How to become an extra on TV – and earn cash while doing it

Would you like to get paid for sitting in the waiting room in Casualty or dressing up for a period drama? If the answer’s yes, then becoming an extra – or supporting artiste – could be for you.

The hours can be long but being a ‘normal person’ in the background of a scene can earn you a bit of extra cash. It’s flexible work and not only do you get paid, but you might be able to spot yourself on TV or the big screen when it airs.

Head of Casting Rhianwen Bailey-Cullen from Phoenix Casting, an agency that supplies supporting artistes to the film and TV industry, says: “[This work] is definitely something that people get into in retirement or can work around part-time jobs.

“We have artists who are still working into their 70s and 80s. They get to meet people they wouldn’t otherwise speak to, plus they like working and making a bit of extra money.”

No experience needed

You don’t need any acting experience to become an extra, but you do need to be able to take direction. You won’t be required to speak in a scene, but instead you might be one of the people in the background of a shop, pub or street.

“It’s a very friendly environment, and people who’ve been working on set for years will be happy to help you,” says Bailey-Cullen. “Being reliable and able to follow instructions is way more important than having on-set experience.”

Registering with a reputable casting agency is the best way to get into the work and, although some charge a registration fee, many won’t ask you to pay anything upfront.

Instead, you’ll work on a commission basis, which means the agency takes a percentage (often around 15%) of what you earn.

Daily rates for extras start at around £100 a day, but can go up to £150 if you’re working into the night or go into overtime. A day is classed as nine to 10 hours (between 7am and 10pm) with an hour’s meal break.

You might get an additional payment for circumstances such as bad weather or if you need to wear a particular costume.

You might also be able to earn a higher fee if you have a particular skill that’s demanded in the scene – like dancing, driving, horse riding or fighting.

A movie set - with someone holding a camera filming

Apply – and then be patient

There are lots of casting agencies for non-speaking parts – and the good news is they’re not all in London. Phoenix Casting is based in the south west and predominantly covers that area and Wales - including Cardiff, where Casualty is filmed.

The Casting Collective, Uni-versal Extras, Extra People and Mint Casting are a few other options, so browse their websites and you might see people like you. All applications are done online, so you can take your time filling in your details.

“When you sign up, we ask you to create an account online,” says Bailey-Cullen. “It’s quite easy, but there are a lot of questions because we want to know as much as possible about you to be able to place you for the correct jobs.

“Make sure you’ve got nice clear photos, all your measurements are up to date and you’re tech savvy, because you need to be quick at responding.

“The jobs come in and we’ll send a shout-out in a text that contains a link, so if you’re available we’ll put you forward to the production, who’ll then make the decision on who to book.

“For example, if they need 10 people in a pub, we’ll send them 25 options and they’ll see what they need in terms of age and diversity.”

Your profile photo is important to show who you are, but you should never feel pressured to pay a professional photographer or agency to take it.

“You don’t need to fork out to have headshots taken,” adds Bailey-Cullen. “We have a guide on our website on what works best. We can’t have a holiday snap with your Piña Colada and your mate in the background, but as long as we can see you clearly, it’s well-lit and has a plain background, it’s fine.”

It might also be useful to get a DBS (a basic check on your criminal record) which is available from gov.uk and currently costs £18.

With a growing number of retirees realising that working as an extra is not only fun but a great way of earning extra cash, Bailey-Cullen warns it can be competitive and you’ll need to able to handle rejection.

“I know it can be quite disheartening if you don’t get picked for a job, but all you can do is make your profile as great as you can. Try not to take it personally if you’re not selected straightaway,” she says.

A flexible schedule

If you’re lucky enough to get the offer of a job, you’ll be booked in for a shoot, but often you won’t receive information regarding the hours or exact location until the last minute.

“You do need to be flexible,” says Bailey-Cullen. “We don’t get the information from the production until about 5pm the night before you’re due on set, and I realise for some people that’s too late in the day, so if it’s going to cause you anxiety it might not be worth doing.”

Your agency will send you an information pack with everything you need to know ahead of the shoot. “Be prepared, read the information and come in with an open mind,” advises Bailey-Cullen.

“And take a book because you might be waiting around and not even make it to set at all. That does happen. But you’ll meet some interesting people and have a great day out.”

Don’t forget tax

Working as an extra can be a great way of topping up your income, but it’s important to remember that once the work starts rolling in, HMRC will want its slice.

Currently, the trading allowance lets you earn £1,000 per year from this type of work before you need to pay tax on that income. If you start earning more, you would need to register as self-employed and declare your income in a self-assessment tax return each year.