I want to be a Supporting Artist !

Generally people have many perceptions of what being a Supporting Artist is all about. Many would like to believe that it's all about fame, glamour and a quick stepping-stone to international stardom. Unfortunately, this is often not the case.

To be a good 'Extra' or Supporting Artist requires only a few essential, but nevertheless important skills. These attributes can often lead to regular, well paid work;

• Reliability - This is one of the main requirements for good extra's. This involves taking responsibility to manage your own time, by this we mean always arrive promptly at the exact required location. Arriving on time is essential in order for the production company to meet their shooting schedules.
• On-Set Etiquette - Behaviour of extras on-set is of paramount importance, as it reflects not only on you, the extra, but also on your agency and the other extras from your agency.
• Accepting the role of an Extra - When hiring support artists, production companies are looking for background people to support their principle actors (do not try and become a new star in the production). Your main role is to follow instructions promptly from the assistant director, who is usually responsible for the extras on set.
• Preparation & Flexibility - Be well prepared for a long day and all kinds of weather. It is not unusual for Extras to be asked to work overtime, which sometimes can make a day's filming seem very long and tiring. Be prepared with suitable off-set clothing (a set of dry clothes may come in handy !). It is also advisable to take along some reading material, as there are often long periods of inactivity between filming scenes. Being an extra can be very rewarding, interesting and most of all fun !

Thank you