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Being an extra in a TV series or movie requires patience, strong listening skills, and the ability to work on short notice. These are just a few of the many qualities needed to succeed on set.
In this article, I’ll tell you everything you want to know about how to become a movie extra in Atlanta.
Atlanta is #1 when it comes to movie and TV production. There are a lot of ways to get money in Atlanta, like being a movie or TV extra and yes, even becoming an actor.
This article is going to show you what you need to do to become movie or TV extra. I’ve been doing extras work on and off for the past 10 years, including on the sets of some top BET shows as well as Tyler Perry movies.How To Become A Movie And TV Extra In Atlanta
If you want to work as an extra in movies and TV, you need to find out what’s filming. Metro Atlanta has become a hub for movie and TV shows, especially with film mogul Tyler Perry Studios back in action.Being an extra is quite different from being an actor. An actor is a trained professional, while an extra is a contract worker hired on the spot. Here’s how to become an actor.How Much Do Movie Extras Get Paid?
The amount that movie extras get paid largely depend on the project. Most film companies pay an hourly rate to film between eight and 12 hours a day.The typical pay for an extra in Atlanta is around $60 for eight hours of work, but it could be as high as $100 or $200, depending on what they ask you to do. (Sometimes, meals are included).1. Network In The Film Community
You need to be able to find movies and TV shows that are filming throughout the city. One of the best resources for that is to begin networking in the local film community.You should sign up for things like workshops and look in on informational panels having to do with films. Atlanta has a number of organizations that nurture talent in front and behind the camera, including extras.why not try to attend a yearly film festival this year? Atlanta has several good ones you can use to learn more about the industry. They include:- Atlanta Film Festival
- Jewish Film Festival
- Bronze Lens Festival
2. Find Top Casting Companies In Atlanta
After you feel that you’ve learned some of the ups and downs about the industry (and you still want to be an extra) it’s time to find some jobs.Casting calls can be found a variety of places. Sometimes, the movie studio will post about casting calls on its websites. Mainly, they can be found in trade magazines and websites like Backstage.com.One great place to find casting calls is on the websites of casting companies. Here are some of the top casting companies that hire for Atlanta movie and TV productions.On the websites of the casting call companies you will be able to register and submit your information. In some cases, they may ask for a head shot or want you to list relevant experience if the part calls for some specificity or a certain skill.After you’ve applied for some extras roles, a waiting game begins. If you get a call, then they may ask you to show up to a specific location to be fitted or to do other preparations.If you don’t receive a call to come to filming, you may try another option…3. Attend Open Casting Calls
You can also attend “open” casting calls, which are those that don’t necessarily have specific needs. Some movies and TV shows just need large amounts of people or a group of people to make a scene look busy.One example of this is the airplane scene in Flight, which Denzel Washington played lead actor in. I was an “airline passenger” in the movie, which was partially filmed at Screen Gem Studios in Atlanta.Here’s the scene, which simulated a plane crash. As you can imagine, the people had to scream and make a fuss.There’s rules to everything, of course, and when it comes to being an extra, you’ve got to adhere to some common restrictions if you want to succeed.4. Be Professional
When you’re on the set, you’re going to have to behave yourself if you want to remain an extra. That means no asking the stars for a selfie.Of course you want to be human, but if you’re starstruck, it may be hard for you to restrain yourself and keep your composure. When it comes to being an extra, the production assistant will likely tell you what is and isn’t allowed on set. Try to obey. In most cases, the rules look something like this:- No picture-taking
- No talking on set
- No gum chewing or eating
- No mingling with the talent
So many people who have thought they would use being an extra to get into acting have blew it by not being able to keep cool while filming. Don’t be “that guy” or “that girl.”5. Beware Of Scams
Unfortunately, when it comes to entertainment, there are always some literally bad actors that try to take advantage of people looking to be on the big and small screen.Casting calls are rife with scammers looking to exploit inexperienced people. Don’t fall for it. Here are some casting call scams you need to avoid:Casting Calls Asking For Payment
No legit casting call company will ask you to pay them to be in a movie or TV show. The way it works is that they pay you. It’s a scam.
Vague ‘Modeling’ Jobs
If a casting call or audition reveals very little information other than it’s “looking for an adult for modeling gig” or something like that, it’s super suspicious and shouldn’t be trusted.
Real modeling jobs will state the employer, address and location of the casting call and relevant details such as the time and pay. Always research modeling jobs before you submit your information or go to them.
