| FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) 1 Will I get work? NewMexicoActors.com does NOT guarantee any work or position. No promises are being made by joining NewMexicoactors.com other than the person will get the most exposure possible through the Internet. 2 What kind of exposure will I get? Visitors to the site run the entire spectrum. From the merely curious to the professional. We have been contacted by actors, producers, and people from across the country as well as international visitors. 3 Will I be picked? The possibliity of being chosen for a role or as a background actor remains the same for everyone. It all depends on what the casting agent or director wants. To be truthful about it, casting may not really know what they want until they see the individual in person. 4 Will I be a star? This question falls into one of three modes of thought. The first being that you're LUCKY enough to be 'discovered'. The second being that you have to know the 'RIGHT' people. The third is that you merely are in the right spot at the right time. NewMexicoActors.com believe the 3rd option to be the most truthful. 5 Is the pay good? As in any entry level position, in a word, NO. Most people who do background actor work don't get paid very well. However, as in most jobs, the more experience means more opportunities to obtain better pay. But if you are SAG or an experienced actor, you may expect better than normal pay. The average shows pays $50 per 8 hour day plus time and a half after 8 hours minus a half hour for lunch. 6 Why would I want to be JUST an extra? Background Actor, background artists, atmosphere or whatever label you care to use are a very important part of any film. 99% of films use extras. Without the extras there would be NO film and in many cases the actor(s) utilize the background actor as well. They react off the Background Actors, actors use Background Actors as reference, at times they even interact with the Background Actors. So don't think being an Background Actors is a menial job. It's actually quite important. Background Actor work is terrific for learning the mechanics of film making and it allows you to observe the professional actor work their craft. Being a good Background Actors is equally important. Professional Background Actors can do quite well financially. Most people who work as extras do it because they simply love film and they want to be a part of it. The exposure on the big screen or television is a definite plus too. 7 What if I'm not good enough? Every actor has started out from nowhere, maybe some training, a bit part in a commercial, working as an Background Actors. The most important part is motivation and drive to do the job the best way you can. A love for the business also helps. 8 Will I get to meet any big name movie stars? Maybe. The chances are very good you'll be working in the proximity with a star. How famous the star might be is another question altogether. Some people never heard of Billy Bob Thornton, yet he is a famous actor, a great director and a fine gentleman. Get it? 9 What do I need to become an extra or just to get into the business? First, you have to have the drive and motivation to appear at an audition and demostrate you are ready to work. Go to auditions. Study previous films, attend plays for reference and study. There's a lot of work involved in this business. Background Actors work, for example, look at previous films and notice what the guys in the background or even the foreground are doing when the camera goes past them. DON'T lie on your resume if you bring it to an audition. You might get caught in the lie. You have to build a reputation for being dependable and professional in your work. If you're serious about being an actor, then we suggest taking some courses, buying some books, going to every audition you can, make it your priority. Be persistant. Being good requires takes time and practice. |
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