Being a movie extra sounds like a decent way to earn about $100 a day.
Or… would it ruin the magic?
We wanted to know what its actually like to land a gig as a movie extra.
How do you get cast?
Whats it like to be on set?
And,ahem… do you get to meet the stars?
We got in touch with TPH reader Jared Zajac who mentioned his experience on ourFacebook page.
Zajac was an extra in two major blockbusters filmed in Cleveland, Ohio.
No Interest Til Almost 2027?
In 2013, he spent one day on the set of Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
The Penny Hoarder:What was the casting experience like?
Zajac:The casting call took place at a local hotel.
I arrived early, but the line already extended far into the backyard of the hotel.
The local news crew was there, and it was very hot.
By the time most people got to the casting area, they were a little red from the sun.
We had to fill out a short questionnaire; then they took a headshot photograph of each person.
TPH:What was it like to be on the set of The Avengers?
They went over the plot with us, and what was happening in the scene.
They also stressed that this information was confidential and we would be discharged if we divulged the scenes.
We went to wardrobe and makeup where we changed and they made sure my shaved head wasnt too shiny.
The theater was actually a mall, and inside was our on-set holding area.
The next few days, we filmed the scenes where Loki makes everyone kneel before him.
The ground was very hard and uncomfortable so we were given knee pads.
Joss Whedon was there, but he wasnt directing us.There was a local Cleveland director for us.
Two versions of Captain Americas shields were also on set, one was wooden and one was metal.
He was very no-frills, not very talkative and very focused on his work.
There was one particular day early on where I sat in holding for over five hours.
Those days were the roughest because there wasnt much to do besides eat and socialize.
For that day our holding area was under a bunch of tents outside.
We actually held an extras screening on the day of the premiere at a local theater.
One extra even showed up in a limousine as Tony Stark.
Another showed off his new Avengers tattoo.
Yeah, some extras went all out.
But it was a great event.
TPH: How did your experience on Captain America compare?
For that movie, we were in a local hall.
On set were Chris Evans and Emily VanCamp.
We didnt film scenes with them, but they shot some scenes while we were in the holding area.
Only I knew it was me.
But seeing yourself in the film is just an added bonus.
The experience is one I will always remember.
How to Find Work as a Movie Extra
Are you intrigued?
Zajacs description of the experience certainly perked up themovie nerdin me!
How does your experience compare?
Dana Sitar (@danasitar) is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.
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