Janice Lozano
International students seeking to work in the US film industry face a variety of challenges, from obtaining the right visas to breaking into a highly competitive job market. While some careers in film, such as writers, actors, producers, and directors, are known to be hard to come by, there are other ways international students can get a foot in the door. Entry-level jobs like a production assistant or set construction crew member can be a great way to gain experience and network with professionals. Internships are another way to get started, although many are unpaid. Understanding the visa requirements is essential, with options including O-type visas for individuals with extraordinary abilities and temporary work visas for specific employment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Work hours | 12 hours |
| Paperwork | Proof of right to work in the country |
| Behaviour | Punctual, polite, and enthusiastic |
| Pay | Starts at £90/day |
| Flexibility | Can accept work whenever free |
| Skills | Rollerblading, bike riding, skiing, dancing, etc. |
| Agencies | Uni-versalExtras, Casting Collective, Extra People, Mad Dog 2020 Casting, etc. |
| Requirements | CV, photographs, specific "look", etc. |
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What You'll Learn
- International students may need to provide proof of their right to work in the country
- Long days are common, so be prepared to be on set for up to 12 hours
- It's a flexible side hustle, perfect for fitting around studies
- It's a great way to make connections and gain experience on a set
- Extras are often paid a day rate for 10 hours of production time
International students may need to provide proof of their right to work in the country
International students can work as extras in movies, but they may need to provide proof of their right to work in the country. This is a great way for international students to earn some money while also gaining first-hand experience on a film set. It can be a full-time profession for some, and the pay is decent, helping to cover rent and bills. The work can be tiring but exciting, interesting, fun, and vibrant, and it's a good way to meet new people.
There are a few things to keep in mind when considering becoming an extra. Firstly, it requires a lot of patience and long hours on set, sometimes up to 12 hours. It's important to always be polite and punctual, and to follow instructions. There may also be restrictions on what you can share on social media to avoid revealing spoilers.
In terms of the hiring process, there are many agencies that specifically cater to extras, and some are even free for students to register with. Students may need to provide a basic CV with personal details, any significant skills, and photographs. Casting directors often look for people with a specific "look" or certain skills relevant to the film, such as rollerblading or dancing. It's also worth noting that extras are often expected to bring their own wardrobe, although there are also "fittings" for specific scenes.
Overall, working as an extra can be a great opportunity for international students to gain experience and earn some money, as long as they are prepared for the long hours and have the right to work in the country.
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Long days are common, so be prepared to be on set for up to 12 hours
Being an extra in a movie can be an exciting and social side hustle for international students, but it's important to be aware of the long days that are common on set.
Being an extra can be a great way to earn some money, with rates starting at over £90/day, and it can be easy to fit this work around your studies due to its flexibility. It's a chance to meet new people and make great connections, as well as gaining first-hand experience on a film set.
However, it's important to be prepared for the long days that are typical for extras. You could be on set for up to 12 hours, so it's crucial to bring plenty of reading material or other things to keep you occupied during the waiting periods. Extras are often one of the first in and the last out, so be ready for early starts and late finishes.
During these long days, you'll need to stay until you are released, and you must remain on your best behaviour and be polite to every crew member. It can be tiring work, but the social aspect and the chance to spot yourself on screen make it a fun and unique experience.
To ensure you're prepared for these long days, it's recommended to treat the job professionally, just as you would a full-time role. This includes being punctual and enthusiastic, even if it's an early morning start. It's also beneficial to eat well when food is offered, especially as a student, to keep your energy levels up during those extended hours.
So, if you're an international student considering extra work, be aware of the potential for 12-hour days and be prepared to stay occupied and professional throughout.
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$11.02 $17.95
It's a flexible side hustle, perfect for fitting around studies
Being a movie extra is a flexible side hustle that can fit around your studies as a student. The work is often tiring but exciting, interesting, fun, and vibrant, and it's a great way to meet new people. You can accept work whenever you're free, and it pays a decent wage—perfect for helping to cover the rent and bills. Rates start at over £90/day, and sometimes food and travel costs are included.
There are many agencies that can help you find work as an extra, and some are free for students to register with. Uni-versalExtras, for example, was started by a student and is free for full-time students to register. It takes an 18% + VAT commission on each job it places you in. Casting Collective is also free to register, and it takes a 20% + VAT commission on each booking.
As an extra, you will be a background actor with a non-speaking role. You could be a spectator at a baseball game, an audience member at a comedy club, or someone strolling through a park. You might be required to bring your own wardrobe to set, although there are also \"fittings\" for specific scenes or periods. On smaller productions or student films, background actors may be hired en masse with little formality. The length of a background actor's employment depends on the needs of the director and the scenes being filmed. Some are needed for only a day or two and are paid daily, while others remain with the film for longer.
You should be prepared for long days on set, and you'll need lots of patience and plenty of reading material. You can be on set for up to 12 hours, day or night, and once you are signed on for a scene, you must stay until you are released. It's important to always be polite and punctual and to treat the job professionally.
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It's a great way to make connections and gain experience on a set
Being an extra in a movie can be a great way to make connections and gain experience on a set. It is a low-stakes way to get a feel for what it's like to work in film and can be a good stepping stone to bigger acting jobs. Actor Amy Russ advises:
> "Do [extra work] for a little while until you feel confident and understand the workings of a professional set, then focus on auditioning for bigger jobs. When I did get a role, I already knew what to expect, so I could concentrate on my acting work instead of trying to figure out what was going on all around me. I can’t tell you how glad I was to have those prior experiences under my belt."
Being an extra can also be a great way to meet people and make connections in the industry. Extras can be on set for up to 12 hours, so there's plenty of time to chat with other actors and crew members. Plus, you'll get to observe how an actual film set operates, which can be invaluable experience for anyone interested in a career in film or television.
It's also a flexible job that can fit around your studies. You can accept work whenever you're free, and it often pays well—over £90/day in the UK, with food and travel costs sometimes included. There are even agencies that specialise in placing students as extras, such as Uni-versalExtras, which is free for full-time students to register.
However, it's important to note that being an extra can involve long days of waiting around, so it's essential to bring something to keep yourself occupied. You'll also need to be punctual and enthusiastic, even if you're on set at 5 am. And, while you might get to rub shoulders with A-listers, most of the time you'll be one of many background actors, and you may be hired en masse with little formality.
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Extras are often paid a day rate for 10 hours of production time
Being a movie extra can be a great side hustle for international students, as it offers flexibility and the chance to earn a decent wage. While the work can be tiring, it is often exciting and provides an opportunity to meet new people. Students can register with extras agencies, some of which, like Uni-versalExtras, offer free registration for full-time students.
As an extra, you may be required to be on set for up to 12 hours, and you must stay until you are released. The pay for this work is usually a day rate for 10 hours of production time. Rates start at over £90/day and can include travel and food costs. On non-union productions, extras are typically paid a day rate, while actors who are recognisable in a commercial may receive ongoing royalties. Extras may also be paid more if they are required to get wet, work in smoky conditions, or use special skills.
It's important to note that international students will need to provide proof of their right to work in the country where they are seeking extra work. While no formal acting experience is necessary, extras should be punctual, polite, and follow instructions. They may also be expected to bring their own wardrobe or specific props, and they can be selected as "costume doubles" if they fit a pre-made costume.
Overall, working as a movie extra can be a fun and rewarding experience for international students, offering the chance to earn money, gain insight into the film industry, and make connections.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, an international student can be an extra in a movie. However, they must first obtain the correct visa. The U.S. government offers the O-1B visa for individuals with an "extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in [the] motion picture or television industry".
Other entry-level jobs in the film industry include being part of the set construction crew, being a best boy grip, a receptionist, or a production assistant.
You can use the U.S. government’s Visa Wizard to find out which type of visa is right for you. If you are seeking an O- or P-type visa, you may need to obtain a consultation letter from an entertainment union or guild that covers the position.
You must pay a non-refundable application fee and submit Form I-797, Immigrant Visa Application Form DS-160, and a photo.
Networking is key to getting a job in the film industry. You can find production listings for your area and contact every single one asking for an intern or PA position. You can also work at a rental house, which will give you free access to gear and a revolving door of clients who work in the industry.
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