Can you put extra work on your acting resume? Young actors just beginning in the industry may not have a lot of credits yet. When putting together their résumé,
it’s perfectly acceptable to have school and camp experience, student films, and even extra or background work listed, as long as it’s not there only as padding.
What should you not put on an acting resume?
NEVER put
your physical address
on your acting résumé
And, it’s dangerous! Think about it. You submit your headshot and résumé to a prospective talent agent. The agent does not wish to represent you at that time and throws your headshot and résumé in the trash.
Can extra work lead to acting?
Extra work doesn’t necessarily get an actor noticed by casting directors or agents, but it can be a valuable way of gaining experience on set
. It can sometimes result in being upgraded to a speaking role, or helping an actor get his union card.
Should I put stand-in work on my acting resume?
What can I put on my acting resume?
- Contact Information.
- Your Agent’s Contact Information.
- Resume Objective or Resume Summary.
- Acting Credits.
- Education.
- Workshops and Trainings.
- Special Skills.
- Awards and Accolades.
Should I put student films on my acting resume?
Film credits should be listed by role type rather than by character name or description. Include the production company and director as well.
When listing a student film on your resume, mention the college as the production company
.
Do you put age on acting resume?
Avoid listing a personal address. Under your name, note your union status: Actors’ Equity Association, EMC, SAG-AFTRA, SAG-eligible, nonunion, etc.
Don’t list your age or birthday
.
Can you make a living off being a movie extra?
How much do extras get paid? Extras are paid differently depending on their union status. Generally,
nonunion talent will be hired for either a 10- or 12-hour day, with additional pay provided should production run overtime
. A common rate for a single day of background work is between $100 and $200.
Should I do background work as an actor?
If you’re looking to become an established principle actor on television,
it’s time to stop doing background
. Instead, focus on getting speaking roles in student films, short films, web series, commercials, and non-union features to get the real acting experience you need on your résumé to work your way up.
Can extras get lines?
Extras don’t get film credits or lines
. But they can get union wages, meals and perks — such as getting to read novels on the job.
Should I put my headshot on my acting resume?
Don’t include arbitrary information.
Things like your hair color and eye color are not necessary to include on your resume.
Casting directors and creative teams can figure this out just by looking at your headshot on the back
. In general, it’s not necessary to include your weight on your resume.
Should I put awards on my acting resume?
Awards that include, or are predominantly recognizing, community theater companies (hello Ostrander and Perry awards) do not belong on a professional actor’s resume
. High school acting awards are just as offending.
What a acting resume should look like?
- Relate your resume to the role. …
- Include your contact information. …
- Include your physical characteristics. …
- Format your resume objective or summary. …
- List acting roles in reverse-chronological order. …
- Include your education and training. …
- Highlight your unique skills. …
- Showcase any awards or accolades.
What should an acting headshot look like?
In general, a good headshot is:
chest up with good lighting on your face, and no strong dramatic shadows
—unless you are going in for “The Phantom of the Opera.” Three-quarter shots are good for print, and extreme close-ups are good for, well, nothing.
Do you put your stage name on your acting resume?
Standard contracts for actors have a line for “professional name” as well as legal name. The stage name should be listed on the work permit.
The stage name should be used on the headshot and resume
.
What counts as an acting credit?
- Take a class. Training is a very important section of a résumé for a new actor. …
- Audition for a play. This is a great way to add credits to your résumé. …
- Student and indie films. …
- Get online. …
- Create your own material.
Can you put music videos on acting resume?
Film and television: List the project, credit (character name optional), and studio or production.
Voiceover: Voiceover work, music videos, personal appearances, etc.
Theater: List the production, character, and venue. Training: List the class name, coach, venue, and city.
What is an actors resume called?
This is a common question, but the answer is simple: It’s called an Actor Resume. There is no special terminology for it! Some people call it an
Acting CV (curriculum vitae)
, which is Latin for “course of life” – essentially someone’s life work, consolidated onto one page.
What is a headshot in acting?
