Extras jobs demand flexibility and enthusiasm. Roles can easily fit around modelling commitments to earn some extra cash to fund your lifestyle. The modelling industry can be fickle, unreliable and does not provide stability or full time work in many cases. Therefore, aspiring and established models seek different roles with extra jobs being ideal. Extras are required within the media industry to be present in the background to form a busy cafe or a large crowd in a battle scene; the scenarios are endless. However, it does take dedication and a professional attitude to ensure the scene is shot according to plan.

There are agencies that supply the extras to various companies who have links and connections within the media industry. It is worthwhile approaching an establishment who caters for this specialism to see whether you have what it takes to be signed to their books. Apply to various agencies to keep your options open and to receive as many offers as possible. Research into the kind of extra roles that you will be suited to and stipulate your preferences to avoid being thrown into awkward situations and circumstances.

Extras need to be confident and at ease with working with new people. These are traits that can be built with your modelling work as the same principle applies. An open minded, friendly attitude is required to ensure that you make a great impression and begin on the right footing. Shoots will probably last all day with an early start in most cases therefore, working with new people can be daunting especially if the crew are stressed and pressured to finish the shoot. Turn up with a self assured and positive attitude to ensure that you appear experienced and willing to perform at the best of your ability.

Do not overact or exaggerate at the extra job as your role will typically be to act naturally and slot seamlessly into the background of a scene.Blockbuster films such as The Hunger Games and The Hobbit to sitcoms like New Girl all require extras to create their vision. The attention is not focused on you specifically as you are not the main star of the show. Usually, you will be sat engaging in a casual conversation with a friend, cheering in a crowd or dancing in a bar along with lots of other individuals. Therefore, the team do not expect for you to be too bold as you will stand out too much amongst the others. Work harmoniously with the other extras to work out a strategy to appear at ease when on camera and not over performing unnecessarily. It is difficult to consciously act normal yet practice in front of a mirror or get advice from friends to improve your technique.

Being an extra is not as glamorous as it seems with long hours and potentially lots of waiting around. Ensure that you arrive promptly with lots of enthusiasm no matter how early it is. Take a book or music to listen to in between takes and for when you are not needed to allow for the time to pass naturally. Patience is key as the scene may be shot numerous times before the perfect take has been filmed. It is important to not be heard moaning as it will not bode well for future opportunities. Remember even if you are hanging around for a long time or repeating the same scene countless times you are being paid for your time.