Background/Supporting Artists

Whenever you watch a Commercial, Film or TV drama you will see, but perhaps not notice, numerous walk-ons in the background making scenes look and feel realistic. They represent and comprise a broad cross-section of society. From children to OAPs, whatever your colour, size, shape, age or haircut. You'd be surprised at some of the requests that production companies make. Sometimes they're just after bodies to fill in a background but equally often they are looking for specific types to act as featured walk ons. Although no acting experience is necessary you must be willing and able to take direction. A shooting day usually lasts for 9/10 hours with an additional hour for lunch. You will normally be required for the entirety of the day’s shoot. This could be a lot longer than the 10 hours although you would always be paid overtime. The shooting day often begins very early in the morning at a studio or on location. Being a walk-on usually means wearing the right costume and having make-up applied. This means the call time for work can be extremely early. The film process involves a lot of hanging about waiting for scenes to be set up. If the scene is on location this can often be a bit uncomfortable, because of the British weather. Although it is normal for a production companies to provide a warm area for the supporting cast, this sometimes is not the case, so be prepared
Becoming a Walk on or Supporting Artist
Walk-ons can be recruited in numerous ways. For example, they are often connected with a location or prop that is being used or belong to a special interest group whose skills are particularly needed. However the most common way is to register with a reputable Casting Agency that specialises in extras, who will hold an individual's specific details on file. It is common practice for production companies to directly approach casting agencies with a list of requirements for ‘walk-ons’ which the agency then draw together from those people on its books. You may see press advertisements for extra work from agencies, which in the first instance request a payment up front in order for you to register for work. This is not the best practise

FINDING AN AGENT:

Registering with a reputable Supporting Artists’ Agency can be a daunting task There are so many to choose from with agencies all over the country, but most are based in and around the London area. You will need to do a bit of home work to find out who the best ones are. Another point worth mentioning is that the best agencies do not normally advertise, so steer well clear of adverts at the back of The Stage or other local or national newspapers. Otherwise there are many ways of verifying the authenticity and rating of agencies. A good start is by giving them a call; sound them out by asking how long they have been running. A little research can save you a lot of time and money. Get advice from other actors, Casting Directors, Equity and BECTU have accredited lists also Try calling the BBC and other ITV companies and find out who they use. Always trust your instincts: if you are unsure then don't register with them! You should never join an agency over the phone, or on the Internet. Always go and meet the agent (never in a hotel lobby or a café): go and see them more than once
Supporting artist agents normally represent Actors/Extras on a non-personal management basis and don’t require the actors to sign a contract with them To start, you may want to join more than one agency, three or four is always best. The key ingredient in choosing an agent or agencies is the excitement factor. Make sure that the agency is excited about you and will work for you.
From your agency you should expect, Honesty, Protection, Career Guidance, Promotion, Professional and courteous service. You should not expect from your agent: advances in pay: services as a psychologist, mother, father, etc., or rides anywhere. Always check and make sure that the agency is working within the DTI guidelines: that they pay within 10 days of receipt of any monies that they receive on your behalf and that all monies are kept in a separate client account. Never pay an agency-joining fee. Accredited agencies will never ask for a registration fees, this is not legal and goes against the DTI agency legislation, which all agencies in the UK should adhere to. Agencies that do ask for this fee should be reported to the DTI. (Department of trade and Industry) If you are still not sure about the agent ring the DTI and ask if they have any problems with that agency, you will find their number in your local Yellow Pages (www.yell.com or Thompson Local www.tompsonlocal.co.uk) or call the actors Union Equity (020 7379 6000) who will be able to tell you if an agent is on their ‘special attention’ list. Casting Book fees if an agent produces a casting book and/or web site ask how much the fee will be and ask to see the last copy of the last book. Also make sure you know how often the agency’s book is updated – once every two years is normal. Look to see the quality. Find out whether the agency is willing to deduct the book fee from work undertaken. All good agencies should be able to do this for you

TRAINING:

You don’t need any training to be a supporting artist (extra). Anyone can be an extra, regardless of their age, shape or colour. In fact, often it’s the people who consider themselves to have the 'wrong look' for film, that are most in demand! No-one can truly judge how successful anyone will be, no matter how beautiful or extraordinary looking, but there are a few pre-requisites that all SA's need to fulfil if they are to get work often enough to make the whole exercise worthwhile. The important thing is to be able to blend into the background in creating authenticity and atmosphere in any scene. If you wish to be an actor it is very unlikely that a casting director will spot you in the crowd and give you the main role. You should consider Drama School as the best option for any starting actor.

Questions and Answers:

Should I move to London to pursue a career in as an extra?
Absolutely not! There are drama production opportunities all over the country.
Should I quit my job to become a professional supporting artist?
Absolutely not! Few people make a living as a film extra. However, many people find that the work is a good way to top up earnings from other self-employed ventures. It's certainly NOT a gateway into movie stardom or a serious acting career. Although there are a few notable exceptions, most actors find that being known as an "extra" is a hindrance to obtaining proper acting work Before you can even consider acting as a full-time career, it will usually takes at least six months to a year to get enough experience. It sometimes helps to get a flexible job.
How fast can an agency find me a job?
Please don't get the idea that the moment you join an agency all your problems will be over. Don't expect the agency to call you weekly; unfortunately, it doesn't always work that way. i.e.: if an agency works through their casting directory it could be sometime before it is printed. Although most agencies now should be able to find you work in a very short space of time depending on your look and availability.
Are “extras” agencies allowed to charge fees?
Under the terms of the Employment Agencies Act 1973 entertainment agencies are legally entitled to charge a fee for "finding or seeking to find" work for those represented by the agency. Be wary of agencies asking for money up-front. For every reputable agency there are twenty fraudulent ones
How much commission do the agencies take?
This is usually between 10% and 15%. Also bear in mind that VAT and National Insurance will also be deducted from work undertaken

How Much can I earn then?

Rates of pay
BBC Television
Supporting Artist
£ 75.50 for each day of attendance
£ 80.50 for each night of attendance
Overtime £11.60
Overtime is paid after 8/9 hours with one hour for lunch
Walk-ons
Receive repeat fees, which are 100%, and if a further broadcast in the same week is 50%.
£ 93.50 for each day of attendance
£ 110.10 for each night of attendance
Overtime £ 14.30
Overtime is paid after 8/9 hours with one hour for lunch
Rehearsals
£ 75.50 for each rehearsal of day
£ 75.50 for each rehearsal night
ITV Agreements
Walk-on 1
WO1 artists not required to give individual characterisation or to speak
£ 69.54 for each day of attendance
If more than 41 walk on 1's are engaged on a location
£ 59.67 for each day of attendance
Walk-on 2
WO2 are non-speaking artists who are required to impersonate an identifiable
individual but not to give individual characterisation £ 90.08 for each day of attendance
Walk-on 3
Carry out the same functions as a Walk-on 2 but shall also be required to speak a very few unimportant words where the precise words spoken do not matter, the recording day payment is £ 107.22 for each day of attendance