Movie extras are those whose roles do not require lots of speaking. Also known as background artists, movie extras are expected to blend in with the rest of the other actors while filming. However, compared to professional actors, acting experience is not required. Movie extras can be anyone from different backgrounds, trainings, ethnicity or of a different age group. What extras need to take note of is that they should be able to take direction, they should be reliable, and they should arrive on the set early.

Not everyone knows that movie extras are outsourced from agencies like the professional actors. This is because it makes it easier for a casting director to search for an extra who has the required specific look for the movie. When in casting, some casting directors also require a certain skill, such as dancing. If you get involved with a talent agency, you may find yourself cast as an extra in some kind of production. This is one of those conversations you'll have to have with your agency. Honesty is a must, which is why you want to choose a reputable agency, one that's not just looking for your money.

With regard to wardrobe, there are times that movie extras will have to bring what they need to wear, and this happens when the production budget is tight. Movie extras are also hired for different time periods. This means that they are needed for just a day while others are needed throughout the filming.

Movie extras are hired sometimes for different time periods. Some will be needed for a day of filming while there are others who are needed throughout the shoot. In the United States, movie extras are not required to be members of the Screen Actors Guild (or SAG). It is important to note that only members of the SAG are those with speaking roles in films.

With regard to membership in an organization, movie extras are not required to be members of the Screen Actors Guild of the United States or the SAG. The reason for this is that, the SAG only has members who have speaking roles.

It is worth noting, however, that SAG movie extra members receive a different pay rate that those who are not members. Those who are members are given more and better benefits, they receive special assignments from time to time and are provided with their own wardrobe as well. Meanwhile, movie extras who are not members of the SAG are the other way around.

Extras occasionally get discovered. Being one does also not mean that the climb up the acting ladder will be guaranteed. Movie extras are also separated from the professional actors and there are even rules about talking and mingling with the more senior extras. However, the advantage of being an extra provides you with the experience as well as learning how the industry works, the set rules, the technical terms, and how everything goes inside a set.

You must admit that being a movie extra will give you lots of doors for opportunities to knock on. It does not matter if you want to become the next big thing in Hollywood or you are just in this line of work to earn money on the side. The reality behind being a movie extra is that you are given the opportunity to enter Hollywood and get a good look at how it is from the inside. Landing a job as an extra is really not that hard. It is not as easy as it looks either; thus, do your homework before you dive in.