Extras are 'officially' known as background, walk-on or supporting artists.
Working as an extra does not require any specific training or experience as such; however it can be extremely hard work. Artists are often required to start very early in the morning (6am is not uncommon), and days can be long with lots of waiting around, sometimes in tough conditions on location. It is certainly not glamorous, nor is it a way to become a TV or film star! Artists must be reliable, available at very short notice and contactable at all times.
Requirements vary from production to production and, as with mainstream acting work, there are no guarantees that you will get regular work, let alone be able to earn a living as an extra.
If you are serious about working as a background artist, you will need to register with an agency in order to be put forward for jobs. The handbook Contacts contains accurate listings of Extra's and Walk-On Agencies in the UK. Contacts costs £11.50 and is available from all good bookshops, or directly from the Spotlight on 020 7440 5032 or via our online shop. You will need to approach the agencies by sending a covering letter, CV and a photograph.
The website www.hiddenextra.com is an invaluable source of information for anyone thinking about working as an extra.
You may also find it useful to contact the Film Artists Association, part of BECTU or the National Association of Supporting Artistes.
Within Equity, the actors' trade union, there is a committee which represents Walk-on and Supporting Artists. As a general rule, walk-on artists can join Equity if they have proof of at least six days' paid work over a period of twelve consecutive months undertaken on an Equity agreement. Members can also appear in the Walk-on and Supporting Artists' directory, published on The Spotlight website. For more information visit www.equity.org.uk.