Extra Factory FAQ
Why should I go on the books of an agent to obtain work?
If you're not registered with an agent, it may be very difficult for you to find work. Production companies have many things to consider when selecting cast. The most efficient way for them to get the right cast is to approach an agent, who helps them to find the right people. If you're not on the agent's books, there is no way for a production company to find out about you. Occasionally production companies may advertise for cast members in the press or through the employment service but this is not the norm.
How is work found?
A production company contacts us with details of their filming schedule and a profile of the extras they need. We telephone all artistes meeting this profile and inform them of the work. Artistes are contacted on a rota basis, to ensure that everyone gets an equal chance of work and work is allocated on a 'first come first served' basis.
NOTE - we cannot guarantee to find you work, but we'll do everything in our power to ensure that all artistes are considered on a fair and equal basis.
How are artistes selected?
Simple the client views you on our website www.extrafactory.co.uk
For featured roles, you may be sent along to a casting session for selection by the production company's casting director. Wherever possible, we will do whatever we can to ensure that all artistes are given an equal chance of selection for work. Exact same idea for our model section!
What experience do I need?
None whatsoever to be an extra. However, to be considered for more demanding roles, experience will be required. As an extra you will gain this experience simply by being on set and working in the industry. Models tend to gain experience also as they go along but you will need the required look.
Should I have any special skills?
Not necessarily, but they can be useful.
You don't need special skills to be a basic film extra. All you really need is patience, reliability and a willingness to be available. The work may involve long periods of standing around waiting for filming to start and you may also be asked to work unsociable hours. A sense of humour is, therefore, an advantage.
Of course there are always film companies on the lookout for people with special skills for specific scenes (e.g. dancers, singers, horse riders, jugglers, skateboarders - the list is endless). Please do let us know if you have any specialist skills. It may help to improve your chance of selection for a particular job.
Work experience can also count as a specialist skill. If you have a specialist job (e.g. ambulance worker, policeman, postman, barrister, sports trainer, hairdresser etc) please do let us know. Production companies often ask for people to portray a career role convincingly and if you have experience of the job, you may be in a better position for selection.
Am I too old/young/fat/tall to be an extra?
Production companies are always on the lookout for people of all ages, types and builds to appear as extras, so don't worry about being too old, young, fat or anything else. The important thing the production company wants is someone who will turn up on time, follow instructions and has the patience to wait and be available when they are needed.
What work will I get?
For an inexperienced extra much of the work offered will be background and Walk On 1 parts (i.e. a background artist with no speaking role or interaction with principle cast members).For our models we are specialising in the commercial world of modelling.
When will I get work?
We cannot give any guarantees of work, but we do promise to give you as much opportunity to be considered for work as everyone else on our books. We don't make any money if our artistes are not working, so it's in our interest to find work for you.
How much notice will I get?
In reality the amount of notice you get will be very short. In many cases you will get a call for work the day before. Wherever possible we will give as much notice as we can but you may have to be ready to work at very short notice.
Will it count against me if I refuse work?
Refusing work will not count against you. We understand that everyone has personal commitments so don't worry about turning work down. If you are not available for the specific job offered please tell us - there may be other, more suitable times. But please do let us know as early as possible if you are not available. The most important thing not to do is to accept a job and then don't turn up. That will count against you and you may be removed from the agencies books.
How much will I get paid?
This depends on a number of things, including the hours you work, the type of role you perform and even the rate paid by the production company in question. The average rate is between £60 and £80 per day - but some low budget productions may only pay £40. You will not normally be given expenses but you will be supplied with meals, snacks and drinks.
Do you take a commission?
Of course that is how we survive as a business. We deduct 10% from your earnings for TV extra and 20% from modelling work.. This is our fee for finding work for you. This will only be charged for work you actually do and will be deducted from your fee before it’s paid by BACS transfer.
What days and hours will I work?
This depends on the work schedule of the production company. The working hours of a background artiste are normally long and involve a lot of waiting around - take a good book. You may start at any time of day (early in the morning or through the night) and it could be during the week or at weekends.