1. Shut up. This is very important. Whenever the sound equipment is running, extras have to be quiet. This means no talking, no rustling around, no opening and closing of doors, and no breakdancing. When shooting is about to begin, there will be something to indicate it, such as a red light which flashes and/or someone in the crew yelling really loudly. Once that happens all the extras have to keep very quiet until it is clear that shooting has stopped.

2. You must remember at all times that you are very low in the film set hierarchy and that you need to be polite and stay out of the way. Some assistant directors can easily develop a foul mood over the course of a day of shooting, and they might just be looking for an excuse to scream at or fire someone.

3. Bring something to read, a walkman, snacks and whatever else you need to keep yourself occupied and sane over the course of a long day of doing almost nothing and staying quiet. You will get bored of the rare glimpses you get of the actors as they scurry back and forth from their trailers. You will need something to do.

4. NEVER speak until you are spoken to. We are not kidding. Extras are not allowed to speak to actors unless an actor initiates the conversation. No asking for autographs, offering compliments, and no "pointers" for Jim Carrey on how to "make that last scene much funnier."

5. If you're standing around an actor for a long period of time while a shot is being set up and he or she doesn't seem too uptight about your odious presence, it might be appropriate for you to toss out a little comment or some idle conversation. Use caution, though, and don't do it if you think you're going to sound breathless and spazzy or if the actor is concentrating on something else.

6. NEVER bring any of your friends or other people to the set. You are not an "insider" yet, and you are not permitted to show off your fancy job to your friends.

7. NEVER use of cameras on set. Don't bring one, and if someone forcibly puts a camera into your possession, do not use it under any circumstances.

SoYouWanna know more? Check out our full-length article SYW be a movie extra?