Jessica Norton 
New Jersey has become a vibrant and growing hub for film and television productions, providing a wide array of opportunities for residents to participate as extras and background actors. By combining the use of reputable online casting websites, connecting through community networks, and keeping a close eye on current and upcoming local filming activities, individuals interested in working as extras can uncover a variety of valuable opportunities. This approach helps both aspiring background actors and passively interested residents navigate the bustling industry and gain hands-on experience within New Jersey’s dynamic and expanding entertainment scene. Read on to learn more about how to find casting calls for extras work in film and television in New Jersey.
Background Actors + Extras
A background actor or extra typically appears in non-speaking roles in the background of scenes, like pedestrians on a street, diners in a restaurant, or crowds at an event. No special look is required to be a background actor. Productions often need a wide variety of ages, ethnicities, and styles, depending on the scenes being filmed. Many productions hire background actors through casting agencies or online casting calls, which require submitting a photo as well as sending basic info such as your clothing sizes for wardrobe. Most background work gigs do not require previous work or acting experience. Background actors must be able to follow the cues of directors and production assistants, who will give instructions on where to stand, how to move, or how to react on-camera. Background work can be a stepping stone to speaking roles or other parts, and it’s a great way to learn how sets work, meet industry professionals, and gain on-screen experience. Extras should always have flexible schedules, anticipate long days on set, have appropriate wardrobe options, and have a professional attitude.
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SAG vs. Non-SAG Extras Work
If you’ve never acted on a film or television production before, it is likely that you are Non-SAG, which means you are not a member of the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), the major union representing film and TV performers in the United States. When a background actor is SAG-affiliated, they are hired under union contracts, which provide certain protections like minimum pay rates, working conditions, breaks, and health benefits. SAG background work usually pays more than non-union background work and has stricter rules to ensure fair treatment. They also receive benefits like health insurance contributions and pension plans if they work enough.
Non-SAG actors are often paid less, with no union protections or benefits. Non-SAG actors aren’t bound by union rules, so they can often accept gigs on very short notice, take part in projects with irregular or longer hours, or work multiple jobs back-to-back without restrictions. Many independent films, student films, web series, local commercials, and experimental projects don’t have the budget to pay union rates or follow union rules, so they hire mostly non-union actors. But that is not to say big-budget films exclusively use SAG actors — as we reported on The Montclair Girl last year, Adam Sandler’s comedy Happy Gilmore 2, which is now streaming on Netflix, actively hired local extras while filming in North Jersey. When a non-union background actor gets hired for a production, it can sometimes count toward SAG eligibility. After working a certain number of union background jobs as a non-SAG actor, actors can apply for a SAG membership, Backstage notes.
Casting Agencies
The first step is to identify reputable casting websites and agencies that specialize in extras work. Websites like Backstage, Grant Wilfley Casting, Casting Networks, and Central Casting often post listings for background roles in productions shooting in the New Jersey area. For example, recent films such as A Complete Unknown + Deliver Me From Nowhere used Grant Wilfley Casting to cast extras for the films, which had scenes in New Jersey. Creating a profile with updated photos and personal information can increase chances of being selected. These casting agencies frequently post notices seeking background talent, often specifying location, dates, and pay rates.
Local News Outlets + Social Media
Local film commissions and industry websites also serve as valuable resources, regularly updating casting opportunities available throughout New Jersey. Local news stations and newspapers often report when a production is coming to town, which gives an early heads-up on where and when casting calls might happen. Often, the casting directors will provide information to local papers or news websites to share about casting calls or extras needed for productions shooting nearby in order to find extras locally.
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Why is There So Much Filming in New Jersey?
New Jersey is just across the river from New York City, which is one of the biggest entertainment hubs in the world. This makes it easy for productions to access talent, crew, and resources without the higher costs or logistical challenges of filming in Manhattan. The state of New Jersey also provides attractive tax credits and financial incentives to filmmakers. Many municipalities in New Jersey are accustomed to hosting film shoots and have streamlined permitting and cooperation with production companies. These factors help reduce production costs and make New Jersey a competitive alternative to other popular filming locations.
Plus, Netflix is building a major film and television production studio at the Jersey Shore at the site of the former Fort Monmouth base in Monmouth County, which will span across Eatontown and Oceanport. The development will reportedly include 12 state‑of‑the‑art soundstages, backlots, offices, and post‑production facilities. Demolition began in May 2025, and full studio operations are projected by 2028. This will likely bring about many more opportunities for New Jersey locals to pursue roles as extras in film and television for Netflix productions.
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