Other Earning Opportunity Extras / Background Artists

[Xander]

I've worked as an extra since the early 2000's and it's been a steady source of income, I love that you can pick and choose the jobs you accept and fit them around your lifestyle / work commitments.

At the moment because of Covid there's a huge backlog of stuff in production and like a few other industries in the UK a lack of manpower. If anyone's interested this is the platform I use https://www.wegotpop.com/pages/uk/background-artist/ all the top casting agencies are on it and it's free to sign up ( they will take 20% from your 1st and all subsequent pay packets tho ).

Not really a work from home opportunity but a fun and flexible way to earn some decent money.

 

[Jon]

As I’m based In leeds, back when I had a job there were loads of people who used to be paid extras for emmerdale so if you have a soap being recorded in your city then get in touch with whichever company produces it!

 

[Xander]

These are the guys that cast for Emmerdale https://starcastinguk.com/emmerdale/ and yea they're looking for artists, I'm pretty sure you will need to have a valid DBS certificate as they have under 16's on set

 

[homie]

I've worked as an extra since the early 2000's and it's been a steady source of income, I love that you can pick and choose the jobs you accept and fit them around your lifestyle / work commitments.

At the moment because of Covid there's a huge backlog of stuff in production and like a few other industries in the UK a lack of manpower. If anyone's interested this is the platform I use https://www.wegotpop.com/pages/uk/background-artist/ all the top casting agencies are on it and it's free to sign up ( they will take 20% from your 1st and all subsequent pay packets tho ).

Not really a work from home opportunity but a fun and flexible way to earn some decent money.

What's a typical day's pay for extra work?

 

[Xander]

Most jobs are paid at the FAA Pact rates here https://www.wegotpop.com/pages/uk/background-artist/rates/pact-faa/2020/ BBC and ITV pay slightly less, sometimes the production will cut a deal with the casting agency and you'll be offered a ( usually crap ) flat fee. If you join BECTU ( the union ) you get a wee bit more I think, membership used to be a fiver annually but I've not bothered in years.

Sorry didn't really answer your question, a typical day with travel and derigging should net you around £120 after agents commission.

 

[dianaprince]

What sort of hours do you work on a typical day?

 

[Xander]

Usually 8 or 9 hours, if it's something that involves stunts or lots of effects then it's a much longer day as it takes ages to set up a scene especially for retakes. Make up, costume & hair can add a good 3 or 4 hours to your day too, I've been a zombie, a stormtrooper, several pirates & even a weird blue Hindu god and had 5am calls for a 9am start not getting home until midnight and back for 5 or 6am the following day.

 

[Jon]

Usually 8 or 9 hours, if it's something that involves stunts or lots of effects then it's a much longer day as it takes ages to set up a scene especially for retakes. Make up, costume & hair can add a good 3 or 4 hours to your day too, I've been a zombie, a stormtrooper, several pirates & even a weird blue Hindu god and had 5am calls for a 9am start not getting home until midnight and back for 5 or 6am the following day.

tell us more about this stormtrooper thing!!

 

[Xander]

Hahah yea I was a Stormtrooper in the force awakens, I was so excited but it was the worst gig ever 12 weeks walking around with drainpipes on my arms and legs, baking hot and don't even ask how we went to the loo.

It did pay for a year travelling in India and Vietnam tho so not all bad.

 

[Jute]

I had a go at this a few years ago. I spent a day at Goodwood being a 'crowd' for an ad with David Beckham in it. It was a car ad that got dropped from being shown anyway for promoting racing through the streets or something.

My other one was dressed in my black suit walking around the inns of court in London being a lawyer for some spy film with Naomi Harris and (I think) Daniel Craig or Damien Lewis or someone. I walked with one of the actors in a small group. Turns out it was, er, Naomi Harris. I'd never heard of her and I had no clue who she was. When I watched it - I wasn't in it. And that, ladies and gentleman, is the start and end of my acting career...

I've often thought I'd be good at reporting from the Oscars red carpet. I'd start with simple questions like, "Who the f*** are you?" Films are not really my thing.

 

[Kingsavvysaver]

Are there are any other sites that are free to apply? I have just come across one and they want me to upgrade for a monthly fee.

 

[Xander]

Yea loads, never pay any money upfront all the best agencies are free until you're first pay packet and then they'll take their cut.

All the top guys are on the WeGotPop platform and most productions don't look anywhere else tbh. Mad Dog 2020 are good if you're in Wales, they do a lot of ' crowd ' stuff too. Casting Collective used to be the best but their refusal to use Pop's platform has cost them their no 1 spot and a lot of work. Universal Extras are pretty decent too but will make you jump through hoops.

Guys that invite you to come along for photo's or casting calls if you pay a fee are usually scammers steer clear NEVER PAY ANYONE TO GO IN THEIR 'BOOK'.