Working as an Extra on TV and Film Sets Can Be Lucrative
For those who dream of seeing themselves on screen or want a fun way to earn extra cash, working as an extra, also known as a "supporting artist," can be a lucrative side hustle. Extras are people who populate the background of television shows, films, and commercials to make them look realistic.
The job does not require any acting experience and rarely involves dialogue. To become an extra, you need to register with one or more agencies such as Uni-versal Extras, Extra People, Ray Knight Casting, Phoenix Casting, or Casting Collective. These agencies charge registration fees, commission on bookings, or both. It's essential to choose a reputable agency that clearly explains their fees upfront.
The pay for extras can vary depending on the production and location. On average, extras can expect to be paid between £150 and £250 per day, according to the Film Artistes' Association (FAA) or Producers' Alliance for Cinema and Television (Pact) rates. These rates are usually applied in London and the south-east of England, while Pact/Equity rates apply elsewhere.
Working as an extra can be a great way to earn money, especially for those with flexible schedules such as students, freelancers, and retirees. However, it's not all glamour – the job often involves long hours, waiting around, and following instructions carefully. Extras should be prepared to wait, follow rules, and avoid getting starstruck.
To increase your chances of working on productions, you need to create a profile with one or more agencies, which will require basic details such as your name, age, address, physical statistics, and skills. You'll also need to provide headshots, full-length photos, and sometimes images in business dress, uniforms, or sports kit.
It's essential to check employment status as you are considered self-employed, so you need to pay your own tax and national insurance. Additionally, you must be flexible as filming days can be long and change at short notice.
Some people have already had success working as an extra, such as Theo Fraser, who appeared in Christopher Nolan's 2017 war film Dunkirk for £250 per day. Indiana West, the head of marketing at Uni-versal Extras, notes that while being closer to major production hubs could improve your chances of getting hired, plenty of filming happens all over the UK and Ireland.
Overall, working as an extra can be a fun and lucrative way to earn money, but it's essential to be aware of the requirements and challenges involved.
For those who dream of seeing themselves on screen or want a fun way to earn extra cash, working as an extra, also known as a "supporting artist," can be a lucrative side hustle. Extras are people who populate the background of television shows, films, and commercials to make them look realistic.
The job does not require any acting experience and rarely involves dialogue. To become an extra, you need to register with one or more agencies such as Uni-versal Extras, Extra People, Ray Knight Casting, Phoenix Casting, or Casting Collective. These agencies charge registration fees, commission on bookings, or both. It's essential to choose a reputable agency that clearly explains their fees upfront.
The pay for extras can vary depending on the production and location. On average, extras can expect to be paid between £150 and £250 per day, according to the Film Artistes' Association (FAA) or Producers' Alliance for Cinema and Television (Pact) rates. These rates are usually applied in London and the south-east of England, while Pact/Equity rates apply elsewhere.
Working as an extra can be a great way to earn money, especially for those with flexible schedules such as students, freelancers, and retirees. However, it's not all glamour – the job often involves long hours, waiting around, and following instructions carefully. Extras should be prepared to wait, follow rules, and avoid getting starstruck.
To increase your chances of working on productions, you need to create a profile with one or more agencies, which will require basic details such as your name, age, address, physical statistics, and skills. You'll also need to provide headshots, full-length photos, and sometimes images in business dress, uniforms, or sports kit.
It's essential to check employment status as you are considered self-employed, so you need to pay your own tax and national insurance. Additionally, you must be flexible as filming days can be long and change at short notice.
Some people have already had success working as an extra, such as Theo Fraser, who appeared in Christopher Nolan's 2017 war film Dunkirk for £250 per day. Indiana West, the head of marketing at Uni-versal Extras, notes that while being closer to major production hubs could improve your chances of getting hired, plenty of filming happens all over the UK and Ireland.
Overall, working as an extra can be a fun and lucrative way to earn money, but it's essential to be aware of the requirements and challenges involved.
Extras on TV and film sets are actually making bank! I think its cool that you don't need acting experience and just show up on set. The pay might not be super high, like £150-£250 a day, but if you've got flexible hours, it could add up quickly. I can imagine it's not all fun and games though - waiting around and following instructions carefully sounds kinda boring 
. But hey, it's a great gig for students, freelancers, or retirees who need some extra cash. Just don't forget to pay your own tax and national insurance 
!
. I know someone who did this last year and they had a blast (literally, we were on a set during a thunderstorm 
). Just make sure you're prepared for those long hours and flexible schedules – it's not all glamour, but hey, it pays! 
. People think it's all about just showing up and waiting around, but it's actually kinda cool to see behind-the-scenes action and get paid for it 
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. Self-employed can be a bit of a pain, but it's worth it if you're gonna make that dough 
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. Just being willing to wait around and follow rules can be enough. Im surprised more people dont give it a shot, especially with all the productions going on in the UK right now 
. Just make sure you know what youre getting yourself into and are prepared for the long hours 
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, even though it can be kinda boring waiting around all day