In my past life, pre-kids, I was a movie extra in Austin, Texas. Keep reading to find out how I got the jobs and how much I made as a movie extra.
How I Used to Be a Movie Extra in Austin, Texas
Before I was the Cha Ching Queen I was actually in a few movies, as an extra. I had a great time doing that and I got to get up close and chat with the actors. It was also fun seeing how movie production works. It didn’t pay much. To be a movie extra in Austin in 2000, the pay was $75 a day and it included meals and snacks.
Back in the early 2000s, here used to be many movies filmed in Austin. A few of the movies I was in include Miss Congeniality, The New Guy, and The Rookie. I was also a dancer in a music video for A-T Boyz (Alma Tejana).
After searching on YouTube, I was able to find a clip of the New Guy.
At around 24:09 I’m in the purple on the right. I’m famous now. hee hee. I was in some other scenes too.
I Was An Extra in a Tejano Music Video Filmed in Austin
Here is the music video, Chica Bonita by Los A-T Boyz.
How about you? Have you ever been on TV or in the movies?
How to Be a Movie Extra
If you are in the Austin area and want to be a movie extra, then check out the casting agencies of Beth Sepko with Third Coast Extras and Michael Druck Casting. There are other agencies that are also looking for film extras in Austin and the jobs are often posted in the Central Texas Actors Group.
For extras casting outside of central Texas, I recommend searching for casting agencies in your city and contacting them to get more information.
How Much Do Film Extras Get Paid in 2020?
In 202o, I’ve noticed most of the extras job listings state the pay is based on the SAG National Commercial Scale. I find the pay for film extras to normally be $125/day.