Is Working as an Extra a Good Way to Start in Hollywood?

For aspiring actors dreaming of making it big in Hollywood, the question often arises: Is working as an extra a good way to start a career as a major Hollywood actor? While it might not immediately earn you the lead roles, it certainly offers valuable experiences and opportunities to learn from industry professionals. In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons and share insights from industry experts like Ricky Gervais from Extras.

The Pros and Cons of Working as an Extra

Pros:

Invaluable Experience: Working as an extra provides hands-on experience in a film or TV production. You get to see how everything works, from the actors to the crew. Networking Opportunities: It’s a great way to meet other actors and industry professionals who might help you in your career. Paid Downtime: You can use the downtime to submit to auditions, even if you’re just waiting in holding.

Cons:

Little to No Camera Time: The likelihood of getting significant camera time is slim, but it doesn’t mean it's not worthwhile. Long Wait Times: You might spend hours or even an entire day on set without being used. Unpredictability: There's no guarantee of being used at all, and sometimes the crew can be rude or dismissive.

Key Insights from Industry Experts

Ricky Gervais, known for his work on Extras, a show that revolves around the life of a might-as-well- be-a-super-star who works as a paid extra, had a few words of wisdom for aspiring actors:

I think every actor should at least dabble in extra work. It’s an excellent experience to get on set and watch the pros. You can work on the craft basics learning the language and hitting your mark etc. Rarely does it lead to a more significant part in the production. Still, it’s a great way to meet other actors at your level who can steer you towards classes, auditions, and creating content.

Gervais emphasizes the value of gaining practical experience and networking. However, he also clarifies that while it's a valuable experience, it's unlikely to directly lead to lead roles.

Best Practices for Working as an Extra

Here are some tips from the pros on how to make the most out of your extra days:

Be Professional: Arrive early, stay quiet, hit your mark, and follow directions. Never chat with other extras. Manage Your Time Wisely: Use the downtime to submit to auditions, but don't overwhelm yourself with too many at once. Stay Positive: Avoid delusional extras who think they are getting their big break. Focus on professionalism.

Additional Opportunities

While most roles as an extra involve long periods of inactivity, there are other opportunities to explore:

Television Shows: TV shows often have a more friendly atmosphere and a tighter-knit crew. However, even these roles can be hit-or-miss. As Ricky Gervais shares:

'I prefer working on TV shows over movies although I recommend trying both. The crew tends to be tighter knit and friendlier. They will sometimes hire extras repeatedly who are professional. That doesn’t always mean they get meaningful camera time... as an extra you are a 'go-see' or a glance at the weave of the carpet,' Gervais adds. 'But occasionally, it does work out that way—It all happened to him because he took the job seriously.'

Music Videos: Even if the pay isn't great, music videos provide a fun and relaxed environment. You have a higher chance of being on camera and might get to ask questions from the audience on talk shows.

Final Thoughts

Working as an extra might not be the path to instant fame, but it can be a valuable stepping stone in your acting career. As Ricky Gervais puts it, 'Extras don't like to be called extras as it sounds like a derogatory word, ' which is why they usually get such friendly treatment.' So, embrace the role, learn from it, and use it to your advantage. If you're serious about a career in acting, every opportunity to work in front of the camera is worth exploring.