So, what is an extra, and what is expected of them?

It seems an insignificant word, doesn’t it? An “extra” – it evokes someone or something that only appears as a later thought, as if they were drafted in at the last minute. But extras are anything but, and most production companies would not exist without them.

An extra is someone (an actor or model) who appears in the background of TV or film scenes, or even on stage in theatrical performances or in photos. Extras are typically non-speaking (no learning of lines!)

Extras are much more than generic actors helping to “pad out” scenes. Watch a film or TV programme and imagine the atmosphere without extras. It’d be pretty dull, right? Extras are important because they add a dose of credibility to the production, and to increase the general ambience. Let’s “go big” and give a blockbusting example: The Lord of the Rings films. In The Fellowship of the Ring, an estimated 20,000 film extras were used. Can you imagine how reduced the tension and general atmosphere would’ve been if there were minimal extras? Not so much “epic” as “dud”!

Okay, so you might not be accepted as an extra for a blockbuster, but you could still add valuable talent to any number of TV shows, commercials, photos or theatre productions. Take any scene from our popular soaps that involves a pub, for instance. They’ll be a handful of extras having a drink in the background, maybe playing darts or simply sitting at a table reading a newspaper. Why? Because they promote a realistic scene that adds character to the scene, and the producers know this all too well.

Extras can usually expect a day rate, and this depends on the production / client. Fees of £100 / day are not uncommon. Being an extra is not a guarantee “shoo-in” for more prominent acting roles, but it can lead to gaining a few contacts. If nothing else, it can be exhilarating mixing with other actors onboard a professional set.

Extras may be required to start early in the day, so if you’re a late riser then working as an extra is probably not your thing. Extras can expect to be inactive for long periods of the day, and to spring into action when needed.

On the plus side, extras rarely have to audition for their roles: rather, they are put forward by agencies because of their looks, enthusiasm and availability. Previous acting experience will work in an extra’s favour, but it’s certainly not compulsory. Working as an extra is largely accessible to everyone, which is perhaps the main advantage for anyone looking to become part of a film or TV crew.

As an extra, you can learn some tricks of the trade, and observe how professionals operate. Food is usually provided, too!

It might not make your dreams of becoming a TV or film star come true, but if you’re realistic you’ll probably know this already. But life as an extra can be flexible, and it’s certainly a superb option for anyone with a little spare time and the drive to succeed.

Oh, and the best way to become an extra? Have a great agent, of course! But, again, you probably knew that already…   

We have greeted so many changes, from the way we work through to how we live our daily lives. As a result of the changes, our models are mainly working in the great outdoors and taking part in fantastic projects. 

However, we know that working in an outdoor setting isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Not because we have to adhere to all the new rulings – face masks, 2 metres distancing, washing hands regularly, applying hand sanitiser, promoting good ventilation and immediately binning used tissues – but because of the unpredictability outside can bring.

Models Direct takes you through a few factors that can affect an outdoor photoshoot or filming just to give our new and existing models a heads up if they are called for an outdoor project. Here’s what to expect:

Time Delays

Schedules and timetables don’t always run to plan especially on practical projects. Even waiting for other models to show up on time can cause delays so ensure that you aren’t one of the reasons the project doesn’t run to plan! Other factors such as lighting, the weather, traffic and noise can all cause some type of time-lapse. Being patient, on standby for sudden timetable changes or reschedules (and even punctual!) is key. Outdoor projects can bring an element of unpredictability but that’s what makes modelling such an exciting and enticing profession! Why should life be monotonous and bland? Modelling could be your next big career move for 2021! 

Unpredictable Weather 

Come rain or shine, checking the weather forecast is essential whenever planning anything in the great outdoors. Modelling assignments are planned and scripted to a tee by the production company, and what the weather permits are taken into consideration. If you’ve been chosen for a spring/summer shoot, get ready to wear apparel accordingly much the same for autumn/winter productions. Our clients will let you know if you need to wear your own clothes (which colour schemes, print and clothing type) or if they’ll be providing you with a selected wardrobe.

