<p>I’m not a theater major and am not really looking to build a career on acting, but I have a big interest in Film. The reason I am not majoring in it is that I just don’t think opportunities are readily available, and I can put my other skills to better use in a different industry.</p>
<p>I was wondering how one goes about being an extra. I would love to be around a movie set and learn filming works. I live in LA and it doesn’t have to be big scale - Can I get a part with no acting experience?</p>
<p>Extra work doesn’t have much to do with acting – as an extra, you are usually hired as a “type”: urban teen, midwestern housewife, preppy college student, etc. Some extra work requires membership in SAG (Screen Actors Guild), but casting agents will often have open calls for non-union members. You will probably need a headshot and resume, though. Casting calls happen on a regular basis, so check the local trade papers.</p>
<p>In LA there are agencies that specialize in what are called “background actors”. Do a google search on “background actors” and you should find the main one which coincidentally has the same initials as College Confidential (CC). I have known several background actors that were able to actually get lines in movies from their extra work, and as a result, get in the unions. I know actors who make good money just doing extra and “stand-in” work. Check it out. You need a big wardrobe, though. Most of the time, you dress per the instructions from your own wardrobe.</p>