How to get a job in the Okanagan film industry as an extra | iNFOnews

Sep 19, 2022 – 5:58 am

It is possible to prove yourself as a professional actor by starting out as an extra in the Okanagan’s expanding film and television industry.

The thought of getting paid to be in front of the camera before seeing yourself in the final product can feel exciting. And more of these opportunities are available in the region.

But Brenda Connell, founder of BookIt Talent Agency in Kelowna, said it’s important that aspiring actors know what they’re getting into.

“Be prepared to work late and start on minimum wage,” she said.

Background actors have to wait most of the day before they are needed, and sometimes they are needed until 3am

“It’s always more glamorous in your head than it is on set,” Connell said.

CONTINUE READING: Talent agency Kelowna is ‘overwhelmed’ by the interest of thousands of Okanagan actors.

For someone just starting out, Connell said the job can earn up to $225 a day, but only for those lucky enough to get a union voucher. Otherwise, the tariffs should correspond to the minimum wage. Better pay is achieved by successfully joining the Union of British Columbia Performers/Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists.

To apply to UBCP/ACTRA as a supporting actor, you must have worked a minimum of 200 days or 1,600 hours on set.

In the early days of an acting career, the best way to impress the set director is to show up on time and treat the role with a professional attitude.

“They signed up for a job, it’s not just something that might be fun,” she said.

For people who don’t love the work – the low pay, long hours and sporadic opportunities can quickly drain their enthusiasm. And being late is one of the quickest ways to fall out of favor.

“You don’t want to upset a casting director,” Connell said.

CONTINUE READING: The city of Okanagan is featured in the coming-of-age film Crave

It’s much easier to persevere in the industry for those who love the job.

“It can be a lot of fun. It’s like family — for those who’ve been doing it for years, they love seeing each other again on set,” she said

Working as an extra could lead to much bigger roles – actors like Brad Pitt and Ben Affleck had their first roles in the background – but Connell said it’s not very common.

In order to keep the dream alive and take your acting career to the next level, it is important to learn from reputable schools and coaches.

“It’s illusory to think you can get in without an education — even as a background actor, there’s a lot of competition,” she said.

Connell recommended taking a little lesson in set etiquette. Deborah Sawarin, a Kelowna-based film industry consultant, offers four-hour classes on Zoom for $50. She can be reached here by email.

CONTINUE READING: “A Place to Make Movies”: The Okanagan film industry is coming of age

Those interested in becoming an extra in the Okanagan and hoping to work their way up to better opportunities will compete for jobs against many experienced actors in the Lower Mainland.

She advises anyone who wants to apply to an agency to get good photos—a headshot, a full-body shot, and a profile photo.

“You don’t want to just sit with your dog, holding a strange object or making a peace sign,” Connell said.

Special skills and education listed on resumes can also go a long way. And if you’re new to acting, it helps to highlight achievements in areas like dancing or sports.

“Anything that gets you noticed for those specialized background roles is helpful — even something as niche as knowing how to apply a tan or tie balloon animals,” Connell said. “There’s a lot to it, but the bottom line is that you want to maintain a good reputation.”

---

To contact a reporter for this story email Dan Walton or call 250-488-3065 or email the editor. You can also send photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and enter a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories, but play nice. We will not censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam, or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor at the link above.