Being an extra in the UK can be a fun and profitable source of income. Many extras do it alongside other work as a means of additional income. Actors, too, may choose to supplement their income and gain valuable on-set experience by working as extras. With no experience needed to land a role as an extra, it’s a great way to get into acting.
Keen to break into the industry? Follow these seven steps.
1. Get an agent
You can try to find your own work by applying to casting calls on agency websites and on social media, but the most common way to find work as an extra in the UK is to sign with one of the agencies that specialise in casting supporting artists. Among the industry heavyweights are:
These agencies are experts at connecting film and TV extras with production companies. Research them before applying to find which is the best fit for your ambitions and skill set. You’ll also want to ensure the agency covers your location: choosing one that’s local could minimise your travel and maximise your work.
It’s also worth remembering that the larger extras agencies have good contacts in film and TV production companies and can put you forward for many jobs. They often have so many people on their books that competition for work can be fierce. Casting Collective, for example, has over 40,000 people registered in the UK!
Apply to reputable agencies only – and check online reviews for agencies before you commit: some will charge a large fee without doing much to get you seen.
2. Be prepared to split the profits
It’s common for agencies to charge you an admin fee when you join and then yearly after that. Many agencies – Casting Collective, Rachel’s People, and Ray Knight among them – won’t take that fee until your first day’s work for them. When you do get cast, they’ll take the admin fee out of your first payment, so you won’t get charged unless you’ve been working.
The admin fee is typically around £100 per year. Anything significantly more than that should ring alarm bells.
Each agency will have its own application requirements. Some will only accept submissions at certain times of the year, while others keep their books open all year round.
3. Have your headshots ready
Most agencies for extras will ask you to provide a headshot with your application. A visual calling card, this photograph should be of your face (wearing a neutral expression) and shoulders, taken against a neutral background. Unlike actors, who need professional headshots, as an extra you can ask a friend or family member to take one using a high-quality phone or digital camera. Remember: The more professional it looks, the more seriously you’ll be taken as an extra.
4. Be organised, professional, and consistent
Once an agent has signed you, they’ll send you details of suitable roles. Only say yes to projects if you’re able to commit to all the filming dates. It makes the agent look unprofessional if they put forward actors who aren’t actually available.
It’s also important not to change your appearance – getting a haircut, for example – once you’ve committed, as you will have been cast based on the way you look in your headshot.
Some agencies also have a policy of contacting you – or expecting you to contact them – the day before you’re due to work as an extra, so clue up on what’s expected. Be aware that if your agency has this policy and they don’t hear from you the day before a shoot, there’s every chance you’ll be replaced last minute by a standby extra who did confirm.
5. Be proactive
As well as sending you specific role opportunities, casting agents for extras often put urgent jobs out on social media channels, so be sure to follow casting agents on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) and follow or join any Facebook pages they manage for further opportunities.
6. Excel on set
Knowing how to be an extra in the UK isn’t just about landing the role. You also have to perform on set, where there are rules you’ll be expected to follow. Not speaking to the talent (aka the actors in the scene) is often one of them. This usually applies when you’re working on productions with well-known actors in the lead roles. Always be on time, be polite, and don’t look at the camera when it’s filming unless you’re told to. It might sound obvious, but you also shouldn’t attempt to bring anyone else (family, friends, or a pet) onto the set unless you have specific cause to and have cleared this in advance.
If you’re providing your own costume, avoid wearing clothing with logos or branding unless it’s been requested. The production has to get agreement to use any brands, and they won’t want that extra work, so keep it plain.
7. Be discreet
Lastly, be aware that non-disclosure agreements are often mixed in with the forms you’ll sign in order to get paid. Companies don’t want details of their shows leaked before they air. This means no posting photos or videos from set, or sharing details about the plot, characters, or production. This is taken very seriously, so respect the rules if you want to keep getting work as an extra.
With this checklist under your belt, you’re ready to go and nail it as a supporting artist. Break a leg!
