The best thing about film & tv extra work is that anyone can be an extra! Extra are added to make scenes look realistic, and productions will aim for a diverse group of people. No matter your age, gender, race. It’s a fun and flexible way of earning extra income. You will also making connections that can later further your career, be that in modelling or as an actor.
Here at The British Model Alliance, we always recommend it as it’s a great way to get used to being on sets.
What is a Tv & Film Extra?
A Tv & Film extra is a essentially a background actor who works in the background of the scene in films & Tv shows. They job is to make it look busy and realistic.
Why be an Extra?
- There is loads of work. Extra work for Films & Tv shows are the biggest sector of the entertainment industry. Thus, making Films & Tv shows in constantly being made and the demand for extra work increases each year. Every film and tv show needs extras, so there is a huge choice of work out there. Especially here in the UK and even more-so in London.
- It’s incredibly flexible. Due to the nature of extra work, and having to just show up without any preparation, it’s very easy to fit around other jobs.
- If you’re interested in film & tv, modelling or production work, extra work can be a great way to make connections with others.
- It can also be great experience and practise working on a set and watch how a production comes together.
- It’s open to everyone. Extras are normal people. Lots of models do do it but loads of non-models do too. There is work for everyone. You don’t need to have any training or acting experience. For those who get nervous, you always don’t have to audition for the roles which is a giant plus!
How to be an Extra?
The best way to get into extra work is through an agency or platform. They take care of all the logistics and paperwork in return for a percentage or commission of your pay. There are loads of agencies and platforms that offer extra work.
Below are some of the ones with the best reputations;
- The British Model Alliance – Primarily a modelling a platform, they encourage every one of their models to do extra work. No joining fees but they take between 15-22% commission on every job.
- Uni-versalEXTRAS – Their annual sign-up fee is £30 (or free for students). On top of this they take 16% commission on every job.
- Casting Collective– Their annual admin fee is around £65, varying on which location you sign up for. Then their commission charge is 15% + VAT.
- Mad Dog Casting – A one-off fee of £32.50 (£61.25 in London) + VAT is deducted from your first job with them. On top of that they deduct a 15% commission from every booking.
How Much do Film & TV Extras earn?
Like modelling, each job is different and because of this it’s hard to say an exact figure. You will generally be only needed for a day or two per job. Your work will be being booked be a day-by-day basis. Being with an agency or platform like The British Model Alliance, is of a great benefit. They will negotiate to get you a better pay.
There are three union agreements that are used in most productions in the UK, which sets out the minimum extra’s get paid per day;
- ITV Equity Agreement – £79.89. This Consist of up to 10 hours, during which up to 8 hours of work may take place.
- The BBC Equity Agreement – £86.40 for a continuous 9-hour period, including up to 8 hours of work and a meal break of at least an hour. Or, a 7-hour continuous period without a meal break.
- The FAA/PACT Agreement – The rate is £92.69 for a 99-hourwork period including a meal break, between the hours of 7am and 10pm.
You can also earn extra money for different reasons;
- Additional skills you may have that enhances the production such as singing, driving, horse riding, rollerblading.
- Working after 10pm or overtime.
- Being cast in multiple episodes or having dialogue or an interaction with the lead cast.