Troublesome Traffic 

Another factor is traffic. Our clients sometimes want shoots or filming to take place in the hustle and bustle of busy city streets, on public transport or in quieter, less active areas. Wherever you are placed for the job, expect it to be busy where you may need to stop and start filming or camera work. Also, expect there to be a lot of onlookers and spectators at points who will be eager to see what’s happening. If you’re feeling anxious or self-conscious our clients and their teams are great at helping our models feel confident and giving them a confidence boost. 

Nuisance Noise

Engines revving, ringing bicycle bells, dogs barking and of course, your mobile phone’s notification sound are just a few of the noises you’d expect when you’re outside. Be prepared for some sounds to be included in filming and some to be omitted which means waiting for the sound levels to ease or working through a busy photoshoot ignoring the external noises. Either way, noise can be a nuisance or helpful – just be prepared for lights, camera, action and loud sounds too!

Even though it can be unpredictable and stressful to work outdoors on photoshoots and filming, it can equally be exciting and spontaneous. Our models are always briefed before assignments and taken through the general structure of what their day or even week could look like. Some things are out of one’s hands, like the factors mentioned above, but if you go with the flow and are patient, it will become a memorable experience for all the right reasons.

If this sounds right up your street and you haven’t applied to our agency before, do get in touch with us, we’d love to hear from you and get your modelling career kick-started with outdoor jobs. Check out our Instagram pages to see what our models have been getting up to. 

Model Feedback

“Lovely day today at a shoot filming at the Etihad Campus. The day was awesome from start to finish and what a great experience it was. The client made us feel more than welcome and comfortable at all times whilst also being professional at the same time. The models were great and made some friends in the process. Huge thanks to Models Direct for the help in placing me at this shoot, I would highly recommend them. Cant wait to shoot for the next one already!” – Raul

“I felt everything from the start to finish was very impressive how helpful everyone is from the agency to every member of staff at the shoot on the day. I can honestly say I’ve loved every minute of the shoot today and hope to work with more clients and gain more experience in the industry. Today at the shoot was a real success, I thought everyone was very warming and polite and it made it easy. Rather than feeling nervous and worrying what could go wrong, it allowed me to relax and just enjoy the day.” – Jack

“So today we were shooting at Manchester City training ground for a computer video game what an experience, I was kept up-to-date from Models Direct from start to finish, we started the shoot at 9 o’clock and finished for 13:00 the whole crew from photography and make up done a cracking job for getting this together, the rest of the models that come along were a cracking bunch of lads, we had a laugh throughout the day as this made everybody relax. The crew was setting up the lighting so that gave us a chance to have a good kickabout on Manchester City training ground with the other models,the whole day from start to finish was an experience I won’t forget this is definitely something I could get used to, i’m already looking forward to what’s next. Once again a massive thank you from Models Direct.” – Jamie

“It was a great experience and I totally enjoyed myself, especially with the other participants who were nice and friendly. The whole photo shoot was done in a very professional and organised way. The crew made us all feel at ease and were very friendly indeed. What a great day and I look forward to more opportunities in the future.” – Ralph

Production company, The Gate Films contacted Models Direct looking for a model family to star in the latest commercial they were filming for luxury travel company Oliver Travels, our team put a selection of model families forward for consideration and were delighted when the Golding’s were chosen.

Coral and her family were contacted and told the good news by one of one of the Models Direct booking team, as you can imagine they were beyond excited at the prospect of such an exciting opportunity! Briefed with as much detail as they could be given, final destination to be kept a total surprise, they packed their bags and headed to the airport to start their magical filming adventure.

Check out all details and behind the scenes footage on this blog post: http://www.modelsdirect.org.uk/model-family-secure-dream-assignment/

Coral’s feedback:

“We just got back from the South of France where we filmed a commercial as a family for ‘Oliver’s Travels’. It was a truly amazing experience! We stayed in an unbelievable villa and saw some beautiful sights! Thank you so so much Models Direct for getting us this job!! We absolutely loved it!” – Coral Golding

After much anticipation the final edit of this amazing assignment is now live and it’s truly magical! When the perfect combination of people come together amazing things can happy and this was just the case with a professional production agency, The Gate Films, Oliver Travels the end client, Models Direct as the agent and of course the real stars….the beautiful Golding family!

