Continuity: Why Extras Get Held Late or Called Back

Continuity means keeping shots matching. A scene is filmed in pieces, and the pieces have to look like one moment when they are put together. That is why you may be held late, released early, or called back weeks later for the same scene.

What continuity is

A film scene is not filmed from start to finish. The crew shoots it from several angles and in many takes, sometimes on different days. When the film is edited, those pieces are joined.

Everything in the frame has to match across the pieces. That includes the extras: where they stand, what they wear, and what they do.

Why you may be called back weeks later

If you were in an earlier part of a scene, the production may need you for a later part. Sometimes that is on another day, weeks later. The casting office that booked you sends the new call time, unless the ADs give it to you on set.

A callback is not a new job you applied for. It is the same scene, finished. You are called back because the shots must match the ones you were already in.

Released early or held late

Early release means your scenes for the day are done. Being held late means you are in the remaining scenes. Neither is a comment on how you did. It only reflects what the schedule needs.

If you are held past 12 hours on a rate like $150/12, hours after the 12th are paid at time and a half. What $150/12 Means: How Pay Rates for Extras Work explains the rate.

What to keep the same

Between takes and between days, keep your look and wardrobe the same. That means:

• Wear the same outfit that wardrobe chose, and take it off only when told.
• Do not cut your hair, shave, or change your color while a scene is still unfinished.
• Keep your pace, your path, and the hand you use to hold a cup the same in each take.

If you are called back, ask wardrobe or the ADs what you wore and how it was set. If you are unsure whether a change is safe, ask an AD first.

Back to one and first position

After each take, the crew usually says "back to one." That means go back to your first position and begin again. Return to the same spot each time and do the same thing. Being an Extra in a Movie: A Shoot Day From Start to Finish shows where that fits in the day.

If you cannot return

If you are called back and cannot make the date, contact the casting company early. Only casting can remove the booking. How to Cancel a Booking as an Extra explains how.

On your next shoot day, keep your outfit and your hair as they are until you wrap, and ask the ADs before you change anything.