Blog

Are you right for it? 10 traits of the successful SA
I have been asked a lot about what being an SA is really like.  The world of the ‘extra’ is a fairly unique one and it really does need a certain type of person in order for it to work for the individual, agency and production. Getting in to the industry properly is a long term thing, so if you really are considering it, ask yourself whether you have the ten qualities I’m talking about below before you sign up.   Alongside each one I’ve tried to explain why it’s important to everyone involved. Really flexible diary: If you a
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Liechtenstein & Zurich
I like microstates.  The European ones are in beautiful locations, there’s always some notable things you won’t find elsewhere, each one is there because of some interesting history and there’s always a really curious mix of people drawn to them, for various reasons (which may or may not be tax related). Liechtenstein – a double-landlocked nation – is one of those places and, combined with a visit to Zurich, makes for an interesting couple of days.   A quick travel tip at this point: if you’re based in London or the counties to the south and east of it, consider
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Why do it? Benefits of the unique role of an SA
So, you’re considering becoming a Supporting Artiste – an Extra – in film & TV.   (Well, maybe you’re not – but that’s who this post is aimed at.) On the one hand, “showbiz” is seen by many as glamorous and exciting; on the other hand, the last couple of decades has allowed those not in the industry to get a more realistic look at what really goes on behind the scenes – and it’s definitely interesting and unique but certainly not glamorous.  What are the real benefits of being involved in this industry as someone on screen but not
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Els Límits / Le Perthus
The clue is in the name… this is a unique place on “The Borders” between France and Spain.  Although only part of this urban sprawl is Els Limits; the other part is Le Perthus.  These two towns are joined at the hip, that hip being the border which runs through part of the main street.  The photo headlining this post gives a clear illustration of that: the postbox is in Spain and the parking meter is in France. The Treaty of The Pyrenees decided on the exact border between the two countries through the mountain range, which included this particular
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Llívia
A little bit of Spain surrounded by France, Llívia is a town that never got handed over in 1659.  The Treaty of the Pyrenees handed over a number of nearby villages to France but for various reasons Llívia wasn’t part of the deal.  Its status has stayed the same to the present day. Nowadays of course, travel between Spain and, well.. Spain isn’t a problem but even relatively recently (under Franco) it was a different story, with special passes being required to transit France.   The novelty of crossing the border and being in a Spanish town completely surrounded by
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Os de Civís
Welcome to Os de Civís, a notable place by nature of its location.  The village is part of Spain – mainland Spain, not an exclave or island – but it can only be reached by vehicle from another country.  That country is Andorra and the village’s unique position next to it makes it quite interesting and beautiful.   Andorra is not a member of the European Union (mobile roaming charges are…interesting) and has been known as a bit of a tax-free shoppers’ haven.  As a result, there are customs checks on the two main border controls (one with France, one
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