Andrea Brown has been casting "Extras" in BC since 1994. Previous to that she was an Extra and Stand In, then started Wrangling extras on set and eventually helping with Casting. She has worked all over BC, Alberta and even in the USA. She has always enjoyed looking for new faces and finding folks in remote locations or demographics. She has worked as an Extra herself in many locations and situations, rain and shine. She has watched the industry grow and improve over the years here in BC and is still as excited to be a part of it as the day she started. She hopes your experiences will be as rewarding for you.
"As long as you dont expect to be a movie star and are happy to just be a part of the Creative experience I recommend this to everyone who dreams of being in movies, it could be the slowest or the most fun day of your life, but you wont know till you get there, and either way I bet you will want to try it again."
Andrea Brown Casting Inc. is not an extras agency. Andrea Brown is a casting director contracted by productions to provide background performers. She searches through all agency talent websites as well as this website for the right people for each role. This casting company only accept applications via the form located at the bottom of this page. We do not accept pictures and resumes via standard mail.
You must be able to legally work in Canada. Please note that residency documentation will be required in order for you to be paid.
You must be 17 years of age or older to apply if you are 16 years of age or younger a legal parent must apply on your behalf.
Please make sure you’ve read all of the information in the Extra’s Guide before you apply.
While this can be fun please be aware it is also a real job we are paying real money for you to do. Please take it seriously. We do.
You will only be contacted when and if there is employment available for you.
If you already have a talent agent representing you can still apply here, this is also for those people not currently represented or self represented, or those specifically being recruited for a particular skill or production. If you are currently represented though you can also add more photos here, for hand doubling or doing/ showing various skills not represented on the agency service, and skills I may not already know about you. If you have an agent I will still contact you through them. If you don't I will contact you directly.
No fee’s or payments will be required from you at any time to sign up here.
We’re always looking for new Extras of all ages, shapes and sizes, you are never too big or too small, young or old, pretty or ugly we need you all!
List all of your skills however silly or obscure they may seem you never know when we may need them.
A recent photo of yourself on your computer.
Please make sure that your photo is an honest and clear representation of how your currently look. Photos must feature your head and shoulders and be a neutral background, Please note that professional photos are not required to apply for Extra work.
Do not wear hats or sunglasses in your photo and do not send photos that contain other people.
If you have long hair please wear it down.
Here’s a sample of a good photo:
Feel free to add several photos, include one of your hands if you can.
You can include a photo of your car, and your children if you have them.
Your sizes. You’ll need all of your sizing information in feet and inches as well as your weight in pounds. Please make sure this information is correct and always up to date.
Here’s a guide on how to take your measurements correctly.
If you would like to be considered for employment, please fill out the Extra’s Application located at the bottom of this page. Before you apply - please make sure you’ve read all of the information on this page:
If you’re represented by one of the Extra’s agents on the list below you don’t need to fill out our application - we already have your information through your agency. If your agent is not on our list, or you have chosen to be self-represented, please feel free to submit an application.
Double Agents Talent
Frontier Background Performers
NC Talent
When you’re looking for employment as an Extra you can either apply directly with the Extras Casting Director or you can sign up with an Extra’s Agency. Extras Casting Directors are employed by the producer to coordinate Extras on a film or television production. They can not collect commission or application fees from Extras.
Extra’s agents represent Extras and are regulated by the Province of British Columbia. Extras who sign up with an agency receive employment opportunities from their agent’s industry contacts. Because of this, it’s important to make sure that the agency you choose is reputable and has a good working relationship with Extras Casting Directors.
Agents charge a 15% commission fee for their services, as well as a yearly photo fee of $25.00.
Please read the Province of British Columbia’s regulations regarding Extra’s agents.
Extras without an agent are self-represented and must apply for employment with Extras Casting Directors themselves. As a self-represented Extra you are responsible for making your own contacts and finding your own work opportunities.
Thanks for applying we hope we will have to opportunity to work with you soon.
On most productions now it is a mandatory studio requirement for each crew and performer to provide proof of residency in BC. It is therefore very important to get a photo copy of your latest Notice of Assessment to keep with you and hand one in with your contract on each set you work on. If you dont have this (and we recommend that you do keep up to date with your personal taxes) they will accept photo copies of at least 3 Utility bills with your name and address on and a BC drivers License and or Card card. Many shows require a Drivers Licence and the Tax Assessment. We recommend you make photo copies and have them in your 'set' bag so you dont forget them. Some productions will delay payments or simply not wish to hire you if you dont have these photo copied documents. This is the only way the American Producers can claim their Canadian Tax credits and if they dont get them they dont come to Canada anymore.
The Province of British Columbia has employment regulations for children and teenagers 14 years of age and younger working in the entertainment industry. In some situations these regulations also apply to 15 and 16 years olds.
Depending on their age, children and teenagers have a limited number of work hours on set and require a legal parent with them at all times. Please make sure you are aware of these regulations.
Please read the Province of British Columbia’s regulations for children and teenagers.
The pay rate for a non-union Extra is $10 an hour which includes 4% vacation pay. Lunch breaks are not paid. Overtime is paid per the employment standard regulations. All fees are paid by cheque. It generally takes 2 weeks to get to you. Cheques are mailed by productions payroll company not this office and you will need a full mailing address with you each day for this purpose.
Andrea Brown Casting Inc. is not the employer. If you have any questions regarding your cheque please contact the production’s accounting department.
Payroll companies mail Revenue Canada T4A slips to all Extras for income tax purposes.
The Union of B.C. Performers (UBCP) is the trade union for performers employed in film and television productions in British Columbia. As well, they are the British Columbia branch of the Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists Performers Guild (ACTRA).
To become a member you must acquire 6 Acting credits, this does not include days as an extra.
Film and television Extras are covered by UBCP’s British Columbia Master Production Agreement. Productions are required to hire a limited number of UBCP Extras per day and all remaining Extras are paid non-union wages.
Please visit UBCP's website for more information.
A) The 1st A.D. will call out "roll sound" to initiate sound recording.
B) Next, the sound department will call out "sound speed" to confirm that they are recording sound.
C) After that, the camera department will sync the film and sound using a time slate or clapper. They may also call out "frame" to confirm that they are filming.
D) Then the 1st A.D. will call out "background action" to cue the Extras to begin their movement.
E) Lastly, the director will call out "action" to cue the actors.
F) Once the scene is completed the director will call "cut". It is very important that you continue the action you have been given until you have heard the director call "cut".
G) Once a shot is complete and the director has called "cut" the A.D.s may ask you to go to your "first marks" or return to your "number ones". This means you must return to your beginning position and prepare to shoot the scene again. Please stay still and quiet while waiting for this as a lot of things have to be checked before they know if they need to go again or move on.
