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extra agencies in bay area

Question:

Extra work is, in my opinion, close to a total waste of time.

Twice in the same week I find myself in complete accord with Mr. Hooks.  Actors act, extras are furniture.   Working as an extra does not prepare you for anything other than being an extra.   On location, casting directors will take virtually anyone that fits the background.  In L.A. you would need, almost always, to be a member of the extra’s union.  I’ve hear that they are more exclusionary a southern good ole boy’s club. . In L.A. there is a very thick line/boundary between extra work and acting.  It is not regarded as something which prepares you for principle or supporting or day player parts.  It some minds it would even work against you.   Better you should spend your time and money on classes, additional skills, getting commercial, industrial, dinner-theater or regional theater work to build your instrument and resume to prepare for the big plunge.  

Response:

Ok, on the "EXTRA" front, I do it.  -partly because I’m from NY where there is not the shame associated with it that there is in LA. For those considering it, or even doing it already, here’s what’s hopefully some useful info: I’ve never done nonunion "extra" work and I wouldn’t advise it to anyone (except maybe  a couple times as a learning experience, or if a friend needs you to walk through their student film ) It pays minimum wage and there are no protections offered, as there are to union "extras". As a union member, "extra" or otherwise, it is very important to know what regulations are regarding hours, wage extras, and conditions, and to report to one’s union if the requirements are not met. There is definitely a caste system on sets. It affects one considerably less if one has self respect. I politely request  FROM THE APPROPRIATE PERSON and get, whatever I need while working- a coat (Wardrobe), drink ( PA if shooting, otherwise Craft service), bathroom break (PA, if no one listens move up to AD), kleenex (Makeup), sunscreen (Medic). As a "principal" it is usually not necessary to ask for these things, but as an "extra" one is still entitled. As an "extra", people do not assume I have acting experience but neither do I feel that were I to later audition for them, they would hold it against me. On RARE occasion an an "extra", I have been given the opportunity to act and it has been recognized. Also, coming primarily from a theatre background, I have used the opportunity to learn more about on camera work than I knew when I shot my first "principal" role.. I was horribly embarrassed recently when while "extraing" on a pilot, one of the "stars" was someone with whom I had previously done "principal" work.  That said, the work I did on that pilot may bring me up to what I need for my SAG insurance. "Extra work" is depressing as hell, at least for me, IF I am not actively pursuing principal work at the same time.I would NEVER take extra work over an audition, no matter how broke I was. Honestly "extra work" is sometimes  fun. Half of what I got into acting for is to dress up and play pretend, and  that one still does. Also,  sets are sometimes just  fun places to be.  To me the biggest down side of extraing is that probably that time could be better used on a job where I stood to learn more.

Response:

i wanna register for some extra casting agencies.  either in San Jose or SF, but the thing is, it’s okay to join multiple extra agencies right?  do they also get 10% of your pay or what? where can i find info on extra casting agencies? also, will that affect your chance to sign with a SAG agency?  i’m planning on submitting myself next year to agencies by mass mailing…if nothing works then i better get a new headshot. bye !!== Big Art ==!!

Response:

i can’t remember where i got the list…but two i worked for there were Beau Bonneau and Hayes and Van Horn.  I did get work.  One time registration fee of $15 – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – i wanna register for some extra casting agencies.  either in San Jose or SF, but the thing is, it’s okay to join multiple extra agencies right?  do they also get 10% of your pay or what? where can i find info on extra casting agencies? also, will that affect your chance to sign with a SAG agency?  i’m planning on submitting myself next year to agencies by mass mailing…if nothing works then i better get a new headshot. bye !!== Big Art ==!!

Response:

i wanna register for some extra casting agencies.  either in San Jose or SF…

There are only two places for you to register, Art.  Beau Bonneau Casting and Background Casting, both in San Francisco.  Background will charge you $15 and Beau charges $20. Extra work is, in my opinion, close to a total waste of time. Ed Hooks

Response:

I agree, Ed.  I’ve spoken to so many extras during my years of work –most of whom are amazed that a "principal" will speak with them– and 99 percent of them got into extra work as a step on their road to stardom.  What they don’t understand is that, for the most part, they will always be looked upon as an extra…and not as an actor.  It’s definitely a caste system — at least in the minds of directors, producers, and agents.  I remember speaking about it with my first agent — just kind of shooting the breeze one day — and she wouldn’t so much as look at the resume of an actor if it listed extra experience.  You can easily see the hierarchy on any set when the lunch break is called.  Crew and principals eat first…….extras have to get in the end of the line.  For the most part, these people are treated like cattle….having to sit in a "holding room" when not involved in a shot, etc. That being said, I can see SOME value of doing a bit of extra work — if the person keeps his or her eyes open:  just to see how things are run on a set…..camera setups…..what members of the crew do, etc.  But for the most part, if someone is serious about a career as an actor, they should give extra work a miss. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Extra work is, in my opinion, close to a total waste of time. Ed Hooks

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