There are many opportunities for those wanting to do extras work, and it particularly suits those who can be flexible about their time. Many extras become regulars for particular TV production companies: although there is no training required for doing extras work, experience is an advantage in the eyes of the production companies because they can be confident of achieving results easily if their ‘background artistes’ know what they are doing.
Extras are often called early in the morning to a shoot, particularly if they are required to wear costume and make-up, but often a large part of the day is spent sitting around and waiting. It can be quite a social occasion, and you may even get to meet members of the cast, although generally the extras are kept apart from the rest of the cast. A good tip is to bring a book – you will have plenty of time to read. Refreshments and meals are provided, and often the shoot runs over. This could take your basic pay packet up to £150 for the day.
There are no particular skills required if you want to be an extra, although sometimes, for example, they need a driver for a scene and this can earn you extra money. The main requirement is that you follow your instructions, and that you keep in the background. The last thing they want is someone to ‘pull focus’ from the main action of the scene.
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