How to Become a Movie Extra in Atlanta

Tips for Finding Work and Making Money as an Extra in the Atlanta Film Industry

Hundreds of movies, television shows, commercials, and music videos are filmed in Atlanta each year, and every production needs extras to make the background come alive.

Whether you're an aspiring actor looking to make industry contacts, a college student hoping to make some extra cash, or just someone who wants to take a behind-the-scenes look at their favorite TV show (The Walking Dead, anyone?), this casting guide will help you become an extra in Atlanta.

What Exactly Is an "Extra?"

Extras (aka background actors or BG) are people just like you that make the background of your favorite movies and television shows come alive.

Check out that photo from Hidden Figures, the Academy Award-nominated movie that was filmed in Atlanta in 2016. Those scientists in the background? They're extras! So is every zombie on The Walking Dead, every passerby in the Fast & Furious franchise, and all of the students at Mystic Falls High on The Vampire Diaries (all of which are or were filmed in Atlanta).

How Much Do Extras Get Paid?

Extras who work in Atlanta typically get paid a rate of $58/8, $60/8, or $64/8, depending on the production.

What's that boil down to? About $7.25, $7.50, or $8 per hour. Yes, it's minimum wage, BUT most filming days last at least 12 hours, which means you'll earn time-and-a-half for every hour you work after the first eight hours.

Example

Let's say you work 12 hours as a zombie on The Walking Dead, which pays the standard rate of $64/8. You'll earn $8/hour for the first eight hours and then $12/hour for the final four hours, which would add up to about $112 before taxes.

Not too bad for spending a day on the set of one of the most popular shows on television, huh?

Top 10 Extras Casting Agencies in Atlanta

• Extras Casting Atlanta
• TaylorMade Casting
• Rose Locke Casting
• Catrett & Associates Casting
• Tammy Smith Casting
• Cynthia Stillwell Casting
• New Life Casting
• Hylton Casting
• Pierre Casting
• Background Artists Casting Atlanta

Who Gets Picked to Be an Extra?

Different scenes need different extras. When a scene is about to be filmed, the director and/or producers of the movie or television show ask the extras casting agency to find people with a highly specific look, age, sex or talent—whatever is needed to make the scene feel real.

This means that an extras casting director might be asked to find grizzly biker dudes, pregnant women, heavily tattooed gang members, homeless folks, and 1920s Southern belles all in the same week for different projects.

Casting Agencies Use Facebook

In order to find those unique people, nearly all of Atlanta's casting agencies use Facebook.

The people who get picked to be extras most often are the ones who:

• Fit the look.
• Respond quickly to a Facebook post or e-mail.
• Have a reputation for being on time and professional on set.
• FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS!

Tips for Getting Booked

1. Only Submit If You Fit the Description

Here's a real post from CL Casting for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay: "Seeking thin-framed men and women to work Wednesday, January 8th south of the city. MEN MUST BE WILLING TO GET HAIR CUT." When an extras casting agency posts something like this on Facebook, only submit if you fit the description! If you aren't willing to cut your hair for minimum wage, CL Casting doesn't want you blowing up their inbox.

Scroll to Continue

The Red Ranger Becomes An Adventure In Another World gets a new trailer

Easy and Instant Poha Rava Chilla

Blubber Butchers and Murderous Monkeys: 8 Secretly Cannibal Animals

Consider the ages and wardrobe requested. If you look much younger or older than what the scene requires or you don't have the appropriate clothing, do NOT reply to the post. This just wastes the casting director's time and may make it difficult for you to find work in the future.

2. Only Submit If the Job Fits Your Schedule

If a casting agency is looking for folks to work an all-day shoot on Thursday, only submit if you are 100% positive you can work! If you have a dentist appointment or soccer game at 4 p.m. the night of a shoot, you probably shouldn't apply to work. Filming days often last at least 12 hours, and leaving early will only make it harder for you to get booked again (not to mention that you won't get paid for the day!).

3. Provide a High-Quality Photo of Yourself

You don't need a professional headshot to get booked as an extra, but you definitely need a high-quality photo of yourself. This means no blurry Facebook photos, over-filtered Instagram group shots, or awkward school pictures. The best photos are the ones that show casting agents what you ACTUALLY look like. You don't have to be tall, thin, and/or incredibly beautiful to work as an extra, but casting agents will be less likely to use you if they think you don't look anything like the photos you submit.

