Supporting artist agencies in the UK range from the brilliant to those that talk the talk but might not match your talents or your goals. If you’re keen to flex your background acting skills and make an income working as an extra on the sets of film and TV projects, it’s worth joining a reputable and efficient extras agency (or two – there’s no limit to how many you can register with!) that's in line with your ambitions.
Things to look out for include:
- Reputation and reviews
- Fees (how much you'll pay the agency upfront to register) and commission (how much it will take from your pay for jobs booked)
- Accreditation and memberships
- Track record: the quality and quantity of work the agency gets for its background actors
- Transparency and professionalism
- Support given to actors, including resources and training
- Networking opportunities
- Agency size and focus
To kick-start your research into the many names out there, here are five of the best acting agencies for extras in the UK, based on the above criteria.
A word on pay: The Film Artistes’ Association (FAA) Ratecard sets out the recommended basic pay an actor should receive. It was agreed between the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union (BECTU) and PACT, the trade association representing the commercial interests of UK independent television, film, digital, children’s, and animation media companies. Not every job or agency pays the FAA ratecard rate, so be sure to check the terms before signing with a agency.
The Casting Collective has been getting extras cast since 1999, and with a high rating on Trustpilot, it must be doing something right.
Its talent has worked on high-profile productions like Napoleon, Wonka, and Matilda: The Musical. IMDb lists the Casting Collective in the credits of hundreds of films, which suggests there’s plenty of work for those it signs.
The agency is both transparent and helpful. It has its Artiste Terms available for anyone to view and provides guidance about how to behave on set, information about how and when you’ll be paid, and a page of Artiste FAQs.
There’s no upfront fee to join, which suggests the agency is confident it’ll land you roles (agencies make money from their clients’ earnings), though it’s worth noting the agency charges 20 percent commission – above the more common 15 percent charged elsewhere.
With offices in Bristol and Cardiff, Phoenix Casting focuses on providing work for supporting artists in southwest England and south Wales. It’s another agency providing talent for top projects, including The Winter King, Sex Education, Boiling Point, and Casualty.
Established in 1995, Phoenix Casting has largely favourable Trustpilot ratings that speak to the company’s positive reputation. Its comprehensive digital guide contains lots of information about how to work and how to get paid. Another bonus for those on the fence about signing is that the agency holds in-person registration days where candidates can meet the team and learn how they work.
Phoenix Casting charges an annual fee of £30+VAT for being on its books but only takes this once you’ve worked. The fee, along with a commission rate – 15 percent for TV and film work, and 20 percent for commercials and photographic shoots – is deducted from your first payment.
If you’re hoping to secure work as an extra in hit shows like Downton Abbey, The Witcher, or Bridgerton, then Key Casting might be the best extras agency in the UK for you. It’s run by a team of ex-assistant directors and actors, led by assistant director Tara Keenan, so it knows the business well.
Despite only launching in 2016, its impressive list of clients includes Lucasfilm, Channel 4, BFI, Walt Disney, and Universal.
Key Casting recommends its members join the Broadcasting, Entertainment, Communications and Theatre Union (BECTU), which protects workers’ rights.
There’s no upfront or annual fee to register, but when you get work, you’ll pay commission to Key Casting and an administrative fee to Entertainment Partners (POP), the wider database of extras the agency uses. The fee is normally 10 percent plus VAT each. Check the terms of any job you’re offered before accepting so you understand the deductions you might face.
Founded in 2006, Extra People has provided talent for impressive titles, including The Crown, Saltburn, The Marvels, and Ted Lasso.
Extra People takes a 20 percent commission from supporting artists’ earnings, which is slightly higher than the industry average of 15 percent. It represents around 50,000 artists nationwide, which could potentially mean less work to go around. However, comments on Trustpilot suggest many extras get the bulk of their work through Extra People, justifying the higher commission rate.
With a high rating on Trustpilot and use of the POP portal to increase how many production companies see your profile, Extra People has a reputation for looking after its supporting artists. As part of that commitment, the agency maintains an Advice Centre on its website where you can learn about the industry, the agency, and the world of getting work as a background artist in the UK.
Ray Knight has been making a name for itself in the casting business since 1988 – a sure sign it’s doing something right. It’s provided background artists for many prestigious projects, including Broadchurch, Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace, Sherlock, and several James Bond films.
It says it selects artists for their “professional approach to work” and prefers those with “some form of theatrical, performing or media background.” Don’t be put off: these are good indicators the company takes its reputation seriously. Its code of conduct suggests it expects its artists to take their work seriously too.
Ray Knight charges 15 percent commission on most roles and 20 percent for featured TV or film roles, commercials, photographic, or corporate work. There’s also a registration fee of £50 plus VAT, taken out of earnings rather than paid upfront.
Whichever agency you choose, remember that an extras casting agency can only be as good as its extras. Work professionally for your agency and it may prioritise you for the best opportunities.