All over Germany there are a number companies that care about extras in films and/or TV-productions. Regularly, these companies call themselves extras casting agencies or agencies.
These companies are known as the intermediaries between the extras and the film and television production companies. There are even some TV channels that occupy their very own extras (for example the Hessische Rundfunk in Frankfurt).
At all companies you must sign-up yourself to become an extra. Often the rules for registration are the same, but in order to do nothing wrong, it is worth checking out the web page of the agency or make a quick telephone call there.
Mainly two pictures are required by the extras (full body and a portrait photo). Also you need to fill out a sheet about yourself. Principal rule here: If possible, use current and professional images (eg from photographers). So do not use a fuzzy snapshot of your last vacation.
You get the questionnaire sheet from the agency or you can download it on the website. It identifies the main facts about you: name, address, phone number occupation, etcetera. Also you must enter specific details about yourself here, which are crucial for future job extras: eg Body measurements (for costumes that will fit later), driver’s licenses, languages you speak, special skills that you can (eg dancing).
This is also important for the future selection of extras, so that on the set every single extra fits perfectly in his or her role. Specific questions are also in the document: eg if you can imagine, to be naked before the camera. If no, this is not a problem.
If you’ve already worked as an actor or actress, you may also specify that in the paper. But tick this only if you actually have something to offer as an actor or actress. Let it be, if you’re shy or stutters constantly.
When you have your papers sent to your agency, you have to wait. As soon as the agency has a requirement for you, they will contact you. And please do not annoy the agency with calls, because they didn’t call you in the following days. If you’re blessed, an agency requests you in the next couple of days and you will play your first extra role in your life looking at a camera.
If you are interested to be an extra in movies or TV or if you are interested to make money as an extra on the big screen you should go to the german page Komparse werden.