The costs involved is another thing nobody told me about.....such a twist on fate. Turns out, Extras have to supply their own wardrobe for 95% of the jobs posted. Did not know that. And they more often than not want you to bring a second look. It's wear one, bring one. I had held onto my psychologist professional wardrobe for 4 year since moving here because I just couldn't let go of that identity. Somehow, still having my work clothes felt validating to me. When we moved apartments, we lost a lot of closet space and I just couldn't justify bringing all those clothes I was no longer wearing with me. So I packed 'em all up and gave them to the Salvation Army last May. Now that I am doing Extra work and am getting roles as lawyers, legal aids, etc I had to go out and buy all new professional wardrobe items. I went power shopping like I hadn't done in years. After twelve hours over two days and 6 thrift stores, 3 discount stores, and multiple clearance racks at various department stores later, I managed to assemble a pretty good selection of business suits, pants, blouses, shoes, etc. I'm exhausted but now feel well armed to take on a multiplicity of roles.
I have never worn much make up at all (blessed with good skin on my maternal side) and since moving here, none at all. I show up for my first TV filming and am berated by the make up person about needing to wear make up (details to follow in another blog post). The very next day, I go to Macy's, get a consult, and buy $176 worth of make up and related products. It was like going to a mechanic, I have no idea if I really needed all the stuff she told me I needed. Just being totally trusting.
So between the wardrobe, signing up for casting agencies and notification boards, the make up, and other related purchases, I rack up $778 in expenses and I haven't even bought my COP OUTFIT YET. I also did not have my pics done by a professional photographer. That would have been another major KA CHUNG.... Again, if I knew this is what start up would cost me, no way would I have done this but the expenses just kind of slowly accrued and before I knew it, I NOW HAVE TO WORK just to get out of debt! I find it all a little humorous because each job now represents what I can cover with that paycheck. I'm thinking it'll probably end of February before I see any $$ that I can bank.
I have never worn much make up at all (blessed with good skin on my maternal side) and since moving here, none at all. I show up for my first TV filming and am berated by the make up person about needing to wear make up (details to follow in another blog post). The very next day, I go to Macy's, get a consult, and buy $176 worth of make up and related products. It was like going to a mechanic, I have no idea if I really needed all the stuff she told me I needed. Just being totally trusting.
So between the wardrobe, signing up for casting agencies and notification boards, the make up, and other related purchases, I rack up $778 in expenses and I haven't even bought my COP OUTFIT YET. I also did not have my pics done by a professional photographer. That would have been another major KA CHUNG.... Again, if I knew this is what start up would cost me, no way would I have done this but the expenses just kind of slowly accrued and before I knew it, I NOW HAVE TO WORK just to get out of debt! I find it all a little humorous because each job now represents what I can cover with that paycheck. I'm thinking it'll probably end of February before I see any $$ that I can bank.
I thought your blog was called "Existential Extra Racisms" when I accidentally read the letters as overlapping...that silliness aside, I really like it! This all sounds so cool! Did they tell you the threshold for getting your SAG card?
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