All over Germany there are several companies that care about extras in films and TV-productions. Often, these companies call themselves extras casting agencies or agencies.
These corporations are known as the intermediaries between the extras and the film and television production companies. There are even some TV channels that occupy their very own extras (such as the “Hessische Rundfunk” in Frankfurt).
At all companies you must register yourself to end up as an extra. Often the rules for registration are the exact same, but in order to do nothing wrong, it is worth browsing the web page of the agency or make a quick phone call there.
Mainly two pictures are required by the extras (full body and a portrait photo). Also you need to fill out a sheet about yourself. Principal rule here: If possible, use current and professional images (eg from photographers). So do not use a fuzzy snapshot of your last vacation.
You get the questionnaire sheet from the agency or you can get it on the website. It identifies the main data about you: name, address, your telephone number occupation, etc. Also you must enter specific details about yourself here, which are significant for future job extras: eg Body measurements (for costumes that will fit later), driver’s licenses, languages you speak, special skills that you can (eg dancing).
That is also significant for the subsequent selection of extras, so that on the set each extra fits perfectly in his or her role. Certain questions are also in the document: eg if you can imagine, to be naked in front of the camera. If no, this is not a problem.
If you’ve already worked as an actor, you may also specify this in the document. But tick this only if you truly have something to offer as an actor. Let it be, if you’re shy or stutters constantly.
When you have your documents sent to the agency, you have to wait. As soon as the agency has a need for you, they will get in touch with you. And please don’t bother the agency with telephone calls, basically because they didn’t call you in the next days. If you’re lucky, an agency calls you in the next couple of days and you will certainly play your first extra role in your life looking at a camera.
Play as an extra in a film or a TV Show. No Problem. Check out the german webpage Komparse werden.