- How old do you have to be to become an extra?
There isn’t an age limit for being an extra, but if you’re under 16 years of age you will need consent from your parent or guardian. They also may need to supervise you out on location due to health and safety.
- Can anyone become an extra?
Yes, anyone can be an extra! Don’t forget, once you sign up you are eligible to earn £5 cash for everyone you refer to Extras Academy (and they sign up as a paying member). So if you’re at college and get 300 people to sign up, you would get £1500
- What sort of productions will I be involved in if I sign up to Extras Academy?
The answer is “we don’t know”. Absolutely any production company of any size will have access to your details once you sign up, so it depends on what they need extras for. Members experiences range from small company training DVD’s to world-famous films such as Harry Potter.
- Are particular clothes required to be an extra?
Before a job takes place, you will usually be informed if you need to bring a particular type of clothing. It is best to avoid clothes with large flower designs, or small chequered or thin-striped patterns as these tend to “bleed” on screen. It may be beneficial to bring an extra set of clothes to a job when working as an extra.
- Will I need to pay for my own transportation?
Generally as an extra you will be required to pay for your own transport. Some production companies will sometimes pay for your journey, particularly if you have a more prominent role in the production.
- How will I be contacted?
Usually the person in charge of casting will contact you by telephone or e-mail. It is very important therefore that your contact details are up-to-date on your online profile. Make sure you inform us of any changes once you sign up.
- Is there a screen test or interview?
Generally not for extras work, but an audition may be the requirement of a more substantial role. Don’t forget to always check your emails for our audition updates.
- How much is an extra paid?
Normally extras work does include payment! Current rates range from £60 to £90 per day. Overtime, if applicable is paid at approximately £10 per hour. These rates may vary. You should ask the Casting Director before agreeing to work. There may be some productions (especially uni/college productions, music video production) which may ask you to work voluntarily, this is a great way to gain vital experience before working professionally.
- Do you need any training as an actor to become an extra?
No training is required, but it is often an advantage to have some acting/performance experience. This does not necessarily have to be professional acting experience; even a role in a local amateur production can be invaluable! We also offer acting workshops throughout the year, this is included in membership subscription costs (full paying members only).
- How often do you get jobs as an extra?
Extras Academy helps many people get exciting extra jobs every year. It is difficult to predict how often work will be offered to individual members, but we will endeavour to promote our extras to ensure that as many people as possible will be hire. Here are a few general tips that you can do to increase your chances of success:
Use good photographs that reflects who you are! It is a good idea to use a professional photographer, but this isn’t essential. A passport picture turned black and white can easily look professional and saves you money. If YOU were a casting director, what sort of photograph would encourage you to hire an extra? Remember that photographs taken outside will have a different lightness, to those taken in a studio, so this is another method of perhaps varying your photos.
Being a member of the audience for a TV show and meeting other extras can result in valuable hints and a greater knowledge of the business. Extras jobs can take place all over the UK, but many jobs are located in and around London. If you do not live near London, but will consider travelling to a job, your chances will increase considerably.
- What is the fee for being a member?
Membership is completely free, but this does mean limited access to the site. To get full access to our services for 12 months we charge £29.99 per year.
- To make a payment, simply register and follow the instructions to pay online. If you wish to pay by cheque please email us to let us know.
- As soon as we have received your payment you will be able to view full information on the latest castings and apply.
- Are there any unions for extras, and do I have to join one to be an extra?
There are two unions that look after the interests of extras (Supporting Artistes): the FAA and Equity.
Nowadays you do not have to belong to any union to work as an extra. Unions are important however as they protect your pay and your rights when you work. Without the unions extras would quite possibly be encouraged to work longer hours for less money!