Finding consistent extra work requires strategy, not just luck. The most successful extras (aka background or supporting artists) register with multiple casting agencies, maintain professional online profiles, stay highly available, and build strong reputations with casting directors.

Follow these proven methods to book more jobs. #

Register With Multiple Background Casting Agencies

Don't limit yourself to one agency. Register with every legitimate background casting company in your area. Most cities have 3-5 major agencies that supply extras to productions.

Each agency works with different projects. When you're registered with multiple companies, you multiply your chances of getting called. Create profiles on all the local agencies specific to your region.

But also keep an eye online. That means job sites, Facebook, and other film people you know on Facebook, Instagram, MPH, and other sites.

Perfect Your Online Casting Profiles

Your profile is your storefront. Upload clear, recent photos that show your face and full body. Include headshots without filters or heavy makeup.

List accurate measurements, skills, and wardrobe options. Casting directors search databases for specific looks, so detailed profiles get more hits. Update your photos every 6-12 months as your appearance changes.

If you don't yet have an online profile, you can make a free one on sites like Wix  or Weebly .

Make Yourself Available and Flexible

The extras who work most are those who say, "yes" most often. Accept early morning call times, last-minute bookings, and jobs that require long hours. Production schedules change constantly, and casting directors remember reliable people.

Keep your calendar as open as possible. Many extras work 3-4 days per week because they accept whatever comes. Weekend and overnight shoots often pay premium rates.

Respond to Casting Calls Immediately

Casting directors fill extra roles on a first-come, first-served basis. When you receive an email or text about a job, respond within 30 minutes if possible. Hesitate for a few hours, and the spot goes to someone else.

Turn on notifications for casting apps and emails. Check your messages multiple times daily, especially during busy production seasons (usually spring and fall).

Build Relationships With Casting Directors

Show up on time, follow directions, and maintain professional behavior on every set. Casting directors notice extras who are easy to work with. They'll request you specifically for future projects.

Learn casting directors' names and faces. A simple, "thank you" at the end of the day helps you stand out. Being memorable for the right reasons leads to repeat bookings.

Expand Your Look and Wardrobe Options

The more versatile you are, the more roles you fit. Maintain different hairstyles if possible. Keep a professional wardrobe that includes business attire, casual clothes, formal wear, and period-appropriate options.

If you can provide your own costumes or props, mention this in your profile. Productions sometimes need specific looks quickly, and self-sufficient extras get priority calls.

Expand Your Skills

Do you have any special skills? Sometimes movies will need extras who can:

• ride a horse
• cheer a team on in Spanish/Croatian/Russian, etc
• dance well

...and so on. Make sure your casting director knows about these skills and update them on your profile with videos so the world can see them.

Network With Other Background Actors

Other extras are your best source of information. They know which agencies are hiring, which productions treat background well, and which casting directors book frequently. Join online groups where background actors share opportunities.

Experienced extras often refer friends to casting directors. Build genuine friendships on set, and you'll hear about jobs before they're publicly posted.

Stay Active During Slow Periods

Production schedules fluctuate seasonally. During slow months, update your profiles, take new photos, and expand your agency registrations. Research productions coming to your area and contact their background casting departments directly.

Some extras use downtime to take acting classes or workshops. This shows initiative and occasionally leads to speaking roles or upgrades.

Track Your Progress and Patterns

Keep records of which agencies book you most, which types of roles you get called for, and which casting directors request you. This data helps you focus your energy on the most productive opportunities.

Notice if certain wardrobe items or looks get you more work. Double down on what's working.

The Bottom Line #

Getting more extra work is about volume and reliability. Register everywhere, respond fast, stay available, and be professional. The extras who work constantly aren't necessarily the most talented—they're the most dependable and persistent. Treat background work like a real job, and it will pay like one.