So you want to be an EXTRA? Well, right now is the time to try it out in New England. With three TV pilots, “Boston’s Finest”, “Body of Evidence” and “Quinn Tuplets” currently shooting around Massachusetts and Rhode Island, casting companies such as Boston Casting and C.P. Casting are looking for individuals who are interested in extra work.
An extra helps create the reality of the location, making the scene look just right for the main actors. Being an extra isn’t the most glamorized job and some of the requirements include early morning starts, bringing at least three wardrobe changes, hanging out in the “holding area” and possibly working a 12 hour day. It may not seem like important work but over time, these experiences allow you to grow and develop your craft as an actor in the background. Best of all, you’re on set and that’s better than not being on set.
In the last two weeks, Boston Casting has sent out at least a dozen emails announcing casting calls for extra work on “Boston’s Finest”, the ABC TV pilot being filmed here in the Bay State starring Katee Sackhoff from “Battlestar Galactica”. Most of these casting calls for extras don’t require a specific type, but they have made it clear they don’t want the same extras who have already worked on a shoot, giving someone else a chance on the set.
How do you sign up to be an extra? Boston Casting offers a FREE agency pro tool where you can upload a headshot and resume to their database and submit yourself for not only extra work but other auditions too. Once you’re in the Boston Casting database, they’ll contact you if you’re what they’re looking for in and as long as you’re available for the entire day of the shoot. If you like this agency pro tool you can upgrade for a small fee which will give you access to your own website where you can upload more headshots, reels and even look at traffic on your site, but you don’t need to upgrade to get extra work. It’s free, so sign up and start submitting to some of these casting calls.
C.P. Casting also has been sending out notifications for extra work on another Bay State TV pilot in the making “Quinn Tuplets”, and all you need to do is to subscribe to their email notifications on the C.P. Casting website. South Shore Casting is another reliable casting company who updates their website with current castings such as their recent casting call for “Super Nanny”. Other casting calls taking place locally include “Family Feud” on April 17th and 18th in Boston. You can email them at boston@familytryouts.com or call them at 323-762-8486. You can also audition online for the hit TV show, “Glee” at their Myspace page.
Right now is the time to be part of the growing TV and Film industry in Hollywood East. Stay tuned for upcoming casting calls and don’t forget to check out the Hollywood East Connection Career Scene page for more work opportunities!
