Extra Work Does Not Belong on Your Resume.

A very “fresh” actor recently asked me if it would be acceptable to list extra work on his resume. I told him “no” extra work does not belong on a resume and that only principal roles belong on a professional resume. He then proceeded to argue that he was “featured” and told me he was going to list it anyway. Okay, fine, but a casting director will see right through that and you’ll likely end up with egg on your face. Back in the day, I worked an extra gig and sat next to an iconic actor in a scene. The camera panned right across my face. I was “featured” in close-up and received specific instructions from the three-time Oscar nominated director. People sent me texts and emails that they saw me in the movie. Yeah, there I was clear and in focus and I looked fucking amazing. I didn’t audition for it — I just happened to be the lucky guy that a PA told to sit in a chair next to the lead. It’s not on my resume or the IMDb because it doesn’t belong there.  After the scene, the principal actors went back to their trailers and I went back to my uncomfortable folding chair in extras holding.

Regarding extra work, I offer this advice to my young friend… Doing background work is something I recommend for people when they are starting out. We’ve ALL done it at some point. I’ve certainly done it. Being an extra is a great way to learn how a film set works and it can be a lot of fun. BUT… being an extra is not acting. If you can stand upright and walk across the background of a scene when a PA tells you to (or, in my example above, sit in a chair without falling out of it), then you are qualified to be an extra. An extra role is not a valid acting credit because you were not CAST in that role. You didn’t audition for it or do scene study or any of the things involved in booking a bonafide principal role. You were selected by an extras casting associate based on a photo. That’s it. The only thing that belongs on a professional acting resume or your IMDb page are CREDITED roles. The exception would be that if you booked a principal role, shot the scene, and were then cut from the final project and not listed in the credits (which does happen) — that can go on your resume and be listed on IMDb as an “uncredited” role because it was a valid and verifiable gig.

Also, you should NEVER NEVER NEVER post photos or videos from set while doing background work.  Not only is it not professional, but it could get you sued if you give away anything about the plot or sets.  I understand that, for actors just starting out, it is very cool to be on set.  BUT… you should not present your background work as if you booked a principal gig.  It is not and it’s almost an insult to actors who have worked hard to book bonafide roles to portray background work as if it is a real acting gig.

I’m not trying to be harsh, but, extras are “picked” from headshots and the gigs normally only require you to be able to walk upright.  Extras don’t audition and there is a reason principal actors are treated differently on set (the holding area versus a trailer).  It is unskilled labor and pays as such because the supply of extras is high.  That said, extras are an important part of a film project — they make a scene believable. Doing extra work is a low-paying, thankless job and it can be hard work, but it does not belong on an acting resume or your IMDb page. Ever. And you certainly shouldn’t plaster social media about “my movie coming out” or “how much I enjoyed working with so and so.”  If you are serious about being an actor, sure, do a little extra work in the beginning, but accept the reality that it is what it is… a way to gain some set experience, (hopefully) have some fun, and earn some extra cash.  

Here’s the deal… when we start out as actors, none of us have a resume. We build resume credits by taking classes and auditioning and booking roles in indie films and web series until we can get an agent and audition for bigger projects. There are NO shortcuts here.  If you do background work, keep your head down, learn as much as you can, and have fun… but keep it in perspective!