10 Reasons You Might Want to Become an Extra

1. It's fun to spot yourself in a movie or television show.
2. Extras get paid.
3. Extras learn firsthand how movies and television shows are made.
4. Extras meet new people on every set they work on.
5. Extras network with other extras, which helps them get more work.
6. Extras get to be someone—or something—else for a day.
7. You don't need an impressive resume to get hired.
8. Extras save money on groceries by eating on set.
9. Extras hang out with famous people (sort of).
10. Extras have a flexible work schedule.

How to Earn More Money on Set

Featured Extras

If you're interested in making more money while working on set (who isn't?), keep an eye out for "featured extra" and "speciality" requests. Featured extras typically get more time in front of the camera, while speciality extras are cast because they have a unique ability that's being used in the scene, such as juggling, dancing or playing tennis. Both can be paid a higher rate, but it's up to the production company to decide.

Pay Bumps

Extras can also receive pay bumps, ranging from as little as $5 to more than $100, for things like driving their car in a scene, wearing a particular outfit (or nothing at all), getting drenched in the rain or performing minor stunts such as falling down on cue.

Stand-ins

Your best bet for earning more than the usual rate is to get hired as a stand-in. Stand-ins take the place of actors while the crew sets up lights and other important elements of a shot and are typically employed for the entire duration of a shoot, which can last up to nine months or more. Stand-ins usually have the same skin tone, hair color, height and weight of the actors they're standing in for. So if you look even a little bit like an actor or actress that's filming in Atlanta, you could have a shot at making more than $10 per hour.

Production Assistants

Extras who are interested in becoming crew members can sometimes use their on-set connections to get hired as production assistants (or PAs). PAs, who are always underpaid and often underappreciated, are the lowest rung of the crew ladder. They handle a huge variety of tasks, their average workday is 14-16 hours long, and there's no guarantee that another job will be there when the current show ends. Although you may end up with a paycheck that's smaller than a stand-in's, PA'ing is a short-term commitment that will help determine whether you actually want to work on tv shows and movies.

How to Be an Extra on The Walking Dead

Who Casts Extras for the Walking Dead?

Extras Casting Atlanta

What’s It Like to Be a Zombie on the Walking Dead?

Being an extra on The Walking Dead is pretty much the coolest thing ever. Some zombies, such as those in the deep background of huge scenes like Season 2's barn-burning finale, only wear masks or are quickly air-brushed. A very lucky few, however, are chosen to be "heroes" and go through an hour-long make-up process that involves prosthetics, contact lenses and more. And unlike many movies and television shows, The Walking Dead recognizes and respects exactly how important its extras are to the show's success.

How Do I Become an Extra on the Show?

The Walking Dead is by far the most difficult show to get hired for — especially if you're hoping to be cast as a zombie. Many of the show's walkers are regulars, hand-picked by Greg Nicotero, the show's zombie guru, and other executive producers because of their skinny bodies, missing limbs and unique features. Most have been working for the show since Rick Grimes crawled out of that hospital in Season 1. To make things even more challenging, Extras Casting Atlanta very rarely advertises their Walking Dead casting calls. Instead, they use a generic email address. To increase your chances of getting hired, follow ECA on Facebook and be on the lookout for posts calling for thin-framed folks.

• IMDb's Most Popular Titles Shot in Atlanta
  
• Wikipedia's List of Movies Filmed in Atlanta
  

This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.

© 2011 Franchesca W

Have you been an extra? Or do you have a tip about an upcoming movie? Share your experience and inside info!

ReGina Dillon on August 28, 2019:

I am interested in becoming an actress. But willing to start off as an extra in the Atlanta area. Have gone to a couple agencies they took photo shots. I am unemployed. Seeking jobs in movie/film. I am for now available anytime

Thais Thompson on August 15, 2018:

Any one looking for a red convertible thunderbird for a movie shoot 2002 in the Atlanta. My name Thais thompson 678 523 3046

Danny Harris on December 19, 2017:

Tattoos and long hair,extra,6,5 220 lbs

fausto rincón on October 19, 2017:

what do I need to be an extra

William Tate on September 10, 2017:

What do I need to do to be an extra?

Jude on May 26, 2017:

I started in the movie extra business almost 20 years ago.

Ed Slchizlerggh on July 21, 2016:

It's no fun being in movies.

