Union Movie Extra Work in New York

While working as an extra in New York offers the potential for good pay, the availability of jobs can be scarce, especially for newcomers. This scarcity is further compounded by the preference casting directors have for unionized extras over non-union ones, creating a hurdle for those not yet in a union. The good news is that joining a union for extras is achievable in New York. If you are interested in other types of work in the entertainment industry, you might want to consider different types of modeling.

1. Union Affiliation: Understanding how union affiliation might affect your pay is crucial when considering extra work.
2. Location: Where you choose to look for extra work can significantly impact the number of opportunities available. Larger cities, like New York, often have more frequent film productions, which can translate into more extra work options. For those seeking acting opportunities around NYC, understanding the local industry landscape is key.
3. Experience: The more experience you have in your field, the better your chances of finding extra work, especially in larger cities with a higher demand for skilled workers.

Joining a union like Screen Actors Guild (SAG) or the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) is optional for extra work, but they provide valuable resources. Especially in New York City, AFTRA can be a great asset for finding extra jobs. Once you become a member of either union, prepare a headshot and resume to submit to AFTRA's headquarters. They maintain an "extras file" that directors and casting directors can access to find background actors for their productions. This can significantly reduce your time spent searching for work.

Aspiring Screen Actors Guild (SAG) members should familiarize themselves with the membership requirements. One key prerequisite is prior membership in a different performers' union for at least a year. Actors' Equity Association (AFTRA) is a good example of such a qualifying union. Additionally, applicants must have secured principal extra work (with a speaking role or more lines) at least once under the chosen union's jurisdiction. While many extras begin their careers in non-union roles, particularly in New York City, SAG membership unlocks significantly higher pay rates.

While becoming a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) member might seem out of reach, there's a path forward! In any location with an active SAG chapter, you can join by working as a SAG background actor, also known as a SAG extra. The good news is that the minimum requirement to qualify for full membership is just three days of work as a SAG extra. Even better, New York film productions are obligated to cast a specific number of SAG extras before they can hire non-union extras. And if a scheduled SAG extra can't make it, a non-union extra with a voucher can fill the spot for that day.

Joining SAG in the U.S. requires three SAG vouchers, obtainable from working as a non-union background actor. To earn a voucher, make a positive impression on the assistant director. While friendliness and helpfulness are key, avoid getting in the way or offering bribes. Be polite, remember their name, and perform with professionalism. Patience and a positive attitude go a long way. After the shoot, send a thank-you note to the assistant director, using the mailing address found on the Director's Guild of America website ([https://www.dga.org/]{.underline}). A successful background acting job gets you paid and brings you closer to your SAG membership.