If you live in a big city and take any interest in the entertainment industry, you are probably no stranger to open casting calls and the never-ending need for extras. With the instant communication of the Internet, a call for extras can be posted last minute and still yield a great turnout. This has become an easy way for a number of up-and-coming or indie bands to get people in their music videos at a cheaper cost. It’s a fantastic way to get a behind-the-scenes look at your favorite band at work, but do not be fooled. Just because the casting is “open” doesn’t mean you aren’t supposed to act like a professional.
When living in Southern California, I often surfed the net to keep an eye out for casting calls. I happened upon the music website AbsolutePunk, where I read a post calling for fans of the band The Academy Is to come be a part of their new video shoot. After emailing to confirm the time and location, I was registered and on my way to L.A. to be a part of the shoot. It was an incredibly fun day at the King King Club on Hollywood Boulevard. There were around 100 extras there but I, along with two friends, was lucky enough to be asked to come back for more shooting on the second day. Perhaps it was because we knew how to behave appropriately on set.
The first time you read a call for extras in a location you can actually get to, allow yourself to be excited but then take a moment to think about whether this is something you can really take the time to do. There are some factors you should contemplate before committing.
1. Do you have the time? If the arrival time is 8 am, you should probably be there at 7. If they tell you the shoot should last until 5 pm, be prepared to stay until 8. If they tell you the shoot is on Saturday, would you be able to return on Sunday if they need to do any re-shoots?
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