Kelley Renee Smith on February 29, 2016:

I'm a hard worker and take direction well. I enjoy working wth others and will be very diligent and on time for requests needed. Much thanks, Kelley R Smith

Jennysedge@gmail.com on January 15, 2016:

Today in Downtown Lawrenceville near the railroad tracks o noticed a yellow sign that said SH and HS. So the curiosity was bugging me and i started to look into this further and as i turned the corner i saw the trailers from Lightening that are for cast members and stuff. Then i saw the parking sign for cast and crew. So i checked the local news and found out what those signs meant. They are code to let crew and cast know where filming is going to be done at. I also saw that Hot-lanta is the New Hollywood for movies and i became enthralled with the idea of becoming an extra in a movie. I have always wanted to do it but thougt it would be difficult to get into. Upon reading the information you gave and who's who ad far as casting agents go, i am going to give it a shot. What do i have to lose. So, I want to say Thank you for the information. If u make it as an extra, i will letcha know. :-) Jen

ana saldana on July 07, 2015:

WANT TO BE A EXTRA IN A MOVIE ASAP DREAM JOB

exnycgirll on June 14, 2015:

Just relocated to Atlanta from San Diego. looking to be a Extra.

D on May 26, 2015:

Barbershop 3 Extras are being cast by WSA out of atlanta.

mindy grubbs on April 15, 2015:

Looking for extra casting for my son bryan jenkins whos 7

Ronald Simmons on January 22, 2015:

Also a key factor for pay is that even if you only work six hours or whatever you still get the 64/8. Also Krafty all day and they feed you full meals. I learned from Tom Mison that you go to krafty look around and take a diet coke and stick of gum...

lisa mitchell(ambitious) on January 10, 2015:

This would be opportunity of a life a time. This is something I always wanted to do. I always wanted to act and very confident! I would love the chance!

Jeff McDonald on November 16, 2014:

First tv appearancs the wAlking dead

camila on October 03, 2014:

I Live in Atlanta im 11 year old girl who loves acting or being an extra

Patricia Walker on September 21, 2014:

I was a extra in the movie 42, The Jackie Robinson Story. I enjoyed it. It was a great experience for me, because I always wanted to be a extra in a movie and I got my chance. And I would do it again if I got that chance.

Tammy Tommie-Frierson on September 15, 2014:

I'm really looking forward to be in a movie when it's time.

Anastasia Tempest on September 07, 2014:

I am disabled. I use a wheelchair. I would like to an extra.

ssurani3 on July 11, 2014:

Hello, my name is Shahnawaz Surani (Shaan). I am a 25 year old Asian Indian American. I live in Decatur, GA. I graduated from Georgia State University with a degree in Economics in December of 2012. I want to become an actor, but currently, I am looking for extra work as well on the side. If you are looking for an actor who matches my description, let me know by messaging me on Facebook. Thank you. Have a nice day.

nosadwe on July 01, 2014:

nice article thanks for share with us

www.arabcashone.blogspot.com

newjerseydrive-newark on June 29, 2014:

I ready willing and able to be an extra

crystal100 on June 27, 2014:

Becc thinks 4 the advice but i could do anything im a beast i will drop out of a plne with no shut if they asked me im a beast i hav to get on that show plus i promise im a better Zobie then 95 percent of the ones they hav. Im just asking 4 a chance someone out there read this and plkease call me at 937-270-8859

crystal100 on June 27, 2014:

IM sorry my name is Steve and the walking dead is my life i would cut off abody part to be on the show. I have watched each episodes at least 20 times each maybe more if i could please get a chance to be on the show i would leave Dayton OH right now leave everything behind. Please someone give me the chance and i can walk good like a Zombie

becc623 on May 10, 2014:

I have a friend who has been an extra on The Walking Dead since the beginning and says they won't be looking for a really long time. They have more zombies than they need. Especially with the more relaxed tone of the show recently (aka fewer zombie hoards)

kennisha-johnson-96 on May 02, 2014:

Knnshjohnson@yahoo.com

I would like to be an extra.

zombieboy on February 21, 2014:

I would iove to be an extra in a movie or in a tv show like the walking dead

deborah-james-5855 on February 08, 2014:

I would LOVE to be an extra in a movie or television show.

WordChipper on December 14, 2013:

I'd love to be a zombie in the Walking Dead!

Top10BestBudget on December 08, 2013:

I really want to be an extra! Your lens inspired me.

