Union Extra Work in Tampa

As an extra in Tampa, expect to spend a lot of time waiting behind the scenes. Your main task will involve brief moments crossing the set, often repeated as the larger scene is filmed numerous times.

The good news is that extra work in Tampa is plentiful, especially if you have unique skills like juggling, martial arts, or dancing. These can make you a standout and land you more projects. Even your car could be your ticket to a gig if it matches the production's needs.

Remember, though, that being an extra often involves long hours. Projects can take days or even weeks, and for most of that time, you'll be waiting until your brief moment in the spotlight.

While union membership can boost your earnings, the film industry's health in your area significantly impacts the amount of work available. Locations with a thriving film scene, like Tampa, offer more opportunities for securing extra gigs. As you gain experience on set in Tampa, you'll naturally gravitate towards more prominent roles in acting schools Tampa.

While union membership, such as with the Screen Actors Guild (SAG), is not mandatory for extras, it can be advantageous. Associations like the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (AFTRA) can also be beneficial for those seeking extra work in Tampa. Once you become a member of such unions, it's a good practice to keep a headshot and resume at the AFTRA headquarters in their "extras" file. AFTRA maintains this extras file so that directors and casting directors can easily find suitable candidates for their productions in Tampa. Convenience and time efficiency are crucial in the industry.

If you aspire to join the Screen Actors Guild, there are prerequisites you should be aware of. One requirement is to be a member of another performers union for at least one year before applying. Starting with a union like AFTRA is often a good choice. You will also need to work as a principal extra within that union's jurisdiction. Typically, actors begin their careers in Tampa as non-union members, but it's important to note that there's a significant difference in pay between SAG and non-union actors.

While getting cast might seem difficult, there's a path forward. Becoming a SAG extra is a great first step towards joining the Screen Actors Guild, not just in Tampa but anywhere with a SAG chapter. Here's the advantage: Tampa productions are required to hire a minimum number of SAG extras each filming day before they can bring in non-union extras. And if a SAG extra can't make it, there's a chance for a non-union extra to snag their spot with a voucher. In Tampa, landing three of these vouchers makes you eligible to apply for SAG membership.

In Tampa, making a good impression on the assistant director is key to getting a SAG voucher. Politeness and attentiveness go a long way. Remember the names of those you meet, and engage in friendly conversation during downtime, but be mindful not to disrupt the flow of filming. Patience and a cooperative spirit are also valued on set. Being helpful when you can, without getting in the way, is appreciated. Finally, delivering a tactful and effective performance will solidify your reputation. A thoughtful thank-you note to the assistant director after your work is complete can leave a lasting positive impression. The Director's Guild of America (DGA) website (https://www.dga.org/) can often provide the assistant director's mailing address.