Work | LimboLuster

Working Part-Time as a Movie Extra

August 1, 2008 Part-Time Passions No Comments

Part-Time Work in Film Helps Pay While You’re Having Fun

movie extra

A friend of mine recently threw off the shackles of her mundane, rat-race job in Corporate America without really looking for a backup job. When she inquired whether I thought it was a waste of time for her to work as an extra on film sets, I was surprised. Of course, she’s not an actress, or one of those girls who thinks she’s an actress, or a part-time model who really just wants to break into “the biz.” My surprise, however, came from how she thought it would be a waste of time.

Working as an extra on films, commercials, music videos and TV shows part-time is a great learning experience and a really fun way to earn extra money. What most people don’t realize is that working in the entertainment industry is, by and large, excruciatingly boring. All that razzmatazz on Entourage is just a cover-up, and most people have Turtle’s job, or work as an assistant to someone else. However, if you are hellbent on making it in Tinseltown, working as an extra is a good launching pad and a good way to see for yourself how a movie set actually functions.

Movie Extras for Part-Time Work and Play

Overall, the work is pretty simple: stand there, wait, stand there some more, shout a bit, keep standing. Like I said, bo-ring. The fun part comes from the people you meet and the physical experience of being on a movie set — that’s not something everyone can lay claim to. Best of all, this is the only kind of work in acting that is truly steady. There is always a need for extras, so you can work as much or as little as you like.

If you are unsure about a career in acting in films but never took an actual acting class, this is a good way to see what goes on behind the film. For the rest of us, this is an easy paying gig that pays upward of $100 a day to just stand, walk or fill up space. Sign up with a casting agency so you know when shoots are taking place, or look on Craigs List, but be careful it’s not a, ahem, more adult kind of set.Of course, this is the kind of job meant for people in Southern California and the L.A. area, but New Yorkers, Chicagoans and other major urbanites should be able to find listings for extra work without any problem. Bring a book and a deck of cards to keep you and any new friends you meet entertained while the crew takes breaks. Then start bragging to everyone about how much of a jerk Natalie Portman really is (just kidding, Natalie, you know we love you and your sweet self).

The Part-Time Writing Gig

November 26, 2007 Part-Time Passions No Comments

Do you need something to do while you are trying to find a job? Something that brings in income but still allows you the time and flexibility to go on interviews, continue your job search, etc? If so, sounds like you are stuck in Career Limbo. Don’t worry–this is completely common and there are several ways to bring in some extra cash in the meantime.Part-time writing gigs are one of the best income solutions for Career Limbo. There are infinite opportunities, you can work from home, you can (usually) control how much your work-load is, and you can write whenever/at any time of the day. This gives you all the time you need to go on interviews, look for jobs, etc. Plus part-time writing can be fun, and there is a job opening for any subject/topic you are interested in.. you just have to look for it!If this sounds like something that is right up your alley… <!–more–> start your search on Craig’s List under ‘Writing Gigs‘. Here are my picks of the day (see if any of these work for you).* All Around Writing on Any Topic/Any Style* Webisode Writing* Mac Blogger Let me know if you find any other good gigs… Good luck!

The Plunge into the Real World

November 14, 2007 The Job Hunt No Comments

Yes girls and boys, the real world awaits. College is over. Everyone around you is starting to disappear from 9-6. You have to wait until 5pm for happy hour. You have no clue what you want to do. Mom and Dad are threatening to cut you off. I know, it’s scary.

But I am here to tell you that it’s not that hard. There are plenty of jobs out there, one of which has your name on it. Time to get yourself out of that state of denial and be proactive.

To ease yourself into it, wander over to Craig’s list while your putting in your daily Facebook-stalking time. Browse through the section of local job opps. You will be pleasantly surprised how many opportunities there are all around you. Bookmark anything that looks interesting.

Once you feel comfortable with this, move on over to job finder sites. I have found that the industry-specific sites are much more helpful than the monster sites, which don’t really match you up with the best finds, but more so just add to your pile of spam mail.

So check out the following sites, update that resume of yours and get to goin. Take the plunge.

Here are some helpful links to get you started:

For All You Entry-Level/Recent College Grads: