Have you ever dreamed of being on screen? Having the opportunity to be on screen in commercials, movies or you favourite TV show? Well dream no further! This can be a reality… and one that you get paid for! If you live in a city, in particular one in which there is a large amount of filming, film production and opportunity then there is an even better chance that there will exist an ‘extra’s’ casting office, focused on casting people like you as extras. Background talent (or extras) perform in the background and setting of productions.  If you look out in any on screen production you see, you’ll notice people as part of the crowd in public places.  This kind of performing is subtle and exciting, and pays! With being an extra, there’s no specific acting involved. You don’t have any lines to speak; you simply have to blend in to be part of the setting. Being an extra, you tend to wear your own clothes on set so the better variety of clothing styles you have, the more diverse the productions you can be in, and the more likely you are to be picked to be an extra.  From a 70’s disco diva to London yuppie! As an extra, your face will often not appear on camera. If this does occur, then the term for it is a ‘featured extra’ and you will earn more money. When performing as an extra, the director will instruct you where to stand (this is called your ‘mark) and they will instruct you on what to do/ how to look (this is called your ‘blocking’). Salary varies widely between the types of production, Production Company and so on. But you should expect to earn at least minimum wage. A day’s work can often be long and rather gruelling, involving a lot of stranding around and waiting in between filming, and often extras work 12 hour days. One very easy money earner, is if you’re over the age of eighteen but are lucky enough to look a fair bit younger.  There is a lot of demand for actors who look under eighteen.  For actors who are actually under eighteen there are many restrictions, e.d their parents/guardian have to be present on set and special permissions are required.  So extras who are over eighteen but look younger are in high demand! Production companies often provide meals and refreshments, and breaks between filming provide a good opportunity to mingle with the directors and other actors.  However be sure not to over crod or get too friendly with stars. Keep your distance and remain professional.  This way you’ll be more likely to get even more work. So to become an extra, find your nearest casting office.  You can either sign up in person (this may be better as offices remember people they meet more) or submit your photo and application questionnaire.  These questionnaires can be quite extensive in order to find the extra work most suitable to you, including any special talents you may have! From juggling to driving a vehicle! The casting agency announces available jobs and will have a variety of opportunities as an extra on offer. The agency will advise you of the location, time and appropriate clothing for your next opportunity on set.