TV Extras Wanted: How a TV Shoot Differs From a Movie

A TV shoot and a movie shoot share the same basic rules. You still arrive early, follow directions, and stay out of the camera's way. A few things can feel different, though. Every show and production runs in its own way, so this article keeps to general points.

Faster schedules

A series may have many scenes to film in a short time, so the pace can be quick. That varies by show. Read the dates and location in the Open Call carefully, and if the notes say the role covers more than one day, plan for every day listed.

Days are usually about 12 hours, sometimes more, and seldom less than 8. Many start early, sometimes at 5 or 6 a.m. If the booking details do not give a wrap time, ask the production when the day may end. A fast pace means less time between setups, so keep your things in one bag and ready to go before you walk to set.

Repeating scenes

The same scene may be filmed from several angles. The crew may run one moment many times, and you may stand in the same spot for a long time. Each take ends with "cut," and you often hear "back to one," which means return to your first position. Each time, do the same action in the same way, and do not change it unless the director asks.

Repeated takes can be tiring. Drink water, rest when the crew allows it, and stay calm between setups. If you need a short break, tell an assistant director. There are no set break times besides lunch, because there is so much waiting.

Continuity

Continuity means keeping shots matching. A scene may be filmed in pieces, and the pieces have to look like one moment. Your hair, clothing, and makeup should match throughout. If you wear a jacket, keep it on for the whole scene. If you eat or drink in a scene, check with the crew first. A glass that is half full in one shot and empty in the next is the kind of thing the crew notices.

Match your look from take to take, and from day to day. Write down what you wore and how you styled your hair, and take a quick phone photo if the production allows it. If you wore a watch, a ring, or glasses, note those too. Small details are easy to forget after a long day.

Continuity also affects your schedule. Because you were in an earlier part of a scene, you may be held late to finish the rest of it, or you may be called back weeks later so the shots still match. Early release means your scenes for the day are done. Being held late means you are in the remaining scenes. Do not cut your hair or shave your beard between those days unless casting tells you to.

Coming back for more days

Some extras are asked back to the same show. That happens only when the production chooses to ask, and you cannot request it or plan around it. If you are booked for a second day, the assistant directors may give you the next call time on set. Otherwise, the casting office that booked you sends it.

If you enjoy it, keep your Profile current and reply to Open Calls that fit you. What gets you booked again is simple: be reliable and early, have a good attitude, follow the rules, and answer emails, texts, and calls. If you are asked back, treat the new request like any other and check the details before you answer. If a date no longer works, email or call the casting company that booked you. You cannot cancel on the website.

What stays the same

The rules of set manners are the same on a TV shoot. Arrive 15 minutes early, keep your phone away, listen to the assistant director, and be kind to the crew and the other cast. Stay quiet during takes, and keep your voice low between takes too, since a microphone can pick up nearby talk. Do not post set photos when told not to, and do not ask the star for an autograph.

The day runs in the same order as on a movie: check in and paperwork, wardrobe, hair and makeup, a lot of waiting, set, and wrap. Holding works the same way, and lunch comes about 6 hours after the crew call. If you are unsure about a rule, ask the assistant director before you act.

For manners and the holding area, read Film Extra Work: Set Etiquette and the Holding Area. For the basics of a movie shoot, read Being an Extra in a Movie: A Shoot Day From Start to Finish. For habits that help on any set, read Movie Extra Work: Habits That Get You Booked Again.

Open Calls is the next place to look. Read each role, check the dates, and tap "Yes, I'm available" only when you can keep every date.