Why become an extra
Being An Extra

Why Become an Extra?

Sign up as an Extra

What is an ‘Extra‘?

How many times have you been to a shopping centre, restaurant, doctor’s waiting room, concert or birthday party and found that you were the only person present? Never, right?

This is where Extras come in.

An Extra (sometimes referred to as a Supporting Artiste [SA], or a background actor) is a person selected to help populate the background of TV, Film and commercial scenes to make them feel/look much more realistic.

Any time that you watch something where there is background action happening behind the main cast on-screen, each one of these people has been carefully selected and placed there by the production team.

Most of the time, these roles don’t require any dialogue – but often do require a certain ‘look’. This to make sure that each Extra blends naturally into the environment they are building on-screen.

Crowd Scene :: Uni-versal Extras

Why Become an Extra?

Uni-versal Extras is the number 1 Extras agency for placing people (like you!) in Feature Films, TV and Commercial productions across the UK & Ireland.

With our head office at the heart of the prestigious Pinewood Film Studios, Uni-versal Extras are perfectly placed to offer you opportunities working as an Extra or Supporting Artiste in the world’s most exciting industry.

If you’re looking to earn money working in flexible, part-time roles, then Extra work may very well be the perfect fit for you.

Whilst we do have many talented actors and performers on the books – Extra work is accessible to all and requires absolutely no prior acting experience. In actual fact, getting started really is as easy as downloading the UVE Artiste App and simply building your very own Artiste profile!

Truth be told, there are so many reasons to love being an Extra that it’s hard to know where to start.  

But we’ll do our best… 

Never Have the Same Day Twice 

No groundhog days here. Visit different shoot locations, chat to new people on set, and take part in everything from action thrillers to period dramas. 

Flexible Hours That Suit You

Only work when you want to. Extras are able to pick and choose the projects that make time for other responsibilities and commitments.  

Make Great Friends

Get to chatting to fellow Artistes on set and become part of a vibrant, ever-growing community that spans the length of the UK. 

Don’t Get Stuck In One Place 

Love to travel? Register your interest in multiple locations across the UK & Ireland to receive mobile updates on roles & productions near where you are right now! 

Be Part of the Shows You Love

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of spotting your own face pop up on Netflix, nestled amongst the stars. Bragging rights well-deserved. 

Thrive in a Creative Environment 

Immerse yourself in an environment where creation is around every corner and work alongside both established and future TV/Filmmaking trailblazers. 

No Need to Stress About Meals or Travel 

With many productions providing on-set provisions, you can enjoy free catering and even sometimes receive a supplementary fee for your journey to and from filming locations (depending on individual production’s Ts&Cs) 


Want to hear some more? Why not delve a little deeper into how it works, or…

Join The Uni-versal Extras Agency Now!

To register as an Extra, all you’ll need to do is pop your details into the form below. From there, you’ll receive an email link where you can download our app and begin building your profile today!

Sign up to receive an app invitation link

We’ll send a download link and instructions to your email

😍 One of the Dukes mourners. Fab shoot in the rain on the Badminton Estate. From costume to catering (including the lovely Joely Richardson), it was an absolute pleasure. Best catering ever, too.

Kathleen | UVE Supporting Artiste on The Gentlemen
Kathleen

The Gentlemen

Delightful two days filming on this. I was in the boxing scene in episode 1 – bunches of SA’s on the scene. Pleased to get quite a few seconds of my mug on it! Looks a winner on screen. Bravo!!

Martin | UVE Supporting Artiste on The Gentlemen
Martin

The Gentlemen

Very professional production team. SA food & staff were top notch, transport top notch. There was a very good team who organised things so well. Everything ran smoothly & I salute them for their catering staff who work so hard to keep the team fed – as well as all of us SA’s.

George V | Supporting Artiste on Timestalker | Uni-versal Extras
George

Timestalker

Had a really great experience on this. Crew were professional and really nice – 3rd crowd AD was really helpful and supportive!

Tom D. | Supporting Artiste on Sexy Beast with Uni-versal Extras
Tom

Sexy Beast

A most happy featured Artiste. Costume & make-up [were] so chatty and up beat, lunch was great, but best of all – the leading cast members made me so welcome. They really made sure we were relaxed & happy on set.

Peter W. | Supporting Artiste on Sexy Beast with Uni-versal Extras
Peter

Sexy Beast

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