How To Become A Star!
By Joey Shankland Raines
Are there movie buffs out there who would love to have a vacation that could include being involved in Hollywood filming without having an agent? Visiting Los Angeles is an entirely different experience when you get involved and you might just learn something about the actors and what really goes on during filming.
It does take some advanced prep to get booked as an extra in films and television shows. The good news is, you have the control and do not depend on a middle person. First you must build a profile in either
Actors Access or LA Casting Network even better if you do both. It will request you upload photos, head-shot preferable and a full body. Additionally, it will guide you through a list of information about yourself that potential casting directors could book directly off of versus having in person auditions.
There is a nominal fee involved with setting up the accounts, but one extra position would balance that out in addition to the fun experience you would have not only observing but participating in the project! After setting up your profile, you will begin receiving emails regarding “fit for you” castings. It has full explanation in the email how to submit yourself for a project, a couple clicks and its done. Submitting is really THAT easy! I recommend usually submitting yourself for projects a minimum of a 7-10 days prior to the time you are planning on being in Los Angeles, however many times they send out next day requests, two day ahead or even urgent same day… so definitely keep up with your email! You will need to have a profile for each person who wants to submit, I know its frustrating, but its just how it works for the casting directors. They may not pick “everyone” depending on the role, however they usually need many extras so that helps if you are only doing this for the experience and wanting to have fun. Some of these next day or last minute “urgent” type castings are for audience members for live audience tapings, such as on the beach or on Hollywood Boulevard in a group atmosphere. They usually last about 2 hours and pay around 50 dollars, then enjoy your time at the beach or continue to explore the loc
al sights.
If you are wanting to involve your children in the filming and extra field, you MUST acquire a work permit for them. They cannot be cast even as a free background extra without a permit. The process is simple but needs to be done at least a month ahead of the trip to ensure you get the permit on time. You will need to make a profile via California Department of Industrial Relations and it will guide you through step by step for what you will need. It will require a doctor physical to fill out their form stating the minor is healthy and fit for work. If the minor has recently had a physical and your doctor will simply fill out the form that is ok as well. Additionally, it requires the minors school to fill out and sign a form acknowledging that the student is enrolled and has good grades. Those two forms as well as a copy of Birth Certificate or Passport for identity verification will all be uploaded and the file will be complete linked with information the parents submit.
The State of California also requires you to have what they call a “Coogan Account” for minors. It is a trust account that is set up for income the minor receives (to protect them from parents living off their income and leaving nothing for the kids). Granted, this is for the major actors protection but in California, it’s a one rule serves all. In Texas they did a trust for me, noted it as an actors trust account and the bank knew how to draw it up as soon as I said California Coogan. It takes about 30 minutes to set up, however I would call ahead to make sure what documents for the child your bank needs.
Another fun way to be involved is to be part of a studio audience and I mean there are ALL KINDS! This needs to be arranged weeks in advance of your trip as tickets tend to go quickly for the top shows, especially when popular guests are scheduled. One of the best places I have found to get FREE tickets to network tv show filming as well as talk show audience is TV Tickets. All of the top shows in LA are being ticketed out via Audiences Unlimited Inc who uses the website for booking out to you directly. They will take your request and tell you if there is immediate availability, if you are waitlisted or if its unavailable at all. The waitlist often clears, so don’t be discouraged. This past August I scored tickets to The Voice, The Odd Couple, among a few. Their website updates daily with new availability so check back often as you plan for your trip.
If you plan on going to Universal Studios Hollywood (and I do recommend it) there is a place called Universal CityWalk right outside the park. It is loaded with great restaurants, shops and bars. If you go to to Saddle Ranch Chop House the food is fantastic, the drinks are great and they actually have a mechanical bull to ride. It is a lot of fun while getting the gear up for Howl at the Moon, dueling pianos. All the live entertainment can be found at City Walk Hollywood.
The best way to get into a local nightlife scene is open mic nights along Hollywood Boulevard, Sunset Boulevard and its surrounding area. There literally is an open mic for EVERYTHING in Los Angeles, comedy, poetry, musician and of course singing. The great thing about LA is it maps everything out quite nicely and even refers to things as a “comedy crawl” as an example to guide you through ongoing locations and various start times. Los Angeles Open Mic is an example of this.
Other great websites for locating the “what is where” for open mic are here and believe it or not as simple as the Facebook page dedicated to LA open mic (Facebook Open Mic Group). I found that VERY helpful as they are current up to date attendees and interact socially within the venue. I highly recommend the Pig n Whistle and the El Cid if you are going to give open mic a try, the venues are in great locations with a true LA feel and the people are genuine. You never know who is up and coming so it may be worth just going to listen to new talent!
Getting around Los Angeles is different than most cities. If map quest says 30 minutes, give it 45min to an hour. Traffic changes on a dime and for castings 15 minutes early is considered on time. Parking can be tricky depending on the location however most castings will give you notice where to park. For open mic and nights out, use parking garages or make sure you read the signs around you as they LOVE to give tickets on the street for expired meters.
Wrapping up, I would be amiss to leave out a local hot spot called “Pinks” Hot Dogs. It is THE PLACE. I say that because you never know who is going to be there. They have run out of room on their walls with signed photos literally wall papering one on top of each other of the famous stars we dream of meeting. I’d love to say this place is over rated and the lines aren’t worth it, but I would be lying and you would miss out on probably the best hot dog and fries of your life. The menu is so extensive Im going to leave this right here .
The one thing about LA is you never know who you are going to see in a coffee shop, restaurant or simply shopping in a store. You will see filming going on every day in many different locations and models being shot by photographers more than a few times each day in different locations. Its is definitely the place of dreams coming true for people and for those of us who just want a “taste” of it, we have that ability with a little planning ahead. Don’t just people watch, be a part of one of the actives people are watching!