Toronto casting calls will pay you to be an extra in TV and film - here's how to apply

Toronto is the center of television and film production in Canada, and there are many supporting roles available for those with or without acting experience.

From shows like Prime Video's Reacher to Netflix Ginny and Georgia and Star Trek Paramount+ has big productions shot in and around the city.

If you're wondering what it takes to land an extra on a movie or TV show, the process is simple and a great way to make some extra cash.

Narsiti spoke with Toronto's background casting director, who shared the details of what the casting process looks like and how anyone can apply to be an extra on a show or film, even with no previous experience.

“I think the most important thing is that people should not be afraid of him,” Zameret Kleiman said.

Kleiman says he's been in the business for 25 years and has worked on films like this You are not invited to my Bat Mitzvah, Shazam!and Suicide Squad. She is currently casting extras for a new Netflix movie Frankensteinit is directed by Guillermo del Toro.

Kleiman encourages anyone who enjoys being with other people, just wants to try something new, or is interested in the whole casting and film process to become an extra.

“There are people who do it full-time, there are people who do it (part-time). It's a great way to get extra (income), especially if you have a part-time job or a student with free time; these commitments are just for work,” – he told Narcity.

“One of the good things about it is that you can really try it out and see if you like it. It's not a huge commitment. Once you commit, you make your initial commitment, and then you can decide from there if you want to do it again.”

Here's everything you need to know about how to find casting calls, what the application process looks like, and how much it pays.

How to find a casting call for a TV show or movie?

Two actors reading scripts and waiting to audition.

Several actors are reading the script.

Innovative Captures | Dreamstime

Kleiman says the best way to find casting calls in Toronto is to go to the ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Film, Television and Radio Artists) website.

ACTRA Toronto lists all productions currently underway or soon to begin.

If the production is looking for background actors, the background casting director will be listed. Once you have that name, it's very easy to Google their contact information or Facebook page, where they may have broadcast call details listed.

ACTRA has offices in other Canadian cities as well as Ottawa, Montreal, Vancouver, etc.

It also has more information about what background work in TV and movies involves.

What does the application process for a supplement look like?

Once you apply for a casting call, Kleiman says you'll usually hear back only when you get the part.

“We'll email and let them know and (…) give them a detailed description of the booking, including shoot dates and confirm the pay rate,” explained the Toronto casting director.

If the app asks specific questions, like if the person is willing to cut their hair (or something along those lines), the follow-up booking email can make additional notes, like asking that person not to cut their hair until the day of the shoot. change it to the period in which the movie is set.

Kleiman also notes that casting directors don't need professional photos during additional casting because they want to see the person “as they really are when they're standing in front of you.”

“If you want to be a background performer, take a picture with your phone,” he explained.

“No filters, no professional photos, no modeling pictures (…) you don't have to make any investment.”

Is previous acting experience required to be an extra?

Two people behind the camera on a film set.

Biserko | Dreamstime

Most background roles require no previous acting experience. This information will also be listed on the casting call itself.

So if you're interested in becoming a background actor and see an opening, give it a try, even if you've never done it before!

Do you need an agent to apply to be an extra?

You don't need an agent to apply to be a feature film, especially if you're trying it out for the first time.

However, Kleiman recommends getting a background agent if you plan to do this type of work on a regular basis, as that's how most performers are hired.

“Most performers in Toronto are hired through agents. Agents are paid on commission,” Kleiman said.

He said that in certain cases, the background casting director hires directly through an open casting call.

“Outreach does a lot more work for us. We do it when there's no other alternative because we have a clear view of streaming.”

Do you get paid extra on a movie or TV show?

According to Kleiman, the productions he works with always pay overtime.

“If it's under ACTRA's jurisdiction, performers are paid, and non-union performers are paid $16.55 an hour, and ACTRA performers are paid under an IPA (Independent Production Agreement).”

If you would like to join ACTRA, you can find information on how to do so on the ACTRA website. Membership is open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Is there anything you can do to make your application stand out?

According to Kleiman, when it comes to casting applications, the most important thing is to follow the instructions and do it as accurately as possible.

“Provide real contemporary photos, ideally all taken on the same day, especially for a period piece,” Kleiman said.

“If you're interested in doing background work on a consistent basis, you'll definitely want to know your measurements, because especially for period figures, we're limited to costumes, what's available in the wardrobe.”

If you're not sure what your measurements are, you can visit a tailor to find out.

“At the end of the day, background work is primarily based on views (…) it shows us that someone took the time to do (the app) right.” He added that following the guidelines “gives the best shot” when shooting a background role.

Are there open casting calls in Toronto?

ACTRA's What's Filming page lists a number of productions currently in or about to start filming, including the popular Netflix series. Ginny and Georgia.

Kleiman is currently casting for a Netflix film Frankenstein.

Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the film stars Jacob Elordi, Oscar Isaac and Christoph Waltz.

Filming will take place from March to June 2024 in and around Toronto.

No previous acting experience is required for any of these roles, and each comes with a salary.

Anyone interested in applying can find the application link here.

According to Kleiman, casting does not have an end date and will close once they find the background actors they need.

This interview has been shortened and edited for clarity.

The cover image for this article is for illustrative purposes only.

Toronto casting calls will pay you to be an extra in TV and film – here's how to apply