Saturday, December 17, 2011

How to become an extra inside of a german motion picture or on television

By Stefan Henkel


In Germany there are a number of companies that care about extras in movies and also TV-productions. Most of the time, these corporations call themselves extras casting agencies or agencies.

These corporations are known as the intermediaries between the extras and the film and television production companies. There are even some TV channels that occupy their very own extras (such as the Hessische Rundfunk in Frankfurt).

At all companies you must register yourself to end up as an extra. Often the rules for registration are the exact same, but in order to do nothing wrong, it is worth browsing the web page of the agency or make a quick phone call there.

Mostly two photos are needed by the extras (full body and a portrait photograph). Also you need to fill out a sheet about yourself. Main rule here: If possible, use up to date and professional images (eg through photographers). So don't use a blurred photo of your last holiday.

You get the questionnaire page from the agency or you can find it on the company website. It identifies the main facts about you: name, address, your telephone number occupation, and so forth. Also you must enter special details about yourself here, which are important for upcoming job extras: eg Body sizing (for costumes that will fit later), driver's licenses, languages you speak, special capabilities that you can (eg dancing).

That is also significant for the subsequent selection of extras, so that on the set each extra fits perfectly in his or her role. Certain questions are also in the document: eg if you can imagine, to be naked in front of the camera. If no, this is not a problem.

If you've already worked as an actor or actress, you may also specify that in the paper. But tick this only if you actually have something to offer as an actor or actress. Let it be, if you're shy or stutters constantly.

When you have your documents sent to the agency, you have to wait. As soon as the agency has a need for you, they will get in touch with you. And please don't bother the agency with telephone calls, basically because they didn't call you in the next days. If you're lucky, an agency calls you in the next couple of days and you will certainly play your first extra role in your life looking at a camera.




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