Extras
Our casting needs vary from production to production; however, we want to give you some helpful information for when you are booked.
·Availability - When you commit to working with us, you must be free the entire day and night. We never know how long a shoot will go, so you must be prepared to stay until wrap. Arriving on time means getting there at least fifteen minutes before your call time, so you can park and report to extras holding. When you respond to a booking, you are accepting a job. A job, which someone else didn't get because you accepted it.
·Cancellations - Production may make last minute changes to the schedule that affect your time on the set, or even cause us to cancel the booking. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, we make every effort to contact you in a timely manner, and we expect the same courtesy if something changes in your schedule that forces you to cancel. This courtesy allows us enough time to find a suitable replacement. Simply not showing up, or being late decreases your chances of working again.
·Checking In/Checking Out - You check-in and out at extras holding. The PA (Production Assistant) will give you a pay voucher to fill out and you will keep it in your possession until wrapped. Once you have been officially wrapped, and returned any borrowed props and/or wardrobe, you will sign out with the AD (Assistant Director) team. At this point, you must present valid identification, an Illinois driver’s license AND social security card. Minors 15 years old and younger must have a copy of their ILLINOIS work permit and birth certificate on hand. Please keep the portion of the pay voucher given back to you at sign-out, as it is your only proof of working until you receive your paycheck.
·There is absolutely NO PHOTOGRAPHY of any kind on set – personal cameras, video cameras or phones with cameras are NOT allowed at any time. If you are seen using any sort of recording device, it will be confiscated. Since nobody wants to go through this, simply don’t bring the equipment to set.
·DO NOT approach the cast for autographs or casual conversation. Please understand that they are fully engaged in trying to give the best performance possible – an effort that requires tremendous concentration. Please give them their space. They are there to work, just as you are. If you violate this protocol, you will be sent home.
·During filming, please DO NOT talk or stare at the camera or the actors. Often you may be asked to walk to a certain spot, perform a certain action or pantomime talking with someone, etc. All talk is done SILENTLY (not even a whisper) and all actions are done without noise. If all the extras are talking, we won’t be able to hear the actor’s dialogue.
·The AD will give you directions. If anyone other than an AD or PA asks you to do something, please check with an AD first. When we are filming, we want to see “natural movements.” It’s best if you try not to act. Be forewarned, whatever action you are instructed to do, be prepared to do it over and over again in exactly the same way each time.
·Please stay in extras holding at all times unless you are called to go to set. Restroom facilities and some craft service (snacks, drinks, etc.) are provided in holding. Take advantage of these services while you are in holding because it can be difficult to leave to use the bathroom while on set. Craft service MAY be available on set, but do not leave to get craft service unless a member of the AD staff lets you know that it is okay to do so. Typically, a meal is served 6 hours after work begins.
·You may leave items that are needed to work, such as additional wardrobe, make-up, hair products, etc in extras holding. However, DO NOT bring any valuables with you to store in extras holding while you are on set. Keep any items of value locked in your trunk, or better yet, just leave them at home. Production will not be held responsible for any lost or stolen items.
·Please do not ask to leave early unless you are ill, in which case, notify an AD or PA immediately and we will have the medic see you.
·Availability - When you commit to working with us, you must be free the entire day and night. We never know how long a shoot will go, so you must be prepared to stay until wrap. Arriving on time means getting there at least fifteen minutes before your call time, so you can park and report to extras holding. When you respond to a booking, you are accepting a job. A job, which someone else didn't get because you accepted it.
·Cancellations - Production may make last minute changes to the schedule that affect your time on the set, or even cause us to cancel the booking. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, we make every effort to contact you in a timely manner, and we expect the same courtesy if something changes in your schedule that forces you to cancel. This courtesy allows us enough time to find a suitable replacement. Simply not showing up, or being late decreases your chances of working again.
·Checking In/Checking Out - You check-in and out at extras holding. The PA (Production Assistant) will give you a pay voucher to fill out and you will keep it in your possession until wrapped. Once you have been officially wrapped, and returned any borrowed props and/or wardrobe, you will sign out with the AD (Assistant Director) team. At this point, you must present valid identification, an Illinois driver’s license AND social security card. Minors 15 years old and younger must have a copy of their ILLINOIS work permit and birth certificate on hand. Please keep the portion of the pay voucher given back to you at sign-out, as it is your only proof of working until you receive your paycheck.
·There is absolutely NO PHOTOGRAPHY of any kind on set – personal cameras, video cameras or phones with cameras are NOT allowed at any time. If you are seen using any sort of recording device, it will be confiscated. Since nobody wants to go through this, simply don’t bring the equipment to set.
·DO NOT approach the cast for autographs or casual conversation. Please understand that they are fully engaged in trying to give the best performance possible – an effort that requires tremendous concentration. Please give them their space. They are there to work, just as you are. If you violate this protocol, you will be sent home.
·During filming, please DO NOT talk or stare at the camera or the actors. Often you may be asked to walk to a certain spot, perform a certain action or pantomime talking with someone, etc. All talk is done SILENTLY (not even a whisper) and all actions are done without noise. If all the extras are talking, we won’t be able to hear the actor’s dialogue.
·The AD will give you directions. If anyone other than an AD or PA asks you to do something, please check with an AD first. When we are filming, we want to see “natural movements.” It’s best if you try not to act. Be forewarned, whatever action you are instructed to do, be prepared to do it over and over again in exactly the same way each time.
·Please stay in extras holding at all times unless you are called to go to set. Restroom facilities and some craft service (snacks, drinks, etc.) are provided in holding. Take advantage of these services while you are in holding because it can be difficult to leave to use the bathroom while on set. Craft service MAY be available on set, but do not leave to get craft service unless a member of the AD staff lets you know that it is okay to do so. Typically, a meal is served 6 hours after work begins.
·You may leave items that are needed to work, such as additional wardrobe, make-up, hair products, etc in extras holding. However, DO NOT bring any valuables with you to store in extras holding while you are on set. Keep any items of value locked in your trunk, or better yet, just leave them at home. Production will not be held responsible for any lost or stolen items.
·Please do not ask to leave early unless you are ill, in which case, notify an AD or PA immediately and we will have the medic see you.