Any one with contacts in an acting/extra agency?

marvin

Back in October I was selected to take part as an extra in the film Duchess (Kira Knightly Ralph Finnes etc.) but due to a personal event at the time could not do it.

I really fancy having a go at the extra lark (not really to make money although that would be nice but just for the experience) so does anyone have any contacts with an agency/agent that does not charge an upfront fee but take a cut if they get you work?

I suddenly have a lot of spare time on my hands and would really like to fill it with something new.

Sola

I'll ask a friend of mine; he's appeared as an extra in the Harry Potter films, Colour of Magic, Alexander, King Arthur etc. I believe his earnings vary but he gets roughly £100-200/day. Knowing him I can't believe he'd pay money upfront to an agency.

arcadia1980

I want to be an extra just once in something, but signing up to all these agencies seems like it is aimed at people wanting to do it full time. Anyone know how to go about it for just a one off?

nuttywoman

I`ve always fancied doing this, but stuck in a little town in Lancs, not much oppotunity,lol

willowthecat

I did it in November for a film called Awaydays (apparently out in the cinema in the summer. If it doesn't go straight to DVD, if you see a shock of flaming red hair propping up the bar it's me lol).

I had an ace time, though it was a long day. Had to leave home at 5am and didn't get back until 8pm.

I wouldn't recommend the agency I used though, because afterwards when I asked about the possibility of doing other work with them, they were really shirty with me. Think it was because they usually charged to be "on their books", but they waived it for my friend and I at the time, because they were desperate for people.

nuttywoman how far away from Manchester are you? There always seems to be filming going on up there!

So, if anyone can recommend another agency that would be brill!

tinkerbel

oooo I'm interested!! And I live in manchester...!

MONEYMAKINGMUM

I found this site starnow on this board somewhere extras, tv,mags + jobs. Apparently to apply for a job I have to pay to register on the site. In the small print it says a one off payment then monthly installments but I can't find the price unless I register, has anyone used this, if so how much is it?
A bit reluctant as I need to earn money not pay for a job iyswim.

HelzBelz

There's this one studioextras.co.uk which doesn't seem expensive but don't know if anybody has used them or what they're like

zx2011

I did it for 18 months through an excellent agency in London. I only did about 12 days work and most of that was outside. You have to be available to answer the phone at all times and be available at *very* short notice.


Never ever pay a fee up front. Any fee must come out of your first day's pay. Any agency's job is to get you work not to collect fees!


Only use companies that are members of National Association of Supporting Artistes Agents(NASAA) http://www.nasaa.org.uk/site/our_members/home/


Go and buy a copy of "You Can Be a Movie Extra" by Rob Martin. ISBN 978-1840235227

ali1972

Get hold of a copy of the current "Contacts" which is published by Spotlight. It has a very comprehensive list of "Extras & Walk-On Agents." "Contacts" is published annually. My 2006 copy (I work elsewhere in the industry) has about 60 different agencies listed for this type of work. You should be able to get hold of a copy of "Contacts" in a large reference library or sweet-talk someone in one of your local theatre schools. To buy it costs £12.

mollymauk

Very irregular work, I sometimes only get 1 day a month, and I'm with 3 agencies!

That said, when you get work it is well paid.

I'm with Mad Dog Casting, Casting Collective, and Ray Knight Casting. All of these are legit and won't charge upfront.

I have also heard good things about Universal Extras, 2020 casting, and a few others.

Good luck, and enjoy the revolting early starts! (4 a.m. call anyone?)