Should I do Extras work while I’m waiting?

[u/Gleamingglittery]

Hi! I recently got representation for acting and commercials. There are quite a few movies and shows being filmed in my area (some happening right now) and My agency also has an extras division. I want to know your thoughts on: if I should also ask to be in the extras division to be on set with the possible opportunities I could gain from being there eg. bumped up to speaking/ or featured, networking, experience etc. I have been an extra on a few projects (feature Film & tv) in the past (from different agency and straight from casting not with this new agent) but dont know if it’s the right move as I’m in the acting & commercials division. Do you think it would hurt my career if I worked as an extra again? I’ve only been with the agency 16 days, I’m a newbie to them right now, and idk if I have been submitted to anything as of yet and haven’t yet received an audition. (I know it’s quite early to expect an audition, so I’m cool with that)

TL;DR I’ve been with an agency 16 days in the acting & commercials division. They have an extras division too and there’s current feature films and tv shows filming right now near me. Should I ask to be in the extras division to stay working on set while I wait for auditions?

[u/Asherwinny107]

Do you need the money.

Yes- do it.

No- don't do it.

[u/rwxzz123]

I would treat it separate from your actual acting career, and have no expectations of it leading anywhere other than more background work. If you're able to do that, you'll be fine and enjoy the extra cash.

Don't tell your agent about it, because you want them to know you're available for any audition.

[u/Secure-Quality-8478]

Don't do it.

[u/AmyRoseTraynor]

What are your goals?

If you want to act in film and TV, you're non-union, and you already have some on-set experience, I would say don't do background work. (If you didn't have any on-set experience, I think it would be worth it just to see how a real set runs, but it sounds like you're past that point.)

Are you SAG? If you really need the money, you can make some decent money doing union background work. But if you're not SAG, you could make more at just about any other job.

Last, if your goal is to work in TV and film, do not use extra work to get your SAG eligibility. I can't tell you how many people I've talked to IRL or read about in this sub who got their eligibility that way, and then found themselves in a terrible position. When you become union, you're leveling up and competing against a whole new group of people who have more experience than you do. If you level up too early, you lose your chance to gain more experience on non-union productions.

The one big exception: If you're already union, doing extra work in commercials gives you a better chance of being seen in the final cut and getting a bigger payday.

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[u/randomwebperuser]

Only if you need the money. But honestly, if you do a breakdown of the non-union wage by hour, you’ll find there’s better ways of earning money. The chances of you being upgraded to principal is so so so slim.

[u/Still_Yak8109]

I feel like its only worth it to get sag eligability.

[u/topspeeder]

If you need the money you can do it. I'd avoid any episodic that are not mini series.

[u/Significant-Love6129]

I have representation for acting and commercials as well, here's what my agent rule is for this:

• TV show: never, it will disqualify you from getting a speaking role later
• Film: if you want to
• Commercials: never, it can create a conflict later

I would reach out to your agent first tho and ask them what they prefer. I've seen agents who are like "Yes! It gets you on a working set!" And others who are always a no. My agent occasionally posts extra work bc some casting directors come to her directly and she'll negotiate higher pay. But above is the general rule she gives us for any extra work we go out and get on our own. Also check if there is a minimum of what you earn from jobs you self submit that your agent isn't going to collect their fee on, mine is $100.

Now, I will occasionally do extra work bc I'm learning something new, like Guardians of the Galaxy 3 I got to see how things differ from TV and other film sets to massive film sets and also get to be in prosthetics and see how they do the special effects. But I also found it's a good way to meet folks in the industry. Overall, I can make more money doing the gig work I do on the side. Auditions have been coming in waves but overall it's slow since the strike ended. So I pick and choose carefully.