#14- Jennifer Bender: How Working as a Background Extra Can Be Your Ticket Into the Industry

Working as a background actor is a great learning experience as it can help you meet the crew members, observe other roles, and get on set experience, while earning a little extra money. Jennifer Bender, Executive Vice President of Central Casting, talks with Tanya about her role at Central Casting and how it can help springboard your career into the industry.Listen to Jennifer share tips on how you can become a background extra and use it to launch your career in film.Key points:2:03 - How Jen got started4: 57 - Being a woman in Hollywood10:01 - Central Casting returning to work14:16 - Changes in the industry 16:46 - Set etiquette for background actors17:38 -  How does working as a background actor impact your ability to work in other departments19:34 -  Career longevity of a background extra 20:05 - What SAG covers21:39 - Working with different studios22:23 - Always looking for people22:49 - How often do background extras get a speaking role 23:40 - Is being an extra worth the money 24:25 - What should you bring to the casting25:10 - What color & car type should you have 26:05 - Advice for breaking in the industry Get the latest the There To Here: Film & Media Podcast sent to you Find more podcasts from CoLab INC Film & Media Follow us on: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn Twitter YouTubeConnect with the Practical FilmmakerFollow The Practical Filmmaker on InstagramWatch more episodes on YouTubeFind more filmmaking resources