Tips for being an extra?

Understand that extras are mainly breathing scenery - it's not considered real acting experience for a professional resume. So don't be concerned with "your character" or anything - the point is that no one should notice you. You don't even need to really understand what is going on in the scene because you're not really part of the story. You're there to help create an atmosphere for the actors. A lot of extras mess up thinking they're more then that. Do exactly what you're told when you're told to do it - no more then that.

Most important - be on time! Even though you will probably be spending hours waiting before you actually do anything make sure you're on time (if not early) for your call. You're being paid to be available when they want you - so be available. And be prepared - if they tell you to come dressed in a business suit do it and bring an extra outfit just in case something happens to the first.

Extra work involved a lot of waiting; so bring something to do - a book to read or earphones and something to listen to or the like. Do not take pictures on set. Depending on what you're an extra for you may have to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Extras are usually kept separate from the actors - so don't expect to rub elbows with any stars. Do not go up to any actors or crew on the shoot - they're busy with their job so let them do it. Know when they are filming and be quite when they are if you're not in that scene.

Those are the basics. It's not hard work - which is why no acting experience is necessary. Mainly be on time, be prepared and do what you're told.

Good luck.

The only tip is to LISTEN to the director. Don't try to be seen, don't try to be heard, don't look at the camera, don't look at the main actor (unless you are specifically told to). This is not acting, it's being part of the background. You are no different than the chair or the plant on set. Bring a book, knitting, headphones or something else to pass your time as you will be sitting around for hours and it can be boring.

The last extras job I did was for a commercial for an insurance company. We were on a blocked off street starting at 6am and were told to come dressed in business suits. The extras were only on camera for a total of 20 minutes during a 12 hour day. All we had to do was walk down the sidewalk quickly like we were heading to work. That's it. The main action was happening in the street with the main actor and actress talking about insurance. They just lined up the extras on both ends of the sidewalk and said "Go" and we just walked down the block to the other end of the street. We did this a few times. Some people were holding newspapers, some were looking at their phones, some were looking straight ahead. We were not to look at the principal actors at all. There was one guy who tried to look at the actors while walking and he was removed from the set

I hope you know that being an extra will not help an acting career, and would probably damage it.

No acting talent or skill is required for extras.

Usually extras are treated like human scenery - breathing props.

Just do what you're told, don't expect too much and go prepared for a very long, boring, exhausting day.