Glorioso Casting

What is an extra?

An extra is a person who fills up the background of a film or TV show when the cameras are rolling. It would look pretty weird for two actors to have a conversation with an empty background, so extras get hired to make everything look more natural. Extras are almost never given lines to say, but they are the people who busily walk by on the sidewalk, dine quietly in restaurant, or shop in a department store while the stars are doing their job in front of the camera. It's pretty exciting if you like being around the entertainment industry.

We are currently working on answering more of your frequently asked questions. In the mean time, please click on the links below to read more about rules of thumb for being on set and a little about the terminology you will hear on set. After reading this section, if you still have questions, please email us at staff@gloriosocasting.com .

rules of thumb
terminology

TERMINOLOGY:

Quiet on the set: When you hear the AD’s call for “Quiet on the set”, please be quiet. If one person is talking, it may sound like a whisper. If a group is talking, it sounds like a roar.

Pictures up: means they are about to start filming. You should stand by for your queue

Rolling: means there is film moving through the camera. Please do not move yet. Your cue is coming next.

Background!: When you hear the AD’s call “Background!”, it is time for you to perform. Please remember to never look directly into the camera. And remember exactly what you were doing in a scene, so you can repeat your actions each time.

Action: When you hear the director call “Action!”, it is time for the main actors to perform.

Pantomime: If the AD’s call “Pantomime” then we need you to perform your actions without making a sound. We need you to pretend that you are talking, laughing, clapping, cheering, etc.

Back to one: means that you should return to your first position and standby to start your action again.

It’s a wrap: This means that we are finished for the day.

Be On Time: Your “Call Time” is the time that you are due to arrive on set. We never know your call time until the evening before you work. We will call you as soon as your “Call Time” is available! Make sure that you are on time so that we can get you through hair, makeup and wardrobe in time for the first shot.

Once on Set: Park as directed and look for signs to the “Extras Holding Area”. You must report to the “Extras Holding Area” to sign in and to receive a “Pay Voucher”. Do not lose this voucher. Someone from the wardrobe department may take your voucher in exchange for a costume and will return your voucher to you when you return the costume. At the end of the day, you will sign out and turn your voucher in to a member of the A.D. team (Assistant Directors).

Listen to the Assistant Directors: Once on set, the AD’s will let you know what you are supposed to do in a scene. It is very important to be quiet at all times and pay attention to their instructions. The AD’s need to know where you are at all times. If you need to leave the set for any reason, please check with them first.

Eat before you arrive on set: Although there will be snacks or “Craft Service” in the holding area, lunch can be far into the day. Please be sure to eat breakfast or have a snack before you arrive on set.

Actors Are Your Co-Workers: Please DO NOT ask the actors for autographs or engage in conversations with them on the set. Actors take their job very seriously and may be distracted from giving a good performance.

Don’t Bring Any Valuables: The production cannot be responsible for their loss. Please do not bring guests without prior approval. Personal cameras will NOT be allowed on set. Please turn off all cell phones before going to the set.

Bring Something to Occupy Yourself While Waiting: Books, magazines, cards, headphones, homework, etc. In this business, everything is “hurry up and wait”. There may be long periods of time when it seems as though nothing is happening. However, actors may be rehearsing lines, the crew may be lighting the set, etc.

Long Days: The hours can be long and the weather can be trying. If you agree to be an extra in the film, we need you all day long. Once you are “established” in a scene, we need you to remain on set until we complete the shooting of that scene. If for any reason you cannot spend the whole day with us, please let us know before the day of shooting.

At Wrap: Return your wardrobe and/or props and bring your voucher to the “extras holding area” to sign out. In order to be paid, you must not leave with your voucher. A member of the production staff will approve your voucher and give you a receipt. Save this receipt until your paycheck arrives.