Nestorbot
Arts & EntertainmentISCO 3435

Extra

An extra is a person who performs actions in the background or in a crowd during filming, without affecting the action directly but creating the atmosphere a scene needs.

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Check yourself in a minute: extra

Rate 5 of the 6 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

act reliably

harmonise body movements

express yourself physically

act discreetly

follow directions of the artistic director

About extra

The extra plays film scenes in the background: walking a street, filling a restaurant, reacting to something off camera, and doing it at the same pace and in the same place take after take, because the shot has to cut together. The extra synchronises body movements both with the other extras and with the timing of the principal action.

An extra follows the artistic director's instructions exactly: where to start, when to move, where to look, how fast to walk, and above all not to look at the camera. The extra uses physical means of expression, conveying a situation with posture, gesture, pace and attention.

The extra behaves responsibly towards the crew and others on set and is discreet. On set, an extra sees the script and the performances before release and does not repeat anything from them outside the production.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (6)

act reliablyact reliablyProceed in a way that one can be relied on or depended on.harmonise body movementsharmonise body movementsHarmonise body movements in accordance to rhythm and melody, aestetic or dramatic concept, dramatic pace, etc.express yourself physicallyexpress yourself physicallyExpress emotions and ideas through movements, gestures, and actions.act discreetlyact discreetlyBe discreet and don't draw attention.follow directions of the artistic directorfollow directions of the artistic directorFollow the instructions of the director while understanding his creative vision.perform scenes for filmingperform scenes for filmingPerform the same scene several times in a row independently from the plot until the shot is deemed satisfactory.
Optional (18) — show
photographyphotographyArt and practice of creating aesthetically appealing images by recording light or electromagnetic radiation.acting techniquesacting techniquesThe different acting techniques for developing lifelike performances, such as method acting, classical acting, and Meisner technique.lighting techniqueslighting techniquesThe characteristics of techniques used to create atmospheres and effects on camera or on stage; the equipment required and appropriate setup to use.use firearmsuse firearmsShoot one or several types of firearm being aware of safe handling techniques, aim of the firearm and the fire.rehearse rolerehearse roleStudy lines and actions. Practise them before recording or shooting to find the best way to perform them.practice martial artspractice martial artsPractice one or several codified combat systems or traditions. Use your martial arts techniques for self-defense, self-development, performance, health, or other purposes.work with the camera crewwork with the camera crewWork with the crew responsible for the camera operation and movement to get directions from them on where to stand for an aesthetic result.perform dancesperform dancesPerform in artistic productions of differents disciplines such as classical ballet, modern dance, contemporary dance, early dance, ethnic dance, folk dance, acrobatic dances and street dance.practice dance movespractice dance movesStudy and practice dance moves required in artistic productions.work with the director of photographywork with the director of photographyWork with the director of photography on the artistic and creative vision that needs to be followed during production of a movie or theatre production.analyse a scriptanalyse a scriptBreak down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.collaborate on costume and make-up for performancescollaborate on costume and make-up for performancesWork with the staff responsible for costumes and make up in line with their creative vision and obtain directions from them about how make-up and costumes should look.exercise sportsexercise sportsExercise or practice under the direction of sports and athletic trainers or professional coaches to develop skills, improve physical condition, or prepare for competitions.singsingUse the voice to produce musical sounds, marked by tone and rhythm.practise singingpractise singingStudy and practise lyrics, melody, and rhythm of songs.work with the lighting crewwork with the lighting crewWork with the crew responsible for the lighting setup and operation to get directions from them on where to stand for an aesthetic result.ride horsesride horsesRide horses, and pay attention to ensuring the safety of the horse and rider, and applying proper horseback riding techniques.adapt to acting rolesadapt to acting rolesAdapt to different roles in a play, regarding the styles, ways of acting and aesthetics.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

stunt performer3 shared essential skillsart model2 shared essential skillsvoice-over artist2 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does an extra do?

Extras perform actions in the background or in crowds during filming. They do not contribute to the plot directly but they are important to create a certain atmosphere.

What skills does an extra need?

An extra needs 6 essential skills, including act reliably, harmonise body movements, express yourself physically, act discreetly, follow directions of the artistic director.

Will AI replace extra jobs?

The AI disruption score for extra is 6/100 (very low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: analyse a script, lighting techniques, photography. Most resilient: perform scenes for filming, ride horses, exercise sports.

AI Replacement Risk

6/ 100
Very Low Risk
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Quick Facts

SectorArts & Entertainment
ISCO GroupLegal, social, cultural and related associate professionals
Essential Skills6

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