Take a look at the final video:

If you would like your family to be represented by Models Direct and considered for commercial work click here and speak to one of the team today.

Therefore it’s impossible for a member of the Models Direct team to be at every assignment, so the Assignment Coordinators here are always asking our talent to take behind the scenes pics (obviously with permission from the client!!).

Behind the scenes pictures are also really useful to show aspiring models what working on a professional shoot can be like,  from what you wear , the set, the location or even the camera crew, it all helps give the team at Models Direct and others an better insight into the life of a model!

With social media now playing such a big part in our lives, it easier than ever to share our experiences with others, others are genuinely interested in what outfit you wore that day, your journey to the assignment location and of course some behind the scenes of the filming or photographer is always amazing!

The Models Direct models are really good at keeping the team up to date with  how their assignments went with feedback and pictures – which the Models Direct team love to see!

So if you are selected for work, please remember to take some pics of your experience, if the client is happy for you to do this on set pics are great – but if not, your journey there, the location, your outfit etc!!

Melissa and her family spent the day in London working with a professional production team  starring in a commercial campaign celebrating Chinese New Year.

It was particularly exciting as this was Melissa’s first assignment with Models Direct, huge well done to Melissa!

Marie at Models Direct was coordinating the booking and so worked closely with the client and Melissa’s mum to ensure everyone was up to date, had all the relevant details and was happy.

Melissa’s Mum’s Feedback:

“Melissa had a fantastic day in London, shooting for 2018 Chinese New Year and China town! Everything was very organised and well planned! Thanks Marie from @modelsdirect”

The commercial will be shown on Chinese New Year on the screens in Trafalgar Square and also used on Chinatown’s social channels.

Melissa spent the day in London with her family for this assignment and along with her payment all her travel expense were also covered – what a great day!!

The Models Direct team would like say a huge ‘GOOD LUCK’ to Abidemi, Amy, Beverley, Carmen, Cherie, Herb, Jane, Jedrzej, Shanara, Stuart, Tim, Willie & Zulk who are all filming today  in  Reading – we can’t wait to see the results!

This assignment was such an exciting opportunity for the girls,  sometimes job like these come up quickly for models, other times they can wait for sometime to be selected for a role like this, to work with a huge high street brand  such as Pampers, appear on prime time  TV, and receive  a  nice pay cheque too!

MODEL FEEDBACK: “My beautiful girl Alisha had an amazing time when shooting a commercial yesterday 16.11.17 for a well known brand of baby nappies playing the part of an excited big sister seeing her new baby brother/sister the production team were very welcoming and made Alisha feel so relaxed and added a bonus of chocolate she had a wonderful time thank you so much”  – Alisha’s Mum

The filming took place in their home town  of Southampton,  so super convenient for the models and their families. Models Direct represent talent across the UK so we are able to find models in the local area to the client to avoid travelling inconvenience and expense.

Filming was done in a couple of hours and  the girls were amazing, took direction brilliantly and thoroughly enjoyed their filming experience!

The Models Direct team are delighted to be able to share the final version of the commercial with you and would like to say a huge congratulations to the models and families involved – Well Done!!

https://youtu.be/8gddW_EpAP0

For some of our models this was a first, but for the rest they had done  filming work before!  Models Direct always love to receive feedback so we  can hear how the assignment went and what you got up to – thanks so much to you all!

“Really enjoyed the commercial shoot I took part in. Molly was very prompt at answering my queries and everything was well organised. Definitely recommend Models Direct!” – Kristy

“Thank you so much for the opportunity! It was a good experience and very fun.” – Tamia   

“I had a really good time at another assignment by Models Direct. It was my first filming job and i really enjoyed it. The production company and the filming crew were very friendly and helpful and i really enjoyed the day!” – Theo

“Yesterday I had taken part in my first ever experience in a short filming project, with   Models Direct     which I found really interesting and different. I loved the good/chilled out vibes that I had received from everyone. I felt comfortable. I was patient as everything was slightly running behind schedule, but I really appreciated the food that was provided for me there.
Many Thanks” – Jess

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