Acting Cleveland

Cleveland offers work opportunities for people interested in becoming extras, although many might not realize it.

Being an extra is different from being an actor. Extras don't need to have as many skills, and there might be fewer jobs available compared to traditional acting roles. You can learn more about developing your acting skills through various acting methodologies.

Despite this, extras play a crucial role in bringing scenes to life. They fill the background and make everything feel more natural.

You can see extras in all sorts of films, from short independent projects to major Hollywood productions.

In the film industry, background performers with the potential to be noticed in the final production are sometimes referred to as "featured extras." These individuals, though non-speaking and typically not the focus of specific shots, are still filmed and considered background actors. Unlike regular extras, featured extras might work very close to the main actors (known as On-Camera Principals, or OCPs) and often receive a higher paycheck, especially compared to the average background performer rate in Cleveland. For those seeking more prominent roles, it's essential to connect with acting agents who can help advance your career.

Working as a featured extra in Cleveland can open doors to joining the Screen Actors Guild, particularly if you're involved in a SAG production. The key difference between a background extra and a featured extra is the possibility of spoken lines. Bumping into a "day player" on set, someone with a minor speaking role, might land you a few lines yourself. This promotion to featured extra also comes with a higher pay grade. Cleveland's film industry isn't limited to SAG productions though, so you might find work on non-SAG sets depending on the need for extras.

In Cleveland, finding extra work can depend on being in the right place at the right time. If you happen to see a film shoot happening, it's worth politely mentioning you'd be interested in being an extra. While it's not typical for Cleveland productions, the crew might welcome nearby onlookers to fill out the background if they're short on extras, or if a director spots someone who visually matches their idea for a character.

Aspiring extras in Cleveland should steer clear of white, red, and logo-heavy clothing. Sporting a prominent brand logo can raise concerns about unintentional product placement during filming. Remember, even if you land a spot as an extra, your scene might not make the final cut due to creative decisions or editing needs.

In Cleveland, as an extra, reporting to the set at the designated call time is crucial. This call time will be provided by either the director or the assistant director.

For wardrobe, the specifics will depend on the scene you're in. Extras casting will inform you whether a wardrobe fitting is required beforehand. The department will also assist you on set if the scene has a specific time period costume requirement.

For your appearance, arriving camera-ready is important. This means having your hair and makeup done before you reach the set. Unless otherwise instructed, it's best to keep your makeup natural and light.

In the Cleveland area, companies that hire Extras maintain files on them. This record typically includes an 8"x10" headshot of the Extra. On the back of the headshot, they often attach a copy of the Extra's registration information, trimmed to match the photo size. While resumes aren't required for Extra work, having one can be helpful in securing jobs. A good Extra resume should list your physical attributes and any relevant experience you have as an Extra, either in Cleveland or from other locations.

• A successful extra in Cleveland needs an up-to-date resume to land jobs.
• This resume should highlight your experience as an extra, including any previous film or television work.
• It's also important to list your physical attributes, such as height, weight, hair color, and eye color.
• Don't forget to include your measurements for clothing purposes.
• Your contact information should be clear and easy to find, so casting directors can reach you for opportunities.
• Consider listing a few of your special skills, hobbies, and sports — these can make you stand out from other extras.
• Finally, keeping your resume updated is crucial. Outdated information could mean missing out on your next big break!

Being an extra in Cleveland means navigating the exciting world of entertainment, but beware — scams lurk around every corner. Knowing these schemes can shield you from becoming a target and safeguard your blossoming career. A red flag? When someone asks you to pay to be in a production or fund it yourself. Real opportunities won't require upfront financial contributions — they value your talent and will cover things like headshots and resumes.

Being an extra involves significant waiting. Expect to spend most of your day behind the scenes, ready to be called upon. The same scene will likely be filmed numerous times, requiring you to repeat your actions across the set. Each scene might require up to 50 takes to get that perfect shot. However, possessing special skills like juggling, martial arts, or dancing can increase your call time. In some unexpected places, like Cleveland, even your car can land you extra work. Ultimately, with the right expectations, extra work can be a readily available source of income.

Standing out in Cleveland's acting scene can be achieved with just the right look, especially if a director needs someone to embody a specific mood or feel. However, having the perfect appearance isn't everything. Be prepared to put in the extra hours, as some projects demand long days on set — sometimes up to 18 at a time — and these shoots can stretch on for weeks. Don't be surprised if you find yourself waiting around for your moment to shine, even if it's just a fleeting scene.

While working as an extra in Cleveland can offer good pay for occasional gigs, the availability of work itself can be unreliable. Union membership often grants priority for these jobs compared to non-union applicants, and pay rates can also be influenced by union affiliation. The film industry's activity in the area ultimately dictates how much extra work is available. The good news is that residing in Cleveland gives you a leg up in landing these jobs. Additionally, the more experience you accumulate on set, the greater your chances of being called for future projects.

Joining a union like the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) or the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) can be a valuable asset for Cleveland actors seeking extra work.

Instead of relying solely on finding extra roles yourself, consider keeping a headshot and resume readily available for producers. You can do this by submitting them to AFTRA's "extras" file, which producers frequently access to find background actors. This will significantly increase your chances of landing extra work in the Cleveland area.

Joining the Screen Actors Guild requires meeting specific criteria. One requirement is membership in another performers union, like AFTRA, for at least a year beforehand. Additionally, you need to have worked under that union's jurisdiction as a principal extra for at least one production. While many people begin their careers as non-union extras in Cleveland, it's important to remember that SAG members receive significantly higher pay than non-union members.

Even if you live in Cleveland and becoming a Screen Actors Guild member feels out of reach, there's a path forward. In Cleveland, just like any other SAG city, you can qualify for membership by working as a SAG extra. The good news is that you only need three days of work as a SAG extra to become eligible. Cleveland productions are required to hire a specific number of SAG extras before they can bring in non-union extras. And if a SAG extra can't make it to set, there's an opportunity: a non-union extra can be brought in to fill the role for that day, but they'll receive a voucher instead of full membership.

Landing a SAG voucher in Cleveland hinges on impressing the assistant director. Fortunately, bribery isn't necessary. Politeness and remembering names go a long way. Keep small talk positive and brief. Be helpful and avoid getting in the way during filming. Patience and a tactful performance are also key. To truly shine, send a thank-you note after your work is done. You can find the assistant director's mailing address through the Director's Guild of America website (DGA) at [https://www.dga.org/]{.underline}. Once you snag three vouchers, you'll be eligible to join SAG-AFTRA in Cleveland or any other U.S. city that utilizes background actors.