Discovering What It's Like To Be An Extra
24th November 2022- New Experience Number 26.
I’d often wondered what it’s like to be an Extra, (sometimes called a background actor), and it was something I’d had my eye on for a while. I’d done a little research into it but not really followed anything up. Then I spotted a post on Facebook from a friend who was looking for Extras! It was meant to be!
There’s Been A Murder!
It was unusually quiet in the forest. The birds weren’t singing their usual tuneful daybreak songs. There were no distant barks from excitable dogs being taken out for a morning walk. No gentle chatter as early risers took a stroll before breakfast. Breaking the silence was the whispering swish of the remaining autumnal leaves as a breeze whipped between the skeletal branches.
A golden leaf couldn’t cling on any longer and silently floated from its bough. Landing in the foliage strewn mud, thick with footprints and tyre tracks, and just inches from the woman.
Lying in the dirt, her glassy eyes stared. Her hands were pale and rigid, and her legs splayed awkwardly. Her thick, dark hair was matted against her head, congealed with brown blood.
Then she stood up, and went for a cup of tea, as they had finished filming the scene!
Direction - What It's Like To Be An Extra
A few days before arriving at the remote forest location for my first experience of being an Extra in a crime drama, I received a call sheet from the producer. This covered absolutely everything to make the day run smoothly, including names of who was doing what, precise locations with images, and even times of sunrise and sunset.
It had been a fairly mild November, but spending a full day out in the woods was probably not going to be the warmest. My instructions had asked me to come in dark clothing, so I brought plenty of sombre layers to stave off the chill.
Not So Starring Role Being An Extra
My role was a SOCO. I didn’t know what that meant either, but it’s a Scene Of Crime Officer. You know when you watch police dramas and there are people in white suits gathering evidence from the scene of whatever crime has been committed? That was me! I was one of four SOCOs, so I’m hoping I’ll be able to recognise myself when I watch it back.
Rehearsal - What It's Like To Be An Extra
All of the cast and crew gathered around to watch the main actors walk through the script. Known as ‘blocking’, this gave the Producer and Director a feel for the location, and allowed everyone involved to see how the whole segment would pan out.
We were only filming one short scene, broken into sections. Each section had to be filmed multiple times from different angles so that it plays out dynamically when we get to watch the finished product. The director made small tweaks until he was happy with the shots he was getting.
Police, Camera, Action!
Being a crime drama with a scene where a body had been found in the woods, there were several Extras playing the role of the police. For most Extras, it involved a costume of a yellow jacket and a hat. However, one Extra had been hired specifically to bring a touch more realism to the screen. He had the official uniform, and an almost exact replica of a police car. Whilst it’s an offence to impersonate a police officer, he had been through all the checks and contracts needed in order to be able to play the role of a convincing police extra.
Costume Drama - What It's Like To Be An Extra
My role didn’t need hair or make-up. I did need a costume though. I had to look the part of a professional officer seeking evidence amongst the undergrowth. Kitted out in a white suit, complete with hood, I looked like a cross between a forensic, and a budget version of a ghostbuster.
Any visitors to the woods that day must have been straight onto the internet when they got home, trying to find out what incident had occurred in the forest.
Not Too Much Action
There was a fair bit of waiting around between scenes. It was fascinating to see the attention to minutiae detail which goes into creating what we watch. From making sure there is continuity between the different camera angles, to ensuring the whole scene looks realistic, and eliminating previously unnoticed background distractions.
It was also really nice to meet the other Extras. I met some brilliant people who shared fascinating stories about their work in the Mountain Rescue.
Behind The Scenes - What It's Like To Be An Extra
I had multiple instructions throughout the day. In one scene I was organising some equipment. In another I was scouring the undergrowth looking for potential evidence. I had to walk to the back of a van and pick up a very important case, and I had to walk up the path to signal the end of a shift. Of course, all the while remaining in the background and trying not to draw attention to myself – the actors are the real stars of the scenes after all.
Each moment was filmed multiple times. When the ‘reset’ call came, we had to return to our starting points and repeat the movements again. I lost count of the number of times one of the other SOCOs put her gloves on as we repeated one particular scene many, many times. Trying to start in the exact same positions each time was a good test of memory that I hadn’t anticipated.
Small Screen
When I wasn’t in shot I watched the filming on a small screen in a van.
It looked impressive with close ups of the actors. The other extras milled around in the background. They really did add depth, context and realism. Amazing!
Extra Grateful
I was particularly pleased not to be playing the role of the dead body. She had to lie face down in the wet mud. It was a bit too close to some evidence of early morning dog walkers for my liking. Thankfully her scene didn’t take too long to film.
What It's Like To Be An Extra - Unexpected Payment
The production company were great. They had all the flash kit and caboodle, and created some moody crime scenes and tension from what I could see on the small screen.
An added bonus was that everyone who was an Extra got paid! I had not expected that!
A well earned £25 for the day and travel expenses.
That’s A Wrap
The light had faded and the rain was really lashing down. We filmed the final frames of the day, which were actually for the start of the scene. After the final shout of ‘cut’, the Director gathered everyone around. Thanking us for our time, he actually said ‘that’s a wrap’!
I’m not sure when or where this will be shown. I might not even make it into the final edit. However, it was fascinating to go behind the scenes and see the meticulous detail that goes into creating something for our visual delight.
Want To Try It Yourself?
- When I initially looked into being an Extra, all the research seemed to suggest signing up to an agency was the way to go. I’d thought Emmerdale might be an easy option for me as it’s filmed not too far away from York. Yet even there it seemed I’d need to go through an agency. So have a look at agency’s near you. Often they’ll only need a rough and ready head shot and a brief description in order to add you to their books.
- Keep an eye on social media, you might spot an advert looking for extras there.
- Look into any production companies in your area. You could always drop them a line and see if they have any requirements for extras.
- This article from Backstage has lots more information and advice if you’re interested in becoming an Extra
Cost Of Experience
- My experience was free!
- This will depend on where you are going to be an Extra, and how you are going to get to the shooting location.
- If you sign up with an agency there may be a fee involved.
Recommendations
- You should find out in advance how long you’ll be needed for on the day. You might want to take something with you to do if it’s a long stint. Just remember you will need to be quiet. You could always take some fairly noise-less activities such as latchhooking, book folding, or perhaps try your hand at drawing a caricature?
- Take drinks and snacks. We were given lunch, but you might want a bit more to keep you going throughout the day.
- It will depend where and when you are being an Extra, but I’d say take layers if you’re filming in the UK!
- Don’t forget your camera! Although check if you’re allowed to share any behind the scenes pictures before you post them anywhere.
That would be such a cool experience seeing behind the scenes of a tv show. Exciting that it was a crime drama too, my favourites!
Thank you! It really was fun to be part of it, and thankfully it didn’t lose any of the magic by seeing how it was done.