Inappropriate Requests
Similar to vague modeling jobs, beware of casting calls that ask for inappropriate requests that weren’t specifically mentioned in the casting call.
If the casting director asks you to do something that involves nudity or a bedroom scene and it wasn’t revealed in the casting call, you might want to get out of there.
Read more about casting call scams.
Last Words
If you want to appear in a big budget film or TV show, it’s easier than ever today, especially in a city like Atlanta, Georgia.
Being a movie or TV extra is a great way to earn extra money, but it’s not for everybody. In many cases, you may have to be on your feet for long periods of time.Also, many casting calls may reschedule at the last minute or require you to wait in long lines before filming begins. On the other hand, it’s pretty cool when you see yourself on screen. Also, you can make some great friends in the business. Check out our Casting Section to stay in the loop.If you want to be an extra for money, sorry, but you won’t get rich. it can be a stepping stone into acting, but you’ve got to stand out and be good at what you do.As for money, if you want to know some other ways to earn extra income, here are some top strategies you can do at home.Interested in other ways to save or make money? Check out our Money Section:
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Have you ever dreamt of becoming a TV or movie actor? You might not think it’s possible, but it is.
The reason we say that is because in places like Atlanta or New Orleans, more and more Hollywood productions are holding casting calls there, giving people who never thought they’d be in the industry a chance.
Here’s How To Become An Actor In Atlanta
This article will explain the steps on how to become an actor in today’s fluid landscape of Hollywood’s diminishing power, the rise of Netflix and Atlanta s the movie mecca. But first….
Do You Need To Go To Acting School To Be An Actor?
Let’s answer this question right now: No, you don’t have to go to acting school to be an actor. Well let’s say this: Tom Cruise, Jennifer Lawrence, Channing Tatum and many more actors didn’t go to acting school.
Lamont Coleman, an accomplished Los Angeles-based actor, producer and NAACP Award winner, says that the key to becoming an actor has as much to do with timing as much as your talent.
The truth is that you have to do what’s best for your career and lifestyle,” Lamont tells AtlantaFi.com. “Obviously, school can’t hurt, especially when you’re young.”
Don’t wait for someone to make you an actor, get and do it yourself! I went to school with so many people back in college that I don’t see here in Hollywood. So many people who I took classes with here in Los Angeles have now went back home.”
He says many actors are hired because they may be able to bring in another audience, but in his case, he worked his way up.
Coleman, who has landed a role on Tyler Perry’s Have and Have Nots, is a producer now. In fact, One of his films recently won the International Burbank film Festival.
So let’s get into it: Here’s what you need to do to be an actor:
1. Go To Acting School
Ah, yes, education is one of the best ways to gain a foothold in any industry, and acting is no different. It is a craft after all.
Most actors will tell you that you need professional training, and that’s the truth. This video from The WillyDuz shares some insights from actors on the subject. One says this:
“I wasn’t in the conservatory program. I didn’t study theater for years and years, but I did take some classes,” one actor says on film.
“Also people have different levels of natural ability. Some people acting comes a little easier to them than others, so you might not need as much training,” he says.
Having said that I want to stress this: You DON’T have to go to acting school to be an actor.
2. Get Discovered
After you’ve got some training or the drive it takes to be an actor, you’re going to need some exposure.
Back in the day, aspiring Hollywood actors used to wait tables and give business cards to customers who may be producers or directors in the business.
Nowadays you need to do various things to be seen and heard. That includes any of the following:
- Go where the action is: Atlanta, Los Angeles, etc.
- Network at industry events and parties
- Make friends in the movie industry
The #1 to get discovered though is to get some work. That means you’ll need to try to land roles no matter if they’re small or large, talking or non-talking.
You need to work hard to audition for stage performances, web series, supporting TV and movie roles and more.
Here’s the thing: If you don’t get discovered, you’re going to have to…
3. Start Working & Keep Working
The #1 way to become an actor is to work. It doesn’t matter so much where you live, or who you meet, although both of those things can help.
The key is to start working in the industry — and keep working. In the meantime:
- Hone Your Craft
- Extend Your Range
- Be Patient
Show up early for auditions so that you can stand out.
4. Take Some Good Headshots
One of the best ways to stand out from the acting crowd is to have a good headshot. You may be wondering whether your headshot should be black-and-white or color. Why not do both.
Here are some great headshot resources.
Final Word
Coleman says make sure you make connections because you never know how they may bear fruit.
“The way this beast [Hollywood] is set up is you might get lucky and land a role in a commercial or five lines or less. But it’s who you know and if you are on their mind at the time.”
