Movie Extras Needed: Weather, Night Shoots, and Long Waits

Film sets often shoot outside, and they shoot in whatever weather the day brings. Some scenes also film at night. If you plan for heat, cold, rain, and long waits ahead of time, the day goes much better, and you are more likely to be someone casting wants to book again.

Outdoor days

Many background scenes are outdoors: streets, parks, parking lots, crowds. You may stand or walk for a long time, and you may repeat the same action while the crew adjusts the camera. Between takes you wait. Holding, where background waits, is usually indoors or in a heated or cooled tent, so the weather mostly matters when you are on set.

Wear comfortable shoes that you can stand in for hours. Dress for the weather on outdoor scenes: a jacket for cold, a rain jacket for rain. Casting usually emails wardrobe guidelines the evening before, and wardrobe picks your outfit, so bring the clothes casting asked for and read the Open Call for notes.

Heat and sun

On a hot day, water is the most important thing you can bring. Sip it through the day instead of waiting until you are thirsty. Wear light, breathable clothes that still match the wardrobe notes, and bring sunscreen if you can use it between takes.

Pay attention to how you feel. Dizziness, a headache, or feeling sick are signs to tell someone on set and get into the shade. Your comfort matters, and it is not a sign of weakness to speak up.

Cold and rain

In cold weather, dress in layers. A scene may need you to look dressed for a mild day, so you may take off a heavy coat when the camera rolls and put it back on after. Layers you can add and remove are easier than one bulky jacket. Gloves, a warm hat, and warm socks help while you wait.

Rain often changes the plan. Scenes may be delayed, moved, or shot under cover. Bring a rain jacket for the wait, and a spare pair of dry socks. Check the Open Call for any note about weather.

Holding and what to bring

Holding can be a big room, a gym or rec center, theater seats, or a tent in a parking lot with air conditioning. For a small group it may be a hotel or meeting room. It usually has folding tables and chairs and places to change, and lunch is often there too. A security guard is often nearby, but people come and go, so do not bring valuables.

Days are usually about 12 hours, sometimes more, so pack for the wait. Bring the clothes casting asked for, a book, your phone, headphones, a phone charger, and a snack. Bring water, too. Craft services is the snack table, and it varies by show. If you have special food needs, bring your own.

Lunch comes about 6 hours after the crew call. Background is often called earlier than the crew, so you may not eat for 7 hours. There are no set break times besides lunch, because there is so much waiting.

Night shoots

Night shoots, called "night for night," usually start just before sunset and end just before sunrise. They can run several days in a row. Your body expects to be asleep, and the late hours tend to be quieter and colder than daytime ones.

Sleep during the day first, before the first night. Eat a real meal beforehand, and bring snacks and water. A phone charger and a book help with the long stretches of waiting. Keep warm layers close, since temperatures drop after dark.

Sleep and driving home

The drive home after a long or overnight day is the part people forget to plan. You may be very tired, and tired driving is risky. Before you accept a role with a late wrap, think about how you will get home safely.

If you feel sleepy, do not push through. Stop at a safe place to rest, drink some water, or call someone for a ride. If a long drive worries you, skip the role or find a ride in advance. Casting would rather you say no than get hurt.

What the production usually provides

Every production is different, so read the Open Call and any booking details for what to expect. Early calls often come with breakfast from the production, but a booking note may say to come having had breakfast. Do not assume food, shade, or heat beyond what the note says. Bring what you need to be comfortable, and treat anything the production offers as a bonus.

Extras are usually paid by a payroll company, so keep your own notes about the day: call time, release time, and any costs you had.

Weather and your wardrobe

Weather gear is for the wait. Wardrobe still picks your outfit, and casting usually asks you to bring about 3 looks, sometimes 3 to 5, in plain clothes with solid colors and no logos. Keep your jacket separate from your looks so it does not get mixed in. For period shows, do not cut your hair or shave your beard before the shoot unless casting says to, so the hair department can style you for the period.

Your next step

Read the Open Call for your next role and write a short packing list on your phone. For more on what a day on set looks like, see the guide to background casting. If travel is on your mind, read getting to set and back.