BRING A PEN: You need to fill in your voucher or payroll form and a release form which will be given to you by the AD (Assistant Director), PA (Production Assistant), or Hollywood East Casting rep. Turn it in at the end of the day...no paper, no pay.

DON'T BE ON TIME....BE EARLY ! Be prepared by studying a map, making a practice run to the location if you have to, filling up the gas tank, setting two alarms, and have your bag of supplies and wardrobe ready by the door. Latecomers might not be allowed to work that day.

GO TO YOUR ASSIGNED AREA AND STAY THERE. Extras are kept together in one area called Extras Holding or Holding Pen until called to the set. Inform the PA, AD, or casting director if you must leave the area for any reason and return quickly.

BE PROFESSIONAL, QUIET, AND PATIENT. Do not speak to the actors, director, crew, or anyone who looks busy. Never sit in the directors chairs and don't hang around the craft service table eating all the snacks. Don't look into the camera or act silly during a take. Do exactly what the AD directs you to do and do it as often as he/she requires. Learn to listen for commands like "quiet on the set", "picture's up", or "rolling" as this means everyone is to be very quiet while the filming is taking place.

WARDROBE, PERFUME AND HYGIENE. You may be asked to bring two to three different outfits of your own or you may be given wardrobe. Please do not wear perfume or aftershave cologne as it clings to the clothing and many people are allergic to it. Of course, come showered and with clean hair in case you have to be fitted or your hair styled. Leave your good jewelry at home. We are not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.

You will have lots of down time, waiting to be called to the set. Bring playing cards, books, crossword puzzles...anything to help pass the time that doesn't make noise. It's also a good idea to bring a folding chair, umbrella, blanket, jacket, sunscreen, aspirin, allergy pills, kleenex and breath mints.

A typical workday is ten to twelve hours and you are required to stay until wrap. And, if you agreed to work for a certain number of days, you need to honor that. Slackers will not get future work. If a serious problem arises that will keep you from fulfilling your commitment you must notify Hollywood East Casting immediately.

Meals are provided within six hours of the first call and can be a hot
catered meal or a box lunch. Bring some snacks, protein drink or bars, and water to keep you going.

That's about it. Being an extra is a very important part of the filmmaking process and sometimes it can even launch you into an acting career.