But it takes more than that. It will also take talent and good timing, if we’re being honest. But here’s the thing: You can do it.
Make sure you have an agent that you trust so that you can focus on your craft. So how do you get an agent? You get one through a referral.
Watch this video on getting an agent from Backstage.com:
Also, make sure your headshot is a great one.
Don’t be worried. You got this.
With more than 800 movie and TV projects just in the last few years, the film industry has generated more than $9 billion for the state of Georgia.There are so many movies filmed in Atlanta these days that it’s hard to keep up with it all. That’s why I suggest you subscribe to AtlantaFi.com to get all the freshest movie casting calls, celeb sightings and Atlanta happenings delivered to your inbox.Want to work in Georgia film & TV? Here are the latest Atlanta casting calls
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The only thing better than new movies is free movies you can enjoy from the comfort of home. The good news? There are plenty of free movie sites online for you to explore.
That’s right. Instead of paying for it via one-time charge or monthly subscription, you can watch free movies online.
In this article, we’re going to take a look at some of the best FREE movie sites online.
Are Free Movie Sites Legal?
You may be wondering if watching films both new and old breaks any U.S. copyright laws. You can rest easy.
There are plenty of (legal) sources you can use to watch movies without paying for them.
What Are The Best Free Movie Sites?
The best movie sites are those with new or recently released movies on websites with the proper internet security and safety measures.
All of the sites that we list below are safe to view. Although they may have ads, they aren’t obstructive nor do they force you to watch them, which is a good thing.
Are you ready to see some free movie sites?
Where To Watch FREE Movies Online
This article is going to show you some channels and platforms where you can see free movies online.
FMovies
- Subscription: No
- Signup: Yes
Sony Crackle
- Subscription: No
- Signup: No
Classic Cinema Online
- Subscription: No
- Signup: No
Free Movies Cinema
- Subscription: No
- Signup: No
GoMovies
- Subscription: No
- Signup: No
IMDb-TV
- Subscription: No
- Signup: Yes
Kanopy
- Subscription: No
- Signup: Yes
PopcornFlix
- Subscription: No
- Signup: No
Pluto TV
- Subscription: No
- Signup: Yes
Retrovision Classic Movies
- Subscription: No
- Signup: No
Roku
- Subscription: No
- Signup: Yes
Snagfilms
Subscription: NoSignup: Yes
Tubi TV
- Subscription: No
- Signup: Yes
Vudu
- Subscription: No
- Signup: Yes
YouTube
- Subscription: No
- Signup: No
One Word of Caution About Free Movie Sites
Yes, watching free movies online can expose you to malware, especially if you use untrustworthy websites. Here’s how malware risks arise and how to stay safe:
- Pop-Up Ads and Fake Play Buttons: Some sketchy streaming sites have ads that appear as “Play” or “Download” buttons. Clicking on these often leads to malicious downloads, fake updates, or redirects to unsafe sites.
- Drive-by Downloads: Some websites can trigger malware downloads automatically just by visiting the page. Outdated browser plugins or software make this even riskier.
- Fake Browser Extensions or Flash Updates: Untrustworthy sites may prompt you to install extensions or update software like Flash. These “updates” can be malware in disguise, giving attackers access to your data.
- Hidden Malware in Video Players: Some sites require downloading a specific “video player” or codec. These are often malware-laden and should be avoided.
How to Stay Safe
- Stick to Trusted Platforms: Use legitimate services like Tubi, Crackle, or Peacock. They’re ad-supported but don’t put you at risk of malware.
- Avoid Unauthorized Streaming Sites: They often generate revenue through intrusive ads or malware, so it’s best to avoid them.
- Install Security Software: Keep antivirus software updated to help block threats if you accidentally visit a risky site.
- Avoid Downloading Software: Legitimate streaming sites don’t ask you to download players or extensions.
In summary, malware is a significant risk on unauthorized streaming sites, so sticking to reputable platforms is the safest choice.
Final Words
Finding movies to watch for free online is easier than ever before. If you’re a parent, you may want to pay special attention to the rating of some of the movies, since many of these websites don’t have a kids section.
Interested in a cheap smart TV to watch free movies online? Here are some models on sale now.
Looking To Shop Electronics? Check Out Deals Hub
Along with the wonderful things to eat and do in Atlanta, there are also so awesome places to shop.
In addition to malls, many Atlanta boutiques and consignment shops have daily deals so that you can save money.
Atlanta’s retail scene continues to be a bright spot for the local economy — and that means more sales for everyone!
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