Will It Be Worthwhile Doing Work In The TV Extras and Movie Extras Sector?
TV extras and movie extras work is a rocky way of living. You may be lucky enough to become lined up for an entire movie or the whole schedule of a new TV series, but most likely you will probably be signed up for individual scenes, perhaps over the course of one day or possibly a few days. Very few people develop a regular living through movie extras or TV extras work and you will most likely find yourself performing alongside university students, self employed or retired people, who can structure their particular workload to allow for the occasional additional job. Although practically anyone can be employed in the TV extras and movie extras sector, it isn’t really a regular vocation that is designed to give you a steady source of income.
Typically the salaries for extras work can vary greatly. There are actually set Equity rates applied by the likes of the BBC, ITV as well as independent production companies, which will differ quite significantly, according to the kind of work you need to do. Rates can range from a low of £67 up to around £135 and higher, (these numbers are in keeping with Equity rates set at August 2007). More up to date details can be found on the Equity web site.
Filming locations for TV extras or film extras may likely entail travelling rather long distances
Just as the work itself can certainly be unpredictable, so can the location! Film companies hardly ever pay travelling costs except in cases where they are filming in a remote location in which it is not possible to get local extras. Many of the most significant studios are based around the London region, however , when they are not filming in the studio they usually are filming any place in the country and will almost certainly be attempting to get film extras or TV extras in a nearby catchment area, suited to their location. Even so, it doesn’t really matter very much where you live provided that you are prepared to travel an acceptable distance.
Are you going to have to interview or audition to get a role?
The simple answer is – very unlikely! Out of the many extras roles I have performed, I can only recall auditioning for just two roles- one of them was to get a speaking part in Crimewatch (which I got!), additionally the other concerned a designed for TV movie regarding Princess Diana.
Should you be a minimum age to perform in the TV extras or movie extras industry?
Age is not technically a difficulty, as different types of people are needed for background work which is comprised of as young as a baby together with as old as old might be! A person who is below 16 needs to possess a licence from their local council, although stage schools are often used as a ‘stepping stone’ for this, by providing their pupils on an open licence. When you attain the upper age limits, a common thing to consider is whether or not you have the energy levels to handle what is often a lengthy and arduous day.
Taking everything into consideration, is it really worth it?
Whether it’s actually worth it for you is based on exactly what you expect you’ll get out of it. If you’re seeking the thrill of performing on a major movie or working alongside a legendary actor, then yes, it’s worth the effort. If you’re trying to get some practical experience, to augment your professional theatre training, then again yes, it’s worthwhile.
Unfortunately, if you are hoping to build a regular living from employment in the extras industry, then I do believe, no it’s not advisable! The income could possibly be first-rate, especially when you are lucky enough getting signed up for a series, or the entire duration of a production and you get selected for night filming, direction, walk-ons, etc. Unfortunately, that’s not the norm in the industry and it would certainly be imprudent to rely upon anything like that.
About the Author
Ben Jones has spent many years working in the TV Extras and Movie Extras industry, prior to joining StarsInMyEyes.TV.
His wealth of experience in the industry is particularly helpful when reviewing TV Extras & Movie Extras opportunities and also roles involving Acting Auditions & Film Auditions.
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