Thanks for sharing!

denise-joyner-exclusif on December 02, 2013:

Great Lens! VERY informative- GREAT job! Very helpful!

scarlett-owens on October 19, 2013:

I WOULD LOVE TO BE AN EXTRA PLEASE TELL ME HOW. 678 326 2567

VeritasIncAtlanta on September 03, 2013:

Holy smokes! This is a very informative lens! How did you get all of this information! It's priceless. Well done on this lens!

BlowDryBar on August 18, 2013:

I've worked in television in Los Angeles for years but I have yet to get out to Atlanta!

kaseyrivenburgh on July 17, 2013:

Really interesting !!!

anonymous on June 03, 2013:

Dying to be an extra on The Walking Dead!! Any info, please contact me!

ConsumerProductAlly on April 21, 2013:

Never been an extra but would be fun to cast in the next season of the Walking Dead...Nice Lens!

geosum on April 21, 2013:

Interesting topic. Something new to try.

anonymous on March 30, 2013:

Good article with some great tips. Also, if a casting company posts on Facebook "do not share this post", then DON'T share it. Use common sense people. That's a great way to not get booked for roles. If there is a casting call for Season 4 of TWD the post will say that. Good luck, and have fun!

anonymous on March 27, 2013:

I've done many days on different movies/T.V. some featured spots, some "background blur". My best advice is to read the description carefully and submit a picture that meets that specific need. ex. "upscale party scene"- take a picture of yourself in your best wardrobe, "Rural townspeople"- take a picture without make-up with hair as you would wear it at home and casual clothes (no bright colors). Of course my favorite day on set was being a walker on TWD. I didn't even know what I was submitting for, but It asked for thin, so I put on tight clothes to show my actual size.

vinopete on March 15, 2013:

Awesome! I love Walking Dead.

indianz32 on March 09, 2013:

I would probably break the movie cam lense or get a nomination for the worst supporting cast razzie award or something like that.

Franchesca W (author) from Atlanta, GA on February 25, 2013:

@Doc_Holliday: Sweet! What movies did you work on?

Franchesca W (author) from Atlanta, GA on February 25, 2013:

@AlexVolker: Awesome! Did you get to see yourself in the movie, AlexVolker?

Franchesca W (author) from Atlanta, GA on February 25, 2013:

@HolyChristianWear: I hope you get a chance to become an extra. Thanks for stopping by! :)

Franchesca W (author) from Atlanta, GA on February 25, 2013:

@pyngthyngs: Go for it, pyngthyngs! I've done it and it's an awesome experience.

Doc_Holliday on February 23, 2013:

I managed to get into 2 movies as an extra. Many hours hanging around but it is great fun playing the DVD to friends and pointing out my role as a "movie star".

AlexVolker on February 07, 2013:

Smile, I auditioned once and was told to smile for the camera. It was for Cry the beloved country at a railway station scene.

Gabriel from Hobbsville, NC on January 30, 2013:

This is so cool. I will be looking into this more. Thanks for the info.

pyngthyngs on January 24, 2013:

Very cool lens. I would kill to be a zombie on the Walking Dead. ;)

WWurpleW on November 27, 2012:

I have a couple friends in Atlanta and I can't wait to show them this opportunity! What a fun way to get involved with the entertainment industry.

Franchesca W (author) from Atlanta, GA on November 24, 2012:

@DRSandAssociate1: Thanks, DRSandAssociates! I love keeping track of what productions are in town. :)

anonymous on November 21, 2012:

I worked as a featured extra in the 1990's in the movie, THE FIGHTING TEMPTATIONS with Beyonce Knowles,Cuba Gooding Jr.,Ann Nesbit, Shirley Caesar, Melba Moore and slew of stars. I was a deacon in the front row amidst othother acting deacons and I was instructed to wrangle Ann Nesbit's microphone cord while she and Ms Caesar were battling or singing so that no dancers or shouting parishioner's would trip over cord. I enjoyed it very much speaking with and interacting with professional actors and singers,dancers.

DRSandAssociate1 on November 21, 2012:

Awesome lens, thanks for taking the time to research all these great extra opportunities.

