If you get work as an extra in a film or a TV series, you need to get used to the conventional working practice.

First of all, don’t be surprised by the anti-social hours.  Often you can be given a call-time of 7am or 8am, and you may find that you are wanted beyond the standard 9-hour call (in which case, you should make sure that you receive your entitlement to overtime pay). You may also find yourself having to get to some out-of-town locations for many extras roles, so be prepared to do your homework on transport services. Whatever happens, make a point of getting to the location at least fifteen minutes before your call-time; lateness creates delay, and delay means extra expense and inconvenience for the production company – as well as a fast-earned poor reputation on your part.

Another anti-social aspect is the notice, as you will often not hear about extras work opportunities till the afternoon of the day before you are needed. You must be ready for this; if you make a habit of turning down work because of too short notice, you may not be offered work again.

Extras work is popular, particularly amongst people who lack formal drama training. It’s a unique kind of involvement in a film or TV project, and the pay can be good.

At Audition Now we search out numerous projects involving extras work, and text you with all the latest information on available work opportunities.  If you have the time and interest, you could make quite a career for yourself as a ‘background artiste’.

If you fancy the prospect of finding extras work, there are certain tricks to learn that will help you do well.

For example, it is important never to look directly at the camera. Be aware, however, that there may be times when you need to look in the direction of the camera – simply because that is where the action is going on. Also, it is important that you follow your instructions very closely; you don’t want to earn yourself a reputation for not taking direction.

You may also be asked to engage in ‘silent’ conversation with fellow extras.  This can be tricky, trying to think of something that it looks as though you are saying something when in fact you are merely mouthing something. This is the kind of thing that can make you ‘corpse’, so it may be worth having a piece of text you know beforehand, like a jingle, catchphrase, or song, which you can silently mouth in the background to your fellow extras.

You should try to act as naturally as possible.  Do nothing which might draw attention to yourself. You are the backdrop to the scene, like a piece of moving scenery in a stage play. You can be seen, but you shouldn’t make yourself actively noticeable.

At Audition Now we offer plenty of opportunities for extras work, sending you updates about them direct to your mobile phone. It’s a great chance to play your part in the background of an upcoming TV show, or even a movie blockbuster.

People often wonder if it is worth having an agent if the work you want is extras roles. The answer depends on how much work you want to do as an extra. If you are happy with an occasional call, and perhaps two or three days of work a month, then you probably don’t need to have an agent. However, if you are looking for regular work then you should consider signing up with not just one agent, but with several.

The minimum equity rate for extras work for a nine-hour day is £65, but often you will be required for longer, and that can improve the pay considerably. Extras work for independent production companies may pay you on a non-equity contract, but the amount usually works out the same. You should avoid working for companies that do not pay at all.

There are retired people who do extras work as a supplement to their pension, and students who do it to have additional income. It suits people of all ages, backgrounds and looks.

It is also worth thinking about how you can generate work for yourself. Remember, all work through an agency will require you to pay commission.

At Audition Now we offer a comprehensive information service on the latest available extras work, sent through direct to you on your mobile phone. You couldn’t find a better way to keep abreast of the latest opportunities for doing extras work, whether you have an agent or not.