FINDING AN EXTRA CASTING AGENCY

If you're exceptionally lucky, and know the right people, you can get work on a production as a movie extra without an agent. People hired 'direct' are usually friends of the crew, or friends of friends. If you are found in a street casting you may be lucky, but nine times out of ten, you will only be offered work by an agency you have registered with.

Bear in mind this is not Jerry Maguire. You will not have a personal agent who comes round to your house, so you can shout "Show me the Money!" at him. You will be among hundreds. It is of course your agent's responsibility to find you work, but it doesn't stop there. They are responsible for the way you are treated on set, but also for the way you behave ( if an extra causes trouble, it's the agency that takes the blame). The agent also makes sure you get paid correctly and on time, and deals with any disputes that arise concerning your pay and your general welfare. It's fair to say that choosing the right agency (or agencies) will directly affect how much work you are offered.

Today in the UK there are over fifty agencies that claim to offer work for movie extras or Supporting Artistes. However, there are probably less than ten that do ninety-nine per cent of all the work. In an around the London area, where there are perhaps twenty agencies in total, only three or four are work considering joining. It's therefore really important that you find the right one for you. Since the government and the unions have fought hard to outlaw the rogue agents, the next five years is a time when only the strongest, busiest agencies will survive.

You Can Be A Movie Extra by Rob Martin is geared towards Movie Extras better known as Supporting Artiste in the UK. Whether your interest lies in the movies, television, videos or commercials, there is a great demand for people to fill the needs of production companies. (Note: This book is geared towards the UK Market.)