Make Money

How to Get Paid to Be an Extra in a Movie or TV & 5 Best Payers

November 24, 2022

If you have ever wondered about how to get paid to be an extra in a movie or TV show, this article is perfect for you.

It reveals all you need to know as well as some of the genuine agencies that can get you paying jobs.

By the way, it doesn’t matter who you are and what your experience is, or isn’t. You can become a movie or TV extra and get paid.

It’s different from those who get paid to watch movies of course but it also pays.

Although this won’t make you a millionaire overnight it could well be a great option if you want a part time job that can launch you into a flourishing career in the film industry.

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Of course it’s not as easy as getting paid to walk dogs or other activities like getting paid to listen to radio or music online, getting paid to befriend others online, getting paid to send SMS online, etc, but it’s still easy especially for those who enjoy movies and TV shows.

The following are revealing details on how to make money as a film or TV extra and some genuine agencies that can actually help you find paying extras jobs.

Table of Contents

Who is a Movie, Film or TV Extra?

It is important to identify who is a movie, film or TV extra.

TV extras are people who are not the main actors in a movie. They have no speaking roles and act as everyday people.

They are also referred to ‘background actors’ or ‘supporting artists’.

In other words, these are everyday people that make a movie scene look real or natural.

Some of such movie or TV extras can include:

The crowd you see at scenes in market places
The audience in stadiums
The individuals that walk by on the streets
The soldiers in battle scenes
The tourists you see at relaxation park scenes
Revelers at concerts
Customers in cafés
ETC

make money to be an extra in a movie

No formal acting experience is required if you want to be a TV extra. You just need to look good and natural to qualify.

Whether you are a stay-at-home mom looking for extra ways to make money or a student looking for extra ways to make money, this can be an option for you.

Of course, you need to be able to follow the director’s instructions and stick to your role.

You can be contracted to work for days or nights depending on your role in a scene.

So, even though you don’t have acting experience, it is expected that you comply with the instructions issued during your short appearances on scenes.

How Much Do Extras Get Paid

Film extras are compensated for their roles in a movie. Many people are following this path to put extra money in their pockets.

On the average, you can be paid $150 per day as an extra with Union membership or you can earn about $10 per hour as a non-union member.

Other variables like the casting agency, the role you play, and your performance may affect you daily earnings as a film or TV extra.

So, it is important you do your homework to find out what you can at least earn before signing up with the cast of a set.

How Much Do Extras Get Paid

Finding Jobs as Movie, Film or TV extra

There are many options you can avail to look for work as a TV extra, apart from making money watching Netflix TV shows of course.

These options include:

Searching the Internet for paid film or TV extra opportunities. You can register with websites like Central Casting for casting opportunities.
Contacting local talent hunt agencies for TV extra roles opportunities
Contacting specific films that is being shot for possible extra roles.
Contacting and applying with casting agencies, etc.

Indeed, you have many options when it comes to finding jobs as film or TV extra. Your best bet would be to contact casting agencies for roles and get paid.

Possibly, in your city, state or country, there are many casting agencies in operation. You will need to contact the ones that genuinely hire and pay film or TV extras.

This is necessary since you can actually contact or join as many as you want, and be warned that there are many fake agencies that easily fleece unsuspecting newbies.

agencies that finds extra for a movie

5 Genuine Agencies That Actually Find You TV or Movie Extra Jobs

If you are looking for genuine agencies to work as film or TV extras then consider the following:

1. MyCastingFile

MyCastingFile is more like a website that connects you with a network of casting agencies and directors of movie sets or TV Shows.

If you seek to find job in an extra role then MyCastingFile could be one of the best options for you. You can sign up and fill in your detailed profile for free.

Your detailed profile and photo is sure to improve your chances of getting noticed by casting companies.

Again, this company has paid $25+ million to members:

You can get hired for extra job via MyCastingFile and get paid hourly or daily by the casting company. Signing up to find extra job with this agency is FREE!

Click here to check out MyCastingFile

Also See: How to Get Paid as a Beautiful Female & How to Get Paid for Phone Actress Jobs.

2. Mad Dog 2020

Mad Dog 2020 is UK based casting agency. It accepts applications for would-be TV extras of all ages.

You will need to apply via the Mad Dog 2020 Extras app available for Android and iOS devices, or you can apply through the ‘apply now’ button on the homepage of the website.

Your photograph would be needed as you apply.

If your application becomes successful, you would be invited to a formal registration where more of your details and photographs would be taken.

Click here to check out Mad Dog 2020

3. Ray Knight Casting

Ray Knight Casting is professional casting agency that specializes in hiring film extras or walk-on artistes for Feature Film, Television, Commercial, Corporate and photographic productions.

This agency provides clients and movie sets with the select individuals and the large crowds needed to make a film or TV show successful.

You can apply with this agency and get linked with film productions as extras. This agency is based in the UK.

Click here to check out Ray Knight Casting

Also See: Best Fun Games For Girls.

4. Uni-versalEXTRAS

Uni-versalEXTRAS is casting agency which often recruits and pays film or TV extras.

If you are looking for an agency that would connect you with ‘extra’ roles then you may consider applying with Uni-versalEXTRAS.

This agency hires the extras who are reliable and can keep to the three P’s of punctual, professional and polite at all times. If you are a student then your registration with this agency is free. If you are not a student, you should expect to register with £25 + VAT.

If you have been accepted after applying with this agency you would be matched with as many ‘extras’ opportunities as are available.

You would be charged 16% + VAT commission on any successful job they placed you on. Uni-versalEXTRAS has worked with many blockbuster movies and you sure would want to consider them.

Click here to check out Uni-versalEXTRAS

For another way to make extra money, see–> Ways To Earn Money For Your Pictures!

5. Batherson Casting

Batherson Casting is a leading professional movie casting company.

It works with leading film makers locally and across the country. Directors, producers and casting professionals are provided with actors to fill specific roles.

Batherson Casting provides you with opportunity to make money as a movie extra. You can sign up with this firm and get paid as movie extras or background extras.

This company regularly has casting calls that will allow you to make money as movie extras.

You can make certainly make some money from all these, especially if you really love movies.

Talking about love for movies, if you want to know how much some of the popular celebrities earn by doing what they love, check out the following articles right here on Kingged:

They all make money from their fun hobbies, one way or another. This goes to show just about anyone can make money doing what they love… especially if they commit to it for a while.

Conclusion

Making money as a movie, film or TV extra is not as hard as some people make it seem. It’s possible for you and anyone else to get involved.

This is even one of the really enjoyable jobs for 16 year olds to do while still getting paid from it all.

What’s important is to get access to the right and best agencies that help you find paying extras jobs.

Some agencies will charge commissions while connecting you with the genuine movie extra roles, others will ask you to sign up for free.

If you are a member of an extra or acting union in a city or state, you stand better chance of earning more than the person who is non-member. Luckily, there are many unions for talents who can work with casting companies.

Finally, you should demonstrate good characteristics to be successful at this. For example, it’s a good idea to be reliable, punctual, polite and professional to increase your chances of getting accepted by agencies and making money as a movie or TV extra.

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how to be an extra in a movie

Again, this company has paid $25+ million to members: