Why Become 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.

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!

I feel very lucky that I signed up to be an extra for a bit of fun and managed to get one of my favourite jobs I’ve ever had – being a stand in for both characters ‘Shen Shen’ and ‘ Miss Coddle’ which lasted a year exactly to the day. I’m used to being behind the scenes in the workshops making costume for film but we’re not often involved on set once our costumes leave the room. It was a nice change to experience the other side of film work! (Especially being a musical it was an amazing experience to watch all the dancers and scenes come together. They were definitely the best sets I’ve ever seen and I got to work on them with the best group of fellow stand ins). Thank you, Uni-versal Extras

Sophie

Wicked / Wicked: For Good

I’ve had the chance to be part of 3 BBC dramas, and even featured in the Adidas x Newcastle advert, which was an amazing experience. I’ve genuinely enjoyed every job I’ve done & always look forward to the next opportunity. I’d definitely recommend UVE to anyone wanting to get involved in film, TV or adverts.

Yusuf

Uni-versal Extra

I have been so very lucky! My first S.A. experience has been 8 days on Series 6 of All Creatures Great & Small; I just saw myself in a close-up last night. Every single person involved in the process was absolutely lovely. Hopeful for more interesting adventures with UVE!

Claire

All Things Great & Small – Series 6

To be honest, as a female in my 70th year, I doubted I would get any roles so I signed up for a number of agencies. Only UVE has come through for me. It’s such fun to dress up, play a part and see how the magic happens. I’ve even been paid extra for singing & for creative contribution!

Janet

Uni-versal Extra

I love being an SA. It’s so fascinating being on set and seeing all the work that goes into a production: the attention to detail, the props, the costumes, how hard everyone works. I really didn’t expect to feel so involved in a scene, it’s really great watching the main cast perform and being a part of that process.