For many, the dream of being in a film may seem far away. However, if you just want the movie experience, why not be an extra? The pay isn’t fantastic, but all you’re really going to do is stand around all day in the background, right? Plus, it can give you an excellent look at the behind-the-scenes of movie making.

Now, in order to get an extra role in a big film like Harry Potter, you are going to have to complete some basic steps.

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself With Casting Services

5 NETWORKING TIPS FROM A WORKING ACTRESS (1348 words)
By Sally Golan

Okay, so who is Sally Golan and why is she giving us advice on how to network in the business? Simple! Who better to take advice from than someone who is in the same position as you and with lots of personal experience to share?

Are Extra Jobs Really Worth It?
By Julian Kelly

Depending on your career goals, and the nature of the "extra" position, an extra job may or may not serve you in advancing your career.

How to Look Good On Film
By Julian Kelly

Wouldn't acting be so much easier if the right camera angels could make fat rolls and skin blemishes disappear? How easy life might become if casting directors no longer hired actors based on appearance! Our profession might be restored to its former glory if talent again reigned supreme as the foremost deciding factor in getting work. Yet, as nice as that would be, I am yet to learn of any current agency or film company that casts actors based totally on talent, without taking their look into consideration.

14 Tips for Making it in Hollywood

1) Many people do not like to take workshops as they feel like they are paid auditions. I am still fairly new to LA and now know that it has gotten me called in on many occasions. DO NOT go to the workshops unless you are technically and artistically trained because it will work against you and might keep you from getting
called into the casting office.

Where to Learn Film Acting (1295 words)
by Ruth Kulerman

Here are two questions we received from a reader asking about acting for film:

(1) Are there classes just for film or TV acting?
(2) What is the difference between acting on stage and acting on camera?

Let's answer the easy part first: Yes, there are classes for film acting all over the world. In fact, look under a vine in the Brazilian Rain Forest and you'll find a come-on ad for an expensive class in camera technique! In the world of scams, film acting classes rate top ten. Be careful out there. Lots of sharks.

Seven Demo Reel Tips

"Dear Chad: I know that I need a demo reel in order to get television and film work, but what should I put on the reel? Is there a standard format? Thanks! Devon Smalls, New York."

Devon: Yes, there is a particular format for demo reels, which are tapes (and now downloadable movies) which provide agents and casting directors samples of your film and television work. I'll give you a sample of what a professional demo reel contains, but first, let's go over some general tips.

"HOW DO YOU HANDLE A DIFFICULT DIRECTOR?"

Carefully. Like a grumpy rattlesnake. Smile and smile. Yes and Yes. Thank you and thank you. Here, your job is to do anything (from coffee toadying to curtseying) in order to have the freedom to present the character as you think it is written.

When to Avoid Student Films, Acting Classes, and Accents
By Ruth Kulerman

Occasionally a reader sends several questions, seemingly unrelated but if you read closely you can pick up a thread running through each question. The following e-mail is an example. After answering the questions, let's look at the common emotion behind each and see if there is any advice that will help get past all these potholes in his road to success.

QUESTION #1 - Student Films

"How important are student films? Should I keep doing them if I like the scripts?"