Whether you’re an aspiring actor or just looking for for a new hobby, being an extra can be a tough but rewarding experience from both sides.
In 2017, a ton of movies and TV shows will film in Georgia and they will need extras. Two Netflix original series, “Stranger Things” and “Ozark,” will continue filming at the start of the year, according to extras and a website dedicated to casting, www.projectcasting.com.
If the film industry is something that interests you professionally or recreationally, there are several places to start off.
Jazz Wages, a Gainesville Theatre Alliance alumn, has used several casting companies throughout her career.
“In regards to gaining set experience and overall industry knowledge, I like being an extra. I notice extras a lot more now in movies,” Wages said.
The Flowery Branch woman, who has been in movies like “Identity Thief” starring Jason Bateman and television shows like “The Vampire Diaries,” suggests Tammy Smith Casting for those interested in becoming an extra. “The Vampire Diaries,” as well as its spinoff “The Originals,” will both film this upcoming year.
Tammy Smith Casting has a website, www.tammysmithcasting.com, and a Facebook page where they post the most up-to-date information. On any given day, posts will request specific people for specific roles and what they will be doing.
For instance, they might ask for brunette women ages 30-35 to shoot in Atlanta. If you meet the required listing, you need to simply send in photographs and wait for a response.
She has also used Marinella Hume Casting and CL Casting for various roles.
The pay can be dependent on the company, how many hours working, how featured the role is, and other factors. Some roles range from minimum wage to much more per hour.
When Wages was a part of the extra crew for the film “Endless Love” in 2014, she was paid for 10 days of work, which is more than usual for the job. Most extra positions only last one or two days, she said.
“I know someone who earned $3,000 in one summer doing extra work,” she said.
Conor Brophy, another GTA alumni, recently got his big break in the sci-fi adventure film “Passengers” as an extra.
“It was a first-class experience all the way. It was a dream come true to be there,” Brophy said.
The movie features big-name actors like Chris Pratt and Jennifer Lawrence, who Brophy saw on set.
“I especially enjoyed watching the actors rehearse with the director, Morten Tyldum, and observing how each shot came together,” Brophy said.
The movie was filmed at the new Pinewood Studios stage in Fayetteville. Brophy’s involvement was mostly limited to last January.
“The stage and set was absolutely incredible and watching all the creative teams coming together to produce art was inspiring,” Brophy said.