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

dfrancis94

Hey,
What are peoples opinions on Guys and Dolls Casting? Has anyone worked with them before and if so what were you experiences like? I have a registration and photoshoot coming up soon and Im not sure whether im going to go or not as I haven't really heard alot about the company and I am new to extras work so I dont have any other experiences to go by! Thanks in advance

ElDavido

S0litaire wrote: »

Anyone know of any reputable companies in central/west coast Scotland?

I'm thinking of giving it a go...

I know you posted a few months ago but in case you didn't get an answer I thought I'd give you my input.

As a bit of background I worked for Revolution Talent Management with another 30 or so regular extras for about a month on the last series of Garrow's Law. It was some of the most fun I've had in a work environment, you're getting paid to dress up and play make believe, what's not to like. Getting paid is the tricky bit, usually it is a long process (4-6 weeks) but our agency folded and around half the people were left £500 or so out of pocket. In Scotland avoid anything that involves Kay Gannon like the plague, she's folded 2 companies and is an absolute joke.

Since we all disbanded the best company talked about has been United Casting, they charge a joining fee but it comes off your first pay check. They have a large book though so the work can be fairly thin and far between but they are a very professional outfit paying pretty quickly.

noodlepoopsie

dfrancis94 wrote: »

Hey,
What are peoples opinions on Guys and Dolls Casting? Has anyone worked with them before and if so what were you experiences like? I have a registration and photoshoot coming up soon and Im not sure whether im going to go or not as I haven't really heard alot about the company and I am new to extras work so I dont have any other experiences to go by! Thanks in advance

They're one of the best ones to my knowledge. I trained in performing arts and drama and started off doing extras work 8 or 9 years ago, and Guys & Dolls (as well as Ray Knight and 20:20) were some of the harder agencies to get onto as their books only open once or twice a year.

I also believe that these agencies take fees upfront, as did the one I worked for (got loads of tv work!) to pay for your portfolio etc so always think the "don't pay anyone any fees upfront" is a bit of a cliche, and you should just do a lot of research and be careful!

If you have any other questions, just ask, I did it for a few years x

legz890

I don't know if this has been mentioned before but I get about a text a week off mad dog casting with different extra work they need. Most recent was a period drama in Swansea, £95 for 12 hours work.
I have also heard of casting now i think it is but they want you to pay membership upfront and I refuse to do that but they seem to always have a lot of work available from when I get emails off them

Polak

Ok so there are a couple of casting open days going on this Sunday and I was just wondering if those of you who are more clued up on this could tell if this is legitimate or a scam. I am unable to post links as a new user so I missed out one 'w' at the front of the addresses. If you could just put it in to the address box with the extra 'w' to see them.

This one

ww.gumtree.com/p/jobs/we-are-holding-casting-for-film-and-tv-extras-on-sunday-16th-september/99374156

and this one

ww.gumtree.com/p/jobs/open-casting-for-film-and-tv-extras-on-sunday-16th-september/110852363

They both require 20 pounds for a photo shoot if you do not have a portfolio, is that normal?

noodlepoopsie

Polak wrote: »

Ok so there are a couple of casting open days going on this Sunday and I was just wondering if those of you who are more clued up on this could tell if this is legitimate or a scam. I am unable to post links as a new user so I missed out one 'w' at the front of the addresses. If you could just put it in to the address box with the extra 'w' to see them.

This one

ww.gumtree.com/p/jobs/we-are-holding-casting-for-film-and-tv-extras-on-sunday-16th-september/99374156

and this one

ww.gumtree.com/p/jobs/open-casting-for-film-and-tv-extras-on-sunday-16th-september/110852363

They both require 20 pounds for a photo shoot if you do not have a portfolio, is that normal?

I wouldn't give my money to someone who advertises on gumtree and only has a gmail email address to be honest.

The top extras agencies know they don't need to advertise because they're in demand!

whenispaydayagain?

Symnz wrote: »

http://www.studioextras.co.uk

Avoid these guys...they only advertise jobs that are advertised on Channel 4...but ask for a subscription fee!

Do they advertise for extras work on the C4 website?

ElDavido

Not that I am aware of. It's much easier just to pay the same money to an agency and let them handle it all.

cissmiace

Hi guys, this is something I'm interested in. I have been quite poorly in recent years, but now I'm better I need to find something I really enjoy. Amongst other things, I think it would boost my confidence a little, and would be lovely to meet people. However I have no experience and don't know where to start.

I'm not interested in being paid, I just want experience, fun, and maybe it will lead me to study.

Any tips?

missing_link_2

I was an extra on Cracker back in the early 90's as a journalist. I wouldn't mind doing it again. I didn't need to sign up on any website,it was in the jobcentre