Peter Jackson
Pizza Time Dude!
Re: EL HOBBIT
1.9. How do I get cast as an extra in the movies?
The only way to become an extra in the films is to be *in* New Zealand at the time casting calls go out (and specifically *in* the city in which they need extras on the days announcements are made) and either be a citizen of New Zealand or possess a New Zealand work permit. Calls for extras will occur much the same as they did for LOTR: ads will be published in local papers and broadcast on local radio stations and you will have to be available to work within 24-48 hours. So, unless you’re ready, willing and able to move to New Zealand for two years, happen to be in the right place at the right time and are fully documented to work there, you’re out of luck.
Note: tourist visas to New Zealand are currently valid for 90 days. A number of countries have working holiday visa schemes with New Zealand; they are generally valid for 12 months and allow you to work for up to three months at a time; you also have to be aged between 18 and 30 to be eligible. See Immigration NZ for details.
If you’re already a professional or semi-professional actor, you should work through your agent and/or contact talent agencies in Wellington. If you’re lucky enough to be a New Zealand citizen or be legally working there, you’re the envy of us all!!
Important note: If and when TORn hears of casting calls, we’ll post the news immediately on the Home Page of the site. However, no one at TORn can get you cast as an extra in the movie, so emailing us with such requests is, unfortunately, futile. If you’ve read through this entry, you now know as much as we do!
1.9. How do I get cast as an extra in the movies?
The only way to become an extra in the films is to be *in* New Zealand at the time casting calls go out (and specifically *in* the city in which they need extras on the days announcements are made) and either be a citizen of New Zealand or possess a New Zealand work permit. Calls for extras will occur much the same as they did for LOTR: ads will be published in local papers and broadcast on local radio stations and you will have to be available to work within 24-48 hours. So, unless you’re ready, willing and able to move to New Zealand for two years, happen to be in the right place at the right time and are fully documented to work there, you’re out of luck.
Note: tourist visas to New Zealand are currently valid for 90 days. A number of countries have working holiday visa schemes with New Zealand; they are generally valid for 12 months and allow you to work for up to three months at a time; you also have to be aged between 18 and 30 to be eligible. See Immigration NZ for details.
If you’re already a professional or semi-professional actor, you should work through your agent and/or contact talent agencies in Wellington. If you’re lucky enough to be a New Zealand citizen or be legally working there, you’re the envy of us all!!
Important note: If and when TORn hears of casting calls, we’ll post the news immediately on the Home Page of the site. However, no one at TORn can get you cast as an extra in the movie, so emailing us with such requests is, unfortunately, futile. If you’ve read through this entry, you now know as much as we do!