General Questions and Answers about being an EXTRA

    1.        What is an Extra?
    An extra is used to provide "background atmosphere" in a scene. It is a non-speaking part although key to the production.

    2.        Do you need experience to be an Extra?
    No experience is needed.

    3.        How much money can I earn?
    If you are a non-experienced extra, you are classified as Non-Union and currently earn $65.00 up to eight hours.  
    Everyone earns overtime after eight hours, so the longer you work, the more you earn. Typical shoot days last 10-14
    hours per day. Some Indie productions provide screen credit and production copies only, in lieu of payment.
    SAG and AFTRA Members will earn union scale.

    4.        How many hours must I commit?
    We ask that when you confirm to work for us that you have the entire day open, possibly 10-14 hours. We realize that our
    extras have other commitments such as school or a job so we ask that you carefully schedule these commitments so that
    they won't conflict with your day on the set.

    5.         Snacks and beverages are usually provided for you throughout the day. If you work longer than six continuous
    hours, a complete hot meal will be provided for you. You are welcome to bring water, juice or soda and any personal
    favorite snacks but it is not mandatory.

    6.        Do I have to wear my own clothing?
    You will always be expected to bring your own clothing unless your character wears a uniform, such as a police officer or
    nurse. In that case a uniform will be provided for you. Please sure to be accurate with your size information on our Profile
    Sheet.

    7.        Can I bring guests?
    No children, friends, family or pets are permitted with you on the set at any time, unless authorized by NORCAL Casting.

    8.        What do I need to bring besides clothing?
    It is always wise to bring a small folding chair with you and clothing and other items (sunscreen ,etc.) pertinent to the
    northern California weather.

    9.        How often can I check in for available work?
    You can be available as little as once a year or as much as everyday.

    10.      What should I do if I need to cancel?
    If you need to cancel working for us after you have already confirmed, please let us know immediately by calling our office.
    Don't just "no-show" as we need to find a replacement for you and the more time we have to do so, the better.

    11. CASTING FOR CHILDREN: If you are under the age of 18, you are required to obtain a work permit from the State of
    California. A California Entertainment Work Permit will be required, see following references.
    Procedures for Child's Entertainment Work Permit: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/Form-EntertainmentWorkPermit.pdf

    Download Children's Entertainment Work Permit Application: http://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/DLSEForm277.pdf
Extras Survival Guide

    BEFORE LEAVING HOME

    When notified of your call time, take a few moments to familiarize yourself as to the whereabouts of the location and
    approximate travel time to assure yourself of being on time. If you find yourself lost or delayed in getting to the set, please
    DO NOT GO HOME! Please contact NORCAL Casting immediately!

    Try to bring at least one change of clothing. There many be as many as three scenes so it is mandatory that you bring at
    least one change of clothing for each character you are to play

    Because black, white, loud prints, bold stripes, and polka dots do not photograph well, always bring colorful and
    completely accessorized outfits including shoes, socks, pantyhose, hats, belts, jewelry, etc. and appropriate props
    including sunglasses, umbrellas, briefcases, etc. that will aid in an accurate portrayal of your character.

    Suggested colors are blue, green, red, yellow, pinks and purples. If you are hired as an uniformed Extra such as a police
    officer or nurse, the wardrobe department will supply you with a uniform.

    Are you "Camera Ready"? Please be prepared to be Camera Ready upon arriving to the set. If you have questions
    regarding any hair, make-up or other "appearance" related questions, please do not hesitate to contact NORCAL Casting.
    Be sure to bring make-up and other necessities for touch-ups.

    ARRIVING ON THE SET

    Arrive on the set approximately 15 minutes before your "Call Time". Report immediately to the person who we have
    instructed you to check-in with. While working as an Extra on the set, this designated person is whom you should direct
    any questions or concerns with. Generally, this contact person is referred to as the "Extra’s Wrangler" or Assistant Director.

    After "checking in" you will be given a payment voucher to fill out. You must be a U.S. Citizen with a social security number,
    or have the proper credentials to work in the United States. Please bring your social security card along with a valid driver’
    s license or other picture identification. ALWAYS FILL OUT THE FORMS COMPLETELY AND ACCURATELY. Keep the
    forms with you until you are released from work.

    Once checked in, please stay in the area designated by your contact person and be courteous of your surroundings and
    of cast and crew members. We ask that you do not approach members of the cast unless instructed to work with them in a
    particular scene and that you keep a clear path for the crew as these are professional technicians and we do not want to
    jeopardize anyone’s safety.

    CHECKING OUT

    Once you have been released for the day, you are allowed to leave the set. If you have worn any clothing supplied by the
    wardrobe department, they will hold your voucher until all items are returned and accounted for. Please be reminded that
    the wardrobe department deals with numerous items throughout the day and would appreciate all items be returned in the
    manner they were assigned, typically on the hanger and buttoned up, etc.

    Upon their clearance, they will return your voucher so you may checkout with the Extra’s Wrangler or Assistant Director, or
    other designated person. At this time, please complete your voucher with your "out time" and have the voucher signed. If
    this is not done, payment cannot be issued if it is due.

    Be sure to fill out your voucher legibly. Remember, by signing your voucher you are agreeing that all the information is
    true and correct information. If you should have any discrepancies you will need this to refer to. You can expect to receive
    payment within two weeks from the date of work. You are listed as an "independent contractor" and a 1099 will be filed.
    NORCAL Casting does not guarantee work and does not contract directly with any talent.

    NORCAL Casting is not a talent agency, model agency or school. We provide a database of talent available to the
    television and movie industry for their employment.

            We hope you enjoy your day as an Extra and look forward to casting you in future projects!

          NOT ALREADY AN EXTRA? CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AS AN EXTRA ONLINE NOW!
"Save money on travel and entertainment!"

    ***ALL BACKGROUND THAT REPORT TO THE STUDIO OR LOCATION
    FOR WORK MAY NOT WANDER AROUND THE PROPERTY WITHOUT
    PERMISSION. IF IN DOUBT, ASK YOUR WRANGLER***


    PLEASE DO NOT ENTER THE CASTING OFFICES UNLESS YOU HAVE AN
    APPOINTMENT.

    Production Status: Pre-Production

    RED  TEAM -                      Report to loading dock set at 7:45 AM

    BLUE TEAM -                     Report to studio "B" at 12:00 PM

    LOCATION:                        Report to stage "C" for rehearsal


    Thank you for your help, talent and assistance!
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