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Earning Extra Money

Ways on how to earn extra & supplementary income

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Earning or Supplementing a living as an TV / Film Extra

Long days at a Studio, but the start of something big?

Getting a job as a TV or Movie Extra can be great, you may meet the Stars, see yourself on TV and earn money doing it.

Having done some TV Extra work, I can see exactly the humour of Ricky Gervais's TV Comedy series.
There's a lot of sitting around waiting and mixing with the Stars.
All this is mixed in with some 'seasoned' types who are after that little oneupmanship and come prepared for every occasion in hope of that close up, or even a couple of words here and there.

The main joy of TV / Film Extra work is that you don't have to be a fashion mode;  you apply as you are. If you haven't any teeth, if you're 85 years old, if you have a strange shaped nose - it doesn't matter. Some film or TV Show /Drama is being made in some location where they need a face or body like yours!
After all, they don't need the bees knees of good lookers for a general Charles Dickens street scene do they.

The word 'extra's' in fact is PR wise phased out. They are now known as 'Background Artistes', which I guess is more accurate.

The pay varies a lot. Basically, the more you do, or the more the face fits, the fee's can go upwards and beyond.

Two years ago I was an extra in the first series of 'Titty Titty Bang Bang', the BB2 female led comedy series.
My three days went as follows........

DAY ONE
We arrived at Meridian Studio's, Maidstone at 6am. About 20 Extra's turned up. We were told to bring casual gear as we may be filming a picnic scene (this was cancelled). Most of the people know the game and brought along all sorts of clothing in large suitcases 'just in case' (as above!!).
I was found a shirt and tie and was all ready to be a background Doctor in a Hospital scene. This was cancelled as well and we went by Mini Bus to an old semi-derelict building which they had turned one room into a Hospital Ward.
Basically we then sat around til 5pm and didn't do anything

DAY 2
Same early start. We were sent by Mini Bus to a Social Men's Club for a 'Darts evening'.
This was my big moment and I sat at a table pretending to drink and talk for about 4 hours of the 9 hour day.
The rest of the time was spent sitting on the coach reading and chatting with, amongst others, John Fordham, the former World Darts Champion.

DAY 3
Sat on the Bus all day and wasn't asked (Did I look that bad the day before!!)

At that time, I got £85 for the day. Not much maybe, but they supplied us with full breakfast, a massive lunch and afternoon tea as well - which is usual.

There could be any number of jobs going in this 'occupation'. Many make a full time living out of TV Extra work. Jonathan Ross's Mum has been an Extra on 'Eastenders' for years, so it can be done.



The other joy of this kind of work is that you don't have to do it if you don't want to.
Often Casting Agencies are frantic for people. In fact, I found out about my first time through an appeal on BBC Radio Kent!

I know a chap who does this quite a lot. He's been abroad shooting a TV Play and appeared in films starring top Oscar nominated / winning Actors. And - I can assure you ladies - he's no looker!!!!!

Longer Term Work

It could be a long term film project. For instance, the Extra's used on the film Titanic were employed full time for over three month's!
I was employed for three days and appeared on Television for a total time of 3 minutes!

              




Everything from
a crowded
street, to a
crowd scene to
Period Drama


Be prepared for early starts, Mini Bus rides, hot / cold weather, long days and waiting!
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Film Actor's who started as Extra's and went on to slightly better things!
Matt Damon
Shirley Temple
Bruce Willis
Clint Eastwood
David Niven
Michael Caine
Oliver Reed
David Bowie
Bob Hoskins
Sylvester Stallone

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Casting criteria for extras depend on the production. Becoming an extra often requires little to no acting experience; punctuality, reliability and the ability to take direction may figure more prominently than talent.
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There are several casting agencies that specialize only in background work. When hiring extras, casting directors generally seek out those with specific "looks" that will contribute to the ambiance desired for the film, for instance, "high school students," "affluent senior citizens," etc. Casting directors may also look for extras that possess special skills needed for the scene, such as Rollerblading or dancing. In addition, as extras are often required to use their own wardrobe on the set, casting directors may seek those who already possess specific costumes or props, such as police uniforms or musical instruments.

On smaller productions or student films, extras may be hired en masse with little formality.
Wikipedia (share alike licence)

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