Franchesca W (author) from Atlanta, GA on November 19, 2012:

@anonymous: Too bad you weren't looking for extra work when What To Expect When You're Expecting was in town! They were constantly looking for pregnant gals. If you feel well enough to be on your feet for 12+ hours then you should be fine. Getting cast may be more difficult but the right gig is worth it. Good luck, Selena! :)

Franchesca W (author) from Atlanta, GA on November 19, 2012:

@homesweethomebi1: Keep trying, homesweethomebiz! Even if you only do it once, it's worth the experience. :)

Franchesca W (author) from Atlanta, GA on November 19, 2012:

@anonymous: The Walking Dead is by far the most difficult show to get hired for -- especially if you're hoping to be cast as a zombie. Many of the show's walkers are regulars, hand-picked by Greg Nicotero and other executives because of their skinny bodies and unique features. Most have been working for the show since Season 1. To make things even more challenging, ECA very rarely advertises their The Walking Dead casting calls. Instead, they use a generic email address. To increase your chances of being picked, be on the lookout for Facebook posts calling for thin-framed folks. Hope that helps!

anonymous on October 24, 2012:

I want to be an extra at The Walking Dead .. If I dont live in Atlanta but I can travel, what I need to do?

homesweethomebi1 on October 23, 2012:

I live near Atlanta and I have submitted my photo and information for casting in one of Tyler Perry's movies, but wasn't chosen. I also tried to be an extra in a movie that was filmed her in Columbus, Ga. But that didn't work out either. But it was fun trying in both cases.

anonymous on October 15, 2012:

I would love to be an extra, but I'm pregnant right now. Is that okay or should I wait?

Franchesca W (author) from Atlanta, GA on October 02, 2012:

@anonymous: Hi Natasha. Thanks for stopping by! Most shows, including The Vampire Diaries, only hire extras that are 18 years or older. All of the high school kids featured on the show are specifically cast because they are 18 but appear younger.

Franchesca W (author) from Atlanta, GA on October 02, 2012:

@anonymous: Hey Patricia! Thanks for sharing your experience. I'm glad it was a positive one. Working as an extra can be very hit or miss. :)

anonymous on September 02, 2012:

I'm 13 but I look like I'm 15 and I always wanted to act in The Vampire Diaries even if I live in Europe in the small state.Who cares that won't stop me.

anonymous on August 20, 2012:

I was a extra in 42. It was a great experience. I always wanted to be a extra in a movie. I was amazing to see how a movie is put together. Everybody working hard and together to make this movie a success. It was wonderful. I loved being a extra and would like to enjoy this experience again.

eTravelSense on August 08, 2012:

I want to be an extra! Greta lens

jayne-cochran-5 on August 07, 2012:

Yes I was an extra in "King of the Hill" filmed in St. Louis, Mo. I loved ever minute of it. Wardrobe, Makeup and watching everything that happened during filming. Now I am back home in Georgia, and would love to do it again if possible.

DMVAgent on July 19, 2012:

In movies, it's okay to get stamped by a dinosaur. You'll get money from it. :)) THanks to this lens.

anonymous on July 07, 2012:

Great Article, it definitely gives you an insight on how to become an extra in atlanta. I also found this site for opportunities for speaking lines, because being an extra gets boring, and starring in a film would be more fun.

The website I found for Free auditions, and casting call information is www.projectcasting.com

I hope this helps some of you guys out!

xriotdotbiz lm on June 30, 2012:

Great insider info. I wonder if there would be time to work on lens during the waiting around times? Loved the documentary "Strictly Background" about LA extras.

anonymous on June 24, 2012:

I was an extra on Necessary Roughness for theepisode "Spell It Out." It was tons of fun and I cant wait to go again!

Hypersapien2 from U.S. on June 17, 2012:

I was an extra in a TV movie once, and I actually have a hub on HubPages about my experience. It wasn't particularly hard work - a lot of hurry-up-and-wait - but terrible pay (although they did feed us well).

isabelltwin on June 11, 2012:

I was a extra on the Movie 42 and I loved doing it, it's one of the most excting and Interesting thing's I have ever done, I hope to do more work one day, and I feel very lucky for the honor of being a extra, thanks to CL casting.

anonymous on June 11, 2012:

I was a extra in the Movie 42, it was one of the most exciting thing's I have ever done in my Life and I would love to do it again, i'm very grateful. Loved it.

CameronPoe on June 11, 2012:

I wouldn't becoming an extra for The Walking Dead.

Harriet from Indiana on May 31, 2012:

My husband and I were unpaid extras in Twins. We walked across the street maybe four times to make the street look crowded. Still it is fun to pick us out in the movie.

anonymous on May 29, 2012:

ECA is casting for Catching Fire

Ryan Will on May 11, 2012:

I will have to show this lense to a friend of mine who has been trying to be an extra. Thanks