entertainment industry coach Question 400: Do you have to be in a union to take pictures on set?

Not only do you have to be in a union but you have to be a still photographer. In some cases they let cameras on the set for continuity and wardrobe, but to take stills of the shoot you must be a still photographer.

Now if you are a still photographer and you’re not in the union, you can get your days toward getting into the union by working on non-union projects, but be sure to check with Contract Services to make sure you are saving things like pay stubs, etc. so your days will qualify.

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entertainment industry coach question 272: What kind of wardrobe do I need to be an extra?

The first thing to determine is your type and what kind of scenes you'd be brought in for. Unless money is not an issue, start with 5 wardrobe choices that you are most likely to be brought in for. Examples are: business attire, upscale party attire, hip student attire, average Joe (or Jane) attire, and mom or dad (decide your money bracket).

Some background artists, after many years in the industry and knowing their type, make specific wardrobe purchases, like: nurse, cop, or security guard uniforms. Just know, that in many of these castings, they will have that specific wardrobe for you.

Your best bet is to sign with an established extras casting company and ask for feedback from them. You may also want to ask advice from the established background artists you meet on your first few jobs.

For more tips and articles by top entertainment industry career coach, The Greenlight Coach, visit www.TheGreenlightCoachBlog.com