors fill extra roles, and it can also influence the pay rate.
The number of film productions happening in the area directly affects the availability of extra work.
The good news is that being located in Denver itself increases your odds of landing extra jobs. Additionally, experience as an extra makes you a more attractive candidate for future opportunities.
Actors in Denver looking for background acting gigs can benefit from joining a union like Screen Actors Guild (SAG) or the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA). These unions offer valuable resources and support to their members.
If you're aiming for extra work, consider keeping a headshot and resume on file with AFTRA's headquarters in Denver. Producers frequently look to AFTRA's "extras" file when casting background roles.
There are specific requirements to join the Screen Actors Guild (SAG). One requirement is that you need to have been a member of a different performers union for at least a year before you can even apply to SAG. Many aspiring actors begin their journey by joining AFTRA, which is one such union. In addition to belonging to another union, you also need to have worked under that union's contract as a principal extra for at least one job. While it's possible to start your acting career in places like Denver without a union, the pay difference between SAG actors and non-union actors is significant.
Becoming a member of the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) in Denver might seem challenging, but there are ways to achieve it.
One option is to get hired as a SAG extra. Working as a SAG extra for just three days qualifies you for SAG membership.
There's another advantage. All productions in the area must hire a specific number of SAG extras each filming day before they can bring in non-union extras.
And if a SAG extra can't make it to the shoot, a non-union extra with a voucher can fill their spot.
This approach gives you a chance to enter the SAG world through background acting roles.
As a non-union actor aiming to join SAG, working three days on a union production in Denver or any US city can grant you eligibility. While making a positive impression is key, prioritize politeness and remembering the assistant director's name. Keep interactions courteous and friendly, but avoid being bothersome during their busy periods. Offer help while staying out of the way, and ensure your performance is tactful. After the job, consider sending a thank-you note to the assistant director for a lasting good impression. The Directors Guild of America (DGA) website (https://www.dga.org/) allows you to search for the assistant director's mailing address.