Acting headshots are
a type of portrait photo used by actors and actresses to help them land acting roles
. Typically, casting directors use headshots to help them decide whether applicants have the right “look” and charisma for a given role.
Do extras get their makeup done?
Mostly, extras do their own makeup and wardrobe
. Dress for your scene. Generally, do not wear white, black or busy patterns. They don’t look good on camera.
How much do extras get paid a year?
| Annual Salary Monthly Pay | Top Earners $104,000 $8,666 | 75th Percentile $51,000 $4,250 | Average $52,979 $4,414 | 25th Percentile $24,000 $2,000 |
|---|
How much do child extras get paid?
For one day, the base rate is $1,030 for either a half-hour or one-hour show. For a week the rate is $3,575
. Usually, a young person starting out will make one of those rates, scale payment, plus an added 10% for commission due to their agent.
Do background actors talk?
Most of the time they are pantomiming, which means that not a vocal word is coming from their mouth at all, rather,
they are simply mouthing words while matching them with physical movement
. And nine times out of ten, it’s gibberish, random, and unplanned.
Do background actors get discovered?
Let’s make something crystal-clear:
You will (almost) never be “discovered” performing as a background actor
! Occasionally, an extra will get the opportunity to move up from background into a speaking role. This is usually referred to as an “upgrade”. But this is extraordinarily rare.
How do you be an extra in a movie as a kid?
- Find an agency or two. Central Casting is one of the oldest and most popular agencies. …
- Register. There’s paperwork to fill out: The application, the tax forms, the proof of citizenship, blah, blah, blah… …
- Wait for the phone to ring. …
- Do the shoot. …
- Get paid. …
- Rinse and repeat.
What do 2020 extras earn?
According to Schedule X, Part I, in the SAG-AFTRA handbook reference section, general background actors in large cities like Los Angeles and New York typically make
$170 per day
in 2018-19, with a projected 3 percent increase for 2019-2020.
Is being an extra fun?
Even if you aren’t interested in acting on screen,
being an extra in a film or TV show can be fun
, and it’s a great way to feel like you’re a part of the Hollywood so many people fantasize about—even if the real thing is a little disappointing.
Do extras get paid more for speaking?
“Walking background” and “human props” are two of the gentle and tired jokes used to describe the role of the film and television extra, usually by extras themselves, but the description is entirely appropriate. Extras aren’t supposed to say anything during a take, for as the saying goes,
you aren’t being paid to talk
.
Should you smile in a headshot?
How many headshots do actors need?
How many headshots do actors need? You should have
at least two looks
for a headshot session; this will give you at least two distinct headshots to choose from when going after roles. It’s standard to have a more serious theatrical shot and a smiling commercial shot.
What are the 10 things one should have on their acting resume?
Your acting resume should include
up-to-date contact information, physical attributes, memberships, past experience, education, training, primary acting skills, type, role types, and headshot
. Most importantly, all of this information should be presented in a concise and organized way.
What skills do actors need?
How do I start acting with no experience?
Take acting classes
:
Look for local, community-run courses that are suitable for beginners. Not only can these build your confidence, but you’ll learn how to communicate more effectively. Classes can also help improve your focus, memorization, and improvisation skills.
How do I make an acting portfolio with no experience?
To create an acting portfolio, start by writing your acting resume, which should give your height, weight, age, and hair color. You should also include details of any professional acting credits, acting-related education, and any relevant experience you have.
Is portfolio required for acting?
In most cases, an acting portfolio is required when submitting to a casting call
, presenting your proudest work front and center, and showing if you’re the best fit for the role opening. A high-quality portfolio for an actor/actress often includes a headshot and detailed resume as well as a reel.
What should a female actor wear for a headshot?
- Don’t Wear White. …
- Avoid Colors Close to White. …
- Black Always Works. …
- Pick Colors to Contrast Skin Tone. …
- Busy Patterns are Distracting. …
- Bring a Few Extra Shirts. …
- Crew Neck or V-Neck Shirts? …
- Wrinkles Can Ruin a Photo (IMPORTANT)
