So I’ve caught a cold coming off of 17 hours of extra work so this blog may be a bit out sorts but I figure what better time to talk more about being an extra than right after it’s kicked my ass. So here it is part 2 of being an extra, Hans’ rules to extra work.

1) Be translucent:

Some people get into extra thinking it will be the place they will get noticed and that will be their big break into the movies. Well unless they are the luckiest person on earth they couldn’t be more wrong, the point of being background is to be background. Both on and off set a good rule of thumb is just to not be noticed. Be silent and unobtrusive; don’t make you or your fellow extra look bad by being a bother.

2) Eat when you can:

There will always be food on set but that food may not be for the extras and it may not be that filling, so get it when the getting is good. Even if you aren’t hunger when the scene breaks if you have a chance to grab a bite do it. Food will give you energy and keep you warm so that you are pleasant to everyone around you.

3) Pee when you can:

Your bathroom breaks may be far and few between so do maintenance pees when you can. Some things to keep in mind; trailer bathrooms are for everyone so don’t take too long and don’t lock the door if it is shared space, also never change or do make-up in the bathrooms.

4) Don’t talk to anyone who isn’t directly extra related:

When it comes to crew don’t strike up conversations unless you have an important question and your wrangler isn’t around or there is some downtime and they aren’t busy, otherwise, generally assume they don’t want to chat. Sometimes crew will be bored and talk to you but assume they are doing something important at all times.

Cast should not be talked to unless they talk to you first. Never approach an actor on or off set, you are not there as a fan you are a working professional. No autographs, photos, etc and assume they are always busy even if they don’t look it.

5) Pay attention:

There is nothing worse than a production being held up because an extra did something wrong, nobody on set has the time or patience to deal with it. So keep your eyes and ears open and make sure you are always in the spot you are supposed to be.

6) Be positive:

Extra’s love to complain but sometimes its better to be positive and keep an upbeat mood in the room. Never talk bad about anything either on or off the set, you never know who may be listening and you don’t want to get caught bad mouthing someone important.

7) Don’t make a mess:

Clothing, food and garbage are your responsibilities make sure they are cleaned up and out of the way don’t be that person.

8) Don’t be pushy for screen time:

As an extra you are not there to be the center of attention, don’t make yourself look like an ass by throwing yourself towards the camera or stars at every opportunity. Pay attention to what’s happening and be a good employee and opportunity will find a way.

9) Be gracious if you do get a lucky break on set:

If you are lucky enough to get a bump on set or snag a line be good about it and don’t act like you’re better than your fellow extras, you may have to come back down off your mountain sometimes and people remember the assholes.

10) Help people out

If you see another extra is cold or lost or confused or whatever make an effort to help them out. Extras are treated badly enough on set the least we can do is make an effort to help each other.

-There’s lots more to being an extra and I’ll post my survival guide soon but keep these 10 basic rules in mind and you should get by at least until you understand set enough to make your own rules.