|
|
|
|
Making the right steps into a career in Film, TV and Stage is not always a solid step forward. There are lots of thing to consider and we hope these guidelines are useful.
Becoming a Walk on or Supporting Artist
Walk-ons can be recruited in numerous ways. However the most common way is to register with a reputable Casting Agency who will hold an individual's specific details on file. It is common practice for production companies to directly approach casting agencies with a list of requirements for ‘walk-ons’ which the agency then draw together from those people on its books. You may see press advertisements for extra work from agencies, which in the first instance request a payment up front in order for you to register for work. This is not the best practise.
FINDING AN AGENT:
Registering with a reputable Agency can be a daunting task There are so many to choose from with agencies all over the country, but most are based in and around the London area. You will need to do a bit of home work to find out who the best ones are. Another point worth mentioning is that the best agencies do not normally advertise, so steer well clear of adverts at the back of The Stage or other local or national newspapers. Otherwise there are many ways of verifying the authenticity and rating of agencies. A good start is by giving them a call; sound them out by asking how long they have been running. A little research can save you a lot of time and money.
Get advice from other actors, Casting Directors, Equity and BECTU have accredited lists.
Supporting artist agents normally represent Actors/Extras on a non-personal management basis and don’t require the actors to sign a contract with them
To start, you may want to join more than one agency, three or four is always best. The key ingredient in choosing an agent or agencies is the excitement factor. Make sure that the agency is excited about you and will work for you.
From your agency you should expect, Honesty, Protection, Career Guidance, Promotion, Professional and courteous service. You should not expect from your agent: advances in pay: services as a psychologist, mother, father, etc., or rides anywhere.
Always check and make sure that the agency is working within the DTI guidelines: that they pay within 10 days of receipt of any monies that they receive on your behalf and that all monies are kept in a separate client account.
Never pay an agency-joining fee. Accredited agencies will never ask for a registration fees, this is not legal and goes against the DTI agency legislation, which all agencies in the UK should adhere to.
They may ask for Casting Book fees, if an agent produces a casting book and/or web site ask how much the fee will be and ask to see the last copy of the last book. Also make sure you know how often the agency’s book is updated – once every two years is normal. Look to see the quality. Find out whether the agency is willing to deduct the book fee from work undertaken.
TRAINING:
You don’t need any training to be a supporting artist (extra). Anyone can be an extra, regardless of their age, shape or colour. In fact, often it’s the people who consider themselves to have the 'wrong look' for film, that are most in demand! The important thing is to be able to blend into the background in creating authenticity and atmosphere in any scene.
If you wish to be an actor it is very unlikely that a casting director will spot you in the crowd and give you the main role. You should consider Drama School as the best option for any starting actor.
Your agent will expect from you:
- Your pictures and CV need to be kept updated and be a good representation of you.
- The agency needs to be informed of your current address phone numbers and email address;
- You should have an answering machine and mobile phone:
- Your skills on your CV must be honed;
- You must be on time for everything; or ring the unit mobile if you are going to be few minutes late.
- Always arrive 20 minutes before a call
Constantly keep updating your training,
A good Wardrobe - Wardrobe depends on the story line. Every job we do usually needs some kind of costume, from normal everyday clothes where you may be asked to take more than two changes
You should try to get together a good wardrobe of costumes from casual clothes to smart suits. Also for shoots outside you should get yourself some thermal underwear as it gets pretty cold when your hanging around waiting to shoot.
When wearing Period costumes petticoats and corsets or Police/Nurse uniforms etc. you will need to make sure that we always have up to measurements and you keep them updated with the agency. A mis-fitting costume can cause the agency serious problems.
YOUR CV:
When you submit your photograph to a client or agency, it is helpful to submit your CV (“Curriculum Vitae”) at the same time.
If you have not had any experience, do say so in the form of a letter or in your email but try to include some of the information below:
Here are suggestions of what a CV should contain:
- Your Name
- Agency (if any)
- Address and phone (or)
- (If you don't have an agent or manager)
- Measurements: height, bust/chest, waist, hips, dress size, inside/leg, collar, suit size, hat, shoe size, hair, and eye colour.
- Training: Drama Schools, Acting Training, Dance, private tuition. Etc.
- Your work Experience In: Televisions, Film, Theatre and Then list separately your commercials, corporate videos, pop promos, idents, etc.
- Your special sills,
- On your headshot, or repro; Always put your name on the back of any pictures (LIGHTLY).
- Attach your CV to your photograph.
- Always write your name on the back of your photo. (Girls beware! do not put your phone numbers on the back of your photographs)
- If you are freelancing, or you are working without an agent, be sure to include your contact information on the CV.
- List your age range.
- List your date of birth.
- Don't lie about anything! It will always come back to haunt you.
How Much can I earn then?
Rates of pay
BBC Television
Supporting Artist
£ 75.50 for each day of attendance
£ 80.50 for each night of attendance
Overtime £11.60
Overtime is paid after 8/9 hours with one hour for lunch
Walk-ons
Receive repeat fees, which are 100%, and if a further broadcast in the same week is 50%.
£ 93.50 for each day of attendance
£ 110.10 for each night of attendance
Overtime £ 14.30
Overtime is paid after 8/9 hours with one hour for lunch
Rehearsals
£ 75.50 for each rehearsal of day
£ 75.50 for each rehearsal night
ITV Agreements
Walk-on 1
WO1 artists not required to give individual characterisation or to speak
£ 69.54 for each day of attendance
If more than 41 walk on 1's are engaged on a location
£ 59.67 for each day of attendance
Walk-on 2
WO2 are non-speaking artists who are required to impersonate an identifiable individual but not to give individual characterisation
£ 90.08 for each day of attendance
Walk-on 3
Carry out the same functions as a Walk-on 2 but shall also be required to speak a very few unimportant words where the precise words spoken do not matter, the recording day payment is
£ 107.22 for each day of attendance
PACT FAA RATES
£ 69.43 for each day of attendance
£ 5.78 holiday for each day of attendance
£ 6.51 per ½ hour overtime for each day
Standard day 8/9 hours with 1 hour for lunch
£ 86.80 for each night of attendance
£ 7.23 holiday for each night of attendance
£ 8.14 per ½ hour overtime for each night
|
|
|
|
|
|
