Become a TV/film extra... official MoneySavingExpert.com discussion

robholding

nubianhustler wrote: »

most now have started charge a fee but comes out of your first pay.;)
these are the top agencies

rayknight
castingcollective
leescasting
2020casting
screenliteagency

albamodel.info industry watchdog
list of other types of agencies and the scam ones, advice

I was an extra for about 13 years. nubinhustler has listed some good agencies here. From memory, it is now illegal to charge a registration fee however agencies have just changes the name of the charge. Correct me if I'm wrong,

Please be warned, there are dubious agencies out there. I have been there and done it. A useful book i would recommend is "Contacts" it is published by spotlight (spotlight, like equity is a "must have" for actors).
The book lists everyone who is anyone in the world of acting/singing/modelling/dancing agencies and more.

If you decide to give extra work a go, you will learn a lot from talking to the other extras you meet "on the bus".
Always volunteer if the AD's or runners ask. You may get a walk-on or speaking part - worth extra money.

My first extra roll was for Eyes Wide Shut - filmed in Thetford forest. Good memories...

I now work as a photographer and offer headshots for actors and extras and portfolio shoots for models & performers. If anyone is in need of any images for their books or agencies books, feel free to get in touch.

1962davew

Received this from PHA :-

Thank you for your application to join PHA.
We would like to invite you to come along to our next TV Extra's meeting here at PHA.
At this group meeting you will be briefed on what TV Extra's work is like and how you can get involved. There will also be an opportunity to ask any questions that you may have.
You do not need to bring anything with you.
Please call the office to book in for the next meeting and we look forward to seeing you there.

Yours sincerely

Supporting Artists Division
PHA Model & Casting Management
0161 273 4444
Tanzaro House, Ardwick Green North, Manchester M12 6FZ
https://www.pha-agency.co.uk

Thought I would give it a punt, not usually a risk taker but got to speculate etc.
I can definitely state they will not be getting any money upfront unless I get some agreement in writing.

I have read most of the thread and take all comments on board but can anyone offer any advice as to what to expect etc?

Cheers:beer:

Jmarles

leescasting is done

1962davew

Jmarles wrote: »

leescasting is done

What is that?

nsbarker

Charging an upfront fee is rediculous, I think agencies that do this on LA are being looked into as it's considered an unsavory business practice. The agencies should earn all their income from the production companies that employ their services.

Barnetbear

Ray Knight certainly wanted a fee in advance to go in their book when I went there for an interview about 10 years ago, I declined, I don't think they listed me anywhere or I was just unsuitable as I never got any work from them. I didn't wish to pay money and take a chance that I would be chosen by a casting director somewhere - for me the whole point of going to work for an agency for extras assignments or modelling is to make money and not start parting with it. No employment agency charges to register - and neither should extra or model agents.

I would only sign with an extras or model agency that took no fees at all up front - if they don't think they can get me work then they should not sign me - if they have work for me they can take their fee off my first earnings automatically as they issue the cheques - simple as that

Chad1

Ezzie wrote: »

Hiya - I see a couple of posts re Lemon Casting (not very positive!!) :eek: - I did a lot of extra work years ago through the Denman Agency (Jack Denman passed away last year so the agency folded) and Show Business in Nottingham and there was a lot of paid work around (ok a bit boring hanging around all day but it was ok). Recently I decided to get back into it and am considering registering with Lemon in Manchester. You pay £40 registration fee which is the norm, then they take photos and you pay from your first lot of work. Has anyone else worked for Andrea and do you recommend this agency?? Thank you! :beer:

I searched the web looking for information on reputable casting agents in the Manchester area and came across Lemon casting and googled where their office was located. It's located inside the Sharp Project Building which are bonifide studios. I applied to join and was invited to an interview ( March 27th 2012) and was impressed with their set up. I paid £40 towards photos and the balance would be taken from your first job. Within 3 weeks of joining I was contacted by Andrea and was given my first extra role as an holiday maker on the new production of Mount Pleasant. Trust this will assist

Maccees93

Would people who have done this say it was worth it?

I'm looking for a bit of extra money over summer (I'm a student) and it could be a fun way of doing it?

teendude

Maccees93 wrote: »

Would people who have done this say it was worth it?

I'm looking for a bit of extra money over summer (I'm a student) and it could be a fun way of doing it?

Yeah I'm wondering about this too....
I currently have two jobs 5 hours a week each and supplement it with MSing.
But one of the jobs (the better paying one) is only during term time, so something extra would be really good.

This might be a stupid question, but do you need acting experience? I don't think I've even been in a school play.

paddyrg

Maccees93 wrote: »

Would people who have done this say it was worth it?

I'm looking for a bit of extra money over summer (I'm a student) and it could be a fun way of doing it?

Don't expect back-to-back work, it's a few days here or there. You do it for the experience, not as a reliable income (as you have to factor in long hours, travel before the buses run, agency fees and VAT, personal tax, etc.) You'll do better than break even, but you won't retire on it.

And ^^ no, you don't act, in fact you'll barely be seen, you'll just walk from here to there and back again when someone tells you to :-)