For many aspiring actors, getting a job as a TV or film extra is often seen as a first step towards breaking into the industry. While it may not be the glamorous lead role that many dream of, being a background artist can offer valuable experience, exposure to the industry and the chance to work alongside established actors and crew members. However, what many extras don’t realise is that it can also occasionally (let’s be realistic) be a stepping stone to something more. In the UK, there are several stories of background artists who went on to have a speaking

Once you’re registered and signed up with some Supporting Artiste / ‘extras’ agencies, you will hopefully start to get offers of work.  Here’s what to expect and what you can do to help secure work. Depending on the agency, job offers usually arrive via email, SMS or phone call.   A number of agencies I work with will email and text you at roughly the same time but you shouldn’t rely on this. Many opportunities are sent out to a group of people meeting the production’s requirements on a first-come, first-served basis.  Some of these jobs may only have one

If you’ve decided that you want to become a Supporting Artiste and enter the world of film and TV as an ‘extra’, here’s some useful advice for you.  Firstly I’m going to look at some the information you need to have to hand, then I’ll get into the process of choosing agencies, followed by the sign-up process itself and finally a brief look at what happens next. Just a quick note before moving on that I’m writing this post with experience of the UK industry, so a lot of it probably doesn’t apply outside of the UK. Information you’ll need

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

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