Simon Turner is a 68-year-old documentary portrait photographer, originally from south London. He’s developed a one-of-a-kind specialty as a planning film extra, appearing in nearly 25 productions over his lifetime. His experiences reveal the incredible potential and struggle of this frequently underappreciated position in the film and TV industry. Extras, who fill the background of scenes, endure long hours, waiting periods, and the necessity of following detailed instructions closely.
Of course, being an extra comes with the thrilling potential of profit. What you can earn is all over the map – literally. Pay order Pay is usually made up of a basic rate, bank holiday pay and overtime payments, with higher rates on bank holidays. In addition to daily wages, extras usually sink a meal allowance directly into their pockets. These vary from £5-£25 per meal, presenting a golden opportunity for those ready to commit their time.
Understanding the Role of an Extra
While many dream of starring in a blockbuster film or television series, being an extra is a vastly different experience. It requires patience and flexibility, as Simon Turner explains:
“You need to have a very flexible diary … the chances of being picked are low (less than one in 20 for me), but if you accept, you are expected to keep that day free.”
Bookings for extras will go out soon before the day of filming. Once you are chosen for a role, they’ll typically call you a few days in advance. The day before you shoot, you’ll get a “call sheet” specifying all the important details.
This process can lead to unexpected compensation. For instance, one extra named Theo Fraser shared his experience:
“I got paid about £250 for one day of filming, plus £50 as compensation for letting them cut my hair.”
These types of examples show how being an alternative can lead to financially lucrative results, often with additional costs.
The Landscape of Film and TV Production in the UK
Similarly, the United Kingdom is home to several major film and television studios that provide frequent work for extras. The exemplary Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire is one of the largest, often housing high profile projects. Other major studios include Shepperton in Surrey and Elstree and Leavesden in Hertfordshire. These places don’t just lure in the high-budget films—they offer work to actors and crews who live and thrive in their ecosystems.
Furloughed field workers Extras help productions big and small, independent and studio—including productions all over the country. Christopher Nolan’s Oscar winning war film “Dunkirk” featured scenes shot at Swanage Railway. This is a great showcase of the unique and vibrant filming locations that the UK has to offer. With action happening all over the state, this expansive filming landscape is ripe with chances for hopeful new extras.
Indiana West, head of marketing at Uni-versal Extras, noted that while proximity to major production hubs may enhance opportunities, significant filming occurs throughout the UK and Ireland:
“While being closer to major production hubs could conceivably improve how often opportunities may come your way, plenty of filming happens all over the UK and Ireland, from small towns to scenic countryside spots.”
How to Get Started as a Film Extra
For those looking to break into the industry as an extra, signing up with legitimate casting agencies is key. Agencies such as Universal Extras, Extra People, Ray Knight Casting, Phoenix Casting and Casting Collective are the lifeblood of the industry. They don’t stop there – they directly engage aspiring extras with thrilling casting calls.
When people go through these agencies, they have to provide very personal information. They have to agree to share more personal data, which can include information about their talents or distinctive appearances. Vicky Wilson, a casting team support manager at Casting Collective, emphasizes the importance of maintaining an up-to-date profile:
“Keep your profile fresh and accurate. Clear, recent photos that reflect how you look now, up-to-date measurements, and any new skills or looks make a big difference when matching people to roles.”
Additionally, Wilson suggests that uploading extra photos can enhance visibility for a broader range of roles:
“Uploading a few extra photos can also help you stand out for a broader range of roles.”
By incorporating these tips, aspiring performers can greatly improve their likelihood of being cast in stage, film and television productions.