Acting Books

The Truth About Being an Extra: How to Become a Good Background Actor by Jo Kelly - As a background actor for 8 years, Jo Kelly has written this book to help new people coming into “show biz” to avoid the pitfalls & scams she encountered. She also tells you how to find the legitimate background casting agencies that she has worked for. There is a chapter on casting children to help Mom’s avoid scams also. There is information on wardrobe, tips on what to expect on a set, the lingo used, mistakes she made and how to avoid them. All contacts are California, USA agencies.

Movie Extra 101 - Your Shortcut to Stardom by Gary Michael Smith - Teaches how to get work in the television and film industries as a background actor, featured extra, production assistant (PA), extras casting coordinator, etc. in Louisiana, USA

You Can Be a Movie Extra by Rob Martin - The ultimate guide for UK movie extras. Author Rob Martin is a leading agent, having cast Extras for the likes of Gladiator and Harry Potter, and inside he reveals everything you need to know. Also lists Supporting Artistes’ Agencies for London and the South-East, The South West, The Midlands and the North, Scotland, Wales and Child Agencies.