Contact Background Casting Agencies To increase your opportunities, apply to casting agencies, especially those that specialize or focus on background acting roles. By working with an agency, you'll have access to more opportunities, and you can build rapport and connections that may help you land additional roles.
How much does a beginner actor get paid for a movie?
Beginning actors often break into the movie industry by taking jobs as background actors or “extras.” Project Casting reports that entry-level background actors can earn up to $12 an hour. After paying their dues and gaining experience, they may apply for union membership in SAG-AFTRA and earn more money.
Can you be an actor with no acting experience?
Many aspiring actors who decide to become an actor may not know how to find acting auditions or get an acting job without any experience on their acting resume. That said, you can become an actor with no acting experience.
How do I get into film acting with no experience?
- Don't move yet.
- Take acting classes.
- Further your formal education.
- Join a local theater.
- Learn about the industry.
- Build your resume.
- Take a professional headshot.
- Create a demo reel.
How do I get an acting agent with no experience?
- Start small.
- Have a splendid résumé and headshots.
- Upload short films, demos on YouTube.
- Make It Known That You're Looking for an Agent.
- Be active on social media.
- Have a website.
- Start Growing Your Career.
- Attend Many Auditions.
Should I do background work as an actor?
No matter what your friend on set tells you, background work does NOT go on your acting resume. Background work makes for great on-set experience, especially if you take the opportunity to watch the leads and see how they work. But I repeat, It is not credited acting work. The work can be unpredictable.
Can you make a living off being a background actor?
Yes. Background Performers who live in L.A. can earn a solid part time or fulltime income. Those who work as union extras (SAG/AFTRA) full time can approach $60,000* or more in annual income.
Is it hard to be a background actor?
Earning a living as a background actor/actress is extremely hard, although not impossible. Most companies pay something close to minimum wage for non-union background actors/actresses. Background actors/actresses who are members of a union get paid on a higher scale which is set by the unions.