Being an Extra

Without extras, films are simply unrealistic.

Extras – or Background or Supporting artists as they’re sometimes called – add realism to a scene. They are the people walking down a street while the lead characters argue in a car, they are the crowd cheering at a sporting event as the lead characters win the game, they are the bystanders at an accident where the lead characters administer first aid, they are the office workers on the phone as the lead characters conclude a big business deal, they are the congregation in church as the lead characters marry…

This section of help has some useful articles if you’re thinking about becoming an extra, or are wanting to kick-start your career as an extra. Because, yes, you can have a well paying career as an extra, too!

How to find work as an extra?

There are a couple of different ways to do this:

1. Search our site for the latest extras work we have available and if you have a profile on our site we’ll send you details of extra work in your area

2. Sign up with a local extras casting agency in your area

The Extras FAQ

Who can become an extra?

Anyone. Extras come in literally all shapes and sizes, ages, ethnicities, looks, backgrounds, abilities and so on. There is no one who cannot become an extra. Obviously your looks will affect what work you get though: long beards for Viking films, short hair for films set in WW2, etc.

So I don’t need any special skills?

No. But sometimes if you have special skills you can get more work – say if you can ride a horse or know how to dance well or can surf or you have military training, etc.

Does it pay well?

This depends on where you are. In many countries it will pay between 70 – 150 euros per day depending on the production.

On top of that you’ll usually get food & drink supplied while you’re on set.

How often will I be called?

On a big production you might get called every day for a month or so. Often it’s more likely to be 1, 2 or 3 days work at a time.

How much notice will I be given?

This can be anything from a few days (or even hours!) to several weeks. It all depends on the production.

Where can I be an extra and what about transport?

Usually you’ll work locally because productions won’t pay transport. This means you’ll work in your local city. What usually happens is that the extras will either arrange to get to the location on their own, or they’ll all be picked up from a central meeting point in the city and bussed to the location.

What about clothes?

On bigger productions you’ll be given a set of clothes for the scene. This is especially true of productions set in the past where you’ll be dressed as a Roman soldier or a Victorian factory worker, etc. On smaller productions you might be asked to bring along your own clothes – for example, you might be an extra at a wedding and asked to bring along your own evening dress or suit.

What documentation do I need?

Unless it’s a low-budget production paying in cash, you’ll need something official to show you’re entitled to work. This is usually a National Insurance number and/or Work Permit.

Do I need experience?

No. Just copy what the others are doing and follow what the AD (Assistant Director) tells you to do.

Will I have to audition?

No, not usually.

What do I do on set?

To find out, read this article: A Day in the Life of an Extra.