What is the best way to become a film or TV extra?

[dave50]

I know there are websites where you pay to be put on a register but they sound a bit dubious to me. Anyone have any experience of being an extra?

[Everhelpful]

Join "Equity" The Union for Actors.

[Gizmonster]

I was an extra aaaaaages ago on "Prime Suspect - Scent of Darkness". I was lucky 'cos I saw an advert in the Manchester Evening News for extras, so I replied to the advert, attended a quick interview and ...... the rest is history. I've still got a copy of the episode hehe :)
Anyway, that was quite a while ago - I didn't get any extra work after that (pun intended!!) - maybe they still advertise from time to time - who knows ???
It might be worthwhile writing to the TV companies directly ??
Good luck in your quest anyway :)

[chirpychirpy]

www.starnow.com

[curlyperm11]

i am an extra (or supporting artist as we are now called) and do the soaps in the north - corrie/emmerdale/waterloo road/hollyoaks etc....... Agencies do not charge for you to register, but it DOES help if you have a bit of experience in the field or have at lease one talent ie: play the piano or ice skate etc etc i have turned a few jobs down cos i cant do either of these, people think its an exciting life but (although i love it) it can be as boring as helll just sitting around waiting to be used, oh and if you havent watched the Ricky Gervais series.......'Extra's' then do - cos its SPOT ON!
good luck x

[tonymclark]

I have been an extra on a couple of things, but I got the work through knowing the director or in the case of a Channel 4 drama, the Art Director (I was dressing sets in the morning and an extra in the afternoon). I got paid more for the set dressing than for being an extra. I was in a commercial last year, but I was working on the commercial anyway, so didn't get paid for the extra work.
Don't pay to be put on a register, there is no need to pay.
The Stage magazine may be of help...
http://www.thestage.co.uk/