Hollywood
North Extras
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Thank you for choosing Hollywood North
Extras! We have been in operation since 1994 and provide hundreds of extras
for feature films, television movies, t.v series, commercials, and corporate
videos. Perhaps you are a newcomer to being an extra or you might be a
veteran looking for more work. Whatever the case-we hope you enjoy the time
you spend on set. Please read over this information before we book you. If you are dropping off a photo for the
first time, we ask that you realize the form and photo are an application.
You do need to have a valid social insurance number or work permit in order
for us to book you. You are considered part of our roster only once you have
worked and we’ve taken your picture. Normally we place you in larger scenes
for the first booking. Once you have worked you are required to pick up your
check at our office, at which time we take your photo. These are the photos
we submit to the casting directors. Please see the payroll section for more
info. New applicants are asked not to check in, as we cannot track people
until they are entered in our computer system, which happens the first time
that you work. Afterwards it is fine to check in with us if you like although
it is best to do so after office hours and leave your availability on our
voicemail. As you probably realize being an extra
should be considered as part time work and not as something to rely on to pay
your rent! It is a really fascinating way to spend the day, learn more about
the film industry, meet some interesting people and also earn some extra
money. We are a busy agency but cannot predict how often an individual will
be called. It could be as frequent as a few times a week or as little as
every few months. As an agency we are asked to supply a demand. We have no
control over how many productions are going on, what they are filming or what
types of people we are being asked to book. Most productions shoot Monday to
Friday and rarely on weekends. We provide books of our extras to the casting
directors and they often choose whom they would like to book, particularly
for more specific roles. We also provide photos on line. We do strive to keep
everyone happy and try to book people as often as possible. It is important to act professionally on
all sets. You are being paid to do a job, which is to be an extra. We ask
that you take it as seriously as you would any employment. PLEASE READ THE DO’S AND DON’T’S that are listed later and follow them
whenever on set. Do enjoy yourself but realize that our reputation is based
on the professionalism of our extras. We have a zero tolerance policy for new
extras. If a situation has occurred that requires an explanation we expect a
call to the office as soon as possible to clear it up. If it is your first
time on set that’s okay, but it is not necessary to make everyone aware of
that fact! Fill out the appropriate spots on your sign in sheet and then try
to follow what the more experienced extras are doing. Do ask if you are
unsure of something. We endeavor to treat everyone with respect and expect
the same in return. The better our extras are, the more bookings we get and
can provide to people. Everyone is happy! Extras are an important part of every
film, but the best extras are those that aren’t noticed. If you are in a
restaurant scene, eat and talk to the person at your table. Do not stare at Brad
Pitt at the next table! It is sometimes exciting to be next to a movie star
but keep in mind that in the role they are playing they are just an ordinary
person. Try to act as natural as possible. It is better to underact than
overact. There are two types of calls we make. One
type of call is to book you. The other is to check availability. We often
check availability before submitting pictures to the casting directors. This
is not a booking. If you are selected we call you back to confirm the booking.
When we call to book you, we let you know the date we need you. Often we call
the day before; we rarely get much notice. At this time we need a yes or no,
not a maybe-depending-on-the-time answer. When we are booking you we do not
know the start or end time of the shoot. You need to be completely free on
the day of filming with absolutely no other commitment. Under no
circumstances can you be late to set or leave early once you are on set. It
usually is possible for you to call us back in a few minutes if you need to
make arrangements or check your schedule. If we get an answering machine we
usually leave a message, but we must speak to you in order to book you. You
can try to return our call at the office as late as you like; we occasionally
leave very late when we are busy booking numerous scenes. If you get our
voicemail after hours you can still let us know if you are available, as we
may still be in the office and checking messages or we might need to replace
someone last minute. Normally, once we have left the office we have finished
booking the next days’ scenes and have faxed the completed lists to the
casting directors. At this point it is too late to be booked for the next
day. If we are booking a scene that is few days away we often have spots available
until the day before the scene, so check with us to see if we can still place
you. Please let us know if your appearance is different than the picture that
we have. Never page us to return a call unless we have specified to do so on
your machine! When we book you, you are confirmed.
Realize that your name is given to the production company casting director
when you are booked. It is a big deal to replace you. If you foresee a
problem, say no to begin with. Every single person is important, even in larger
scenes. At this point we give you the information you need, which is listed
below. At this point we do not know the time you are needed on set. On most
of the productions they only determine the call time of the extras between
8-11 p.m. the night before the shoot date, at which time we need to call you
again to finalize your information. As mentioned earlier you need to be free
the entire day once you agree to work. You might be required to be on set for
a start time of anywhere between 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. When you say yes you are
committed to be there regardless of the start time. An average day is 6 to 10
hours but can be as long as 14 hours. Please never agree to go to set unless
you can stay for the duration. There are few things worse than someone established
in a scene and them having to leave for a dentist appointment! Once you have
said yes, we give you the information you need. Please write it down.
Have a good time! To view the document in .pdf format please
click here Hollywood North Extras
Information Sheet To download the document to your computer,
right click on the link and choose "Save Target As..."
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Updated Feb 2009 |
