Movie Extra Roles: How to Read an Open Call

An Open Call is a casting director's posting for a paid role. It tells you the dates, the pay rate, the location, and the look the production wants. Reading every part takes a few minutes, and it saves you from replying to a role that does not fit your week.

Open the Open Calls list

Open Calls is the list of roles on MyCastingFile. Each role has a title and a short summary. Tap a role to see its full details.

The summary is only a start. The dates, the location, and the requirements are in the full details, so read those before anything else. Check the list each day, because roles are often booked for the next day or two.

The kind of role

Start with what the role is. A general extra is part of a larger group, such as a pedestrian or a coffee shop customer. A featured extra is singled out and may have a character, but does not speak. A stand-in stands in for one actor while the crew sets lights and camera angles. A photo double goes further and appears on camera as the actor, for example from behind or from the side.

Some roles ask for a type, like a police officer or a businessman. Others ask for a specific skill, such as juggling or riding a unicycle. Reply only if you fit what the role asks for. Extras Casting in Plain English defines these terms in more detail.

Dates and times

Check the dates first. Some roles last one day, and others run for several days. Compare them with your Calendar, and tap a day once to mark it available or twice to mark it unavailable.

Read the call time if the Open Call gives one. Days often start early, sometimes at 5 or 6 a.m., and a day is usually about 12 hours, sometimes more, and seldom less than 8. Think about the drive, the parking, and what time you would need to wake up. A call time that sounds fine on paper can feel very different at four in the morning. If the role is a night shoot, it usually runs from just before sunset to just before sunrise.

Pay rate

The Open Call shows the pay rate the production set. Read the number and any note beside it. Rates vary by production, and the Open Call is where you see the rate for the role you are reading. Do not guess a rate, and do not assume two roles pay the same.

A rate like $150/12 means $150 guaranteed for a day of up to 12 hours. The full explanation, typical day rates, and how pay arrives are in Movie Extra Casting: Getting Paid and Keeping Records. Keep your own records of each day and what you receive.

Location

Look at the city and the address or area in the details. Some roles name a meeting point, and others give only a general area until casting confirms more. Extras are usually hired locally, so the roles you see are usually near where you live.

If the location is far from you, decide before you reply if you can get there on the day and home again. Travel is usually not paid. Parking is paid when the production sends you to a paid lot or garage. Finding Movie Extras Near Me has more on this.

Look, wardrobe and special notes

Many roles ask for a certain look, such as a hair length, an age range, or a style of clothing. Read these notes closely, and reply only if you match them.

Check whether the role asks you to bring your own wardrobe, such as a suit or everyday clothes in a certain color. Plain clothes, in solid colors without busy patterns, logos, or brands, are usually the safest choice. Check whether it needs a car, a pet, or a special skill. There is usually extra pay for those, and casting tells you the amount when you are hired. A note that seems small, like "no logos," can matter a lot on camera.

Then tap Yes, I'm available

When the role fits, follow these steps:

1. Open Calls, then tap the role.
2. Check the dates, the pay, and the location.
3. Tap "Yes, I'm available."

Reply the same day the Open Call comes out when you can. It does not need to be instant, but a reply that comes after the role is filled does not help anyone.

What happens after you reply

Casting sees your reply. If they want to go further, you will see an availability request or a booking request in Replies, and confirmed days appear under Confirmed bookings. Casting may send many availability requests to narrow down a pool, for example 400 requests to book 100 people, or 2 requests for 1 role. An availability request is not a booking, so wait for the booking request.

If you marked a date available on your Calendar and you are in the area, casting sees a small calendar icon on your profile for that date. That makes it easier to check you. It does not replace a reply, so also reply to the roles you want.

If something is unclear

If a detail is missing or hard to understand, do not guess. Reach out to casting, or wait until the booking details arrive. Many roles are still being planned when they are posted, and details can change.

If your plans change after you are booked, you cannot cancel on the website. Email or call the casting company that booked you. Your Calendar has an "email casting" link for this.

For what happens after you reply, read How to Land Movie Extra Roles: A Guide for Aspiring Actors. For a wider look at casting calls, read Casting Calls for Extras: How to Land Your Next Gig.

Open Calls is the next place to look. Pick one role and read it from top to bottom before you reply.