Extra skills are not always necessary

We often supply extras for TV commercials, film, promotional work, outdoor events, trade shows and even the theatre (to name but a few) where our models get the taste for practical work that will involve using more than iconic modelling poses. Cue in acting, singing, dancing, instrumental or any other skills that will make heads turn. 

However, even if a model doesn’t possess any of these extra skills to make it as a modelling extra, this doesn’t diminish their chances of landing a role in perhaps a walk-on part such as a public scene like a street gathering, a bustling shopping environment or a celebratory occasion. This is what makes it accessible and appealing for those who may be thinking about what life would be like as a modelling extra. One thing for sure is, it’s a whole lot of fun!     

Adding flair to your modelling experience 

We like to keep it interesting for our talent otherwise life would be a bore if they were doing the same, monotonous job day in and day out. Modelling is anything but a bore. It’s lively, thriving and delivers an out-of-the-box experience in comparison to some other professions. Working as an extra adds even more variety and zest to a model’s interpersonal skills and CV which is why, if you’re reading this, you should consider going for it too! There are no modelling limitations such as height and body size to worry about – anyone can come forward as a modelling extra and get the chance to star in something quite wonderful and memorable. 

What qualities do clients look for in an extra

It’s down to a client’s specification as to who they’re looking for to feature as an extra. Once a model is selected according to a client’s needs, they will want someone who is:

• Confident
• Professional 
• Available 
• Flexible 
• Punctual
• Keen to gain experience
• Open to feedback 

Our work

We have worked with amazing clients who were hunting for extras to complete their marketing vision. Aviva wanted our models onboard for an online commercial focusing on the company’s retirement scheme, whilst Pampers featured our talented models Renaat and Alisha for a cute commercial. Just You, a UK singles holiday company, and Oliver’s Travels, private villa holiday experts also requested our models for commercial purposes where they all whipped up a treat! Have a look through our blogs and Facebook videos to explore more about these ads.

Next steps…

Working as a modelling extra with Models Direct means doors opening for more opportunities. It’s a fabulous way to expand experience in this industry. You can see how it all comes together for marketing projects and earn money for your time and skills. 

We’re committed to cultivating an environment that promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. We believe everyone’s unique qualities must be celebrated as they’re critical to our innovation in the modelling world. Our models bring their authentic selves to work every day, no matter what their age, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, citizenship, sexual orientation or disability status is. This helps us get closer to our company’s ethos – opening modelling opportunities for anyone interested in creating another career path at any point in their life. Inclusion isn’t just an initiative at Models Direct. We strive to embed it not just into our core values but throughout our entire workplace setup. 

Join us by connecting with our modelling and talent agency on our social media platforms and getting in touch with our expert team today.

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…   

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!

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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