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Become an Extra for Big Movies In London!
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items I worked as a supporting artist/extra on set for many major feature films, TV series and commercials in London for many years before deciding to advance in my career as an actor. These are tips and tricks I wish I knew sooner!
Sections
6
Casting Portals
Camera Recommendations
Self Tape Set Up
If You Want To Get Serious
Networking Events
Film Schools
Casting Portals
Where you can find work, for the most part these are free. Now, some include subscriptions and memberships, it can suck. I recommend going for entertainment partners, as there is no subscription/membership fee, they do however take a percentage out.
This casting website is where I have gotten the majority of my big production jobs as an extra and even sometimes also as a featured role.
Global film and television production casting services and ...
I've gotten a really good amount of amazing jobs through here! They have also really improved their safety features, but do be careful and do research about the jobs you apply for and accept.
StarNow | Casting Calls and Creator Jobs
One of the top used casting websites acting that I hear about on set is definitely Mandy casting
The Mandy Network | Jobs for Actors & Crew
I have gotten my fair share of work through talent talks, it does it's job.
Talent Talks Casting Agency
Camera Recommendations
Here are all sorts of camera recommendations I have to shoot your self tapes!
Honestly, with the way iPhone cameras have been continuously evolving, if you have a pretty decent iPhone camera, that is usually enough with good lighting. (I do recommend using natural lighting where you can.)
iPhone - Apple (UK)
I love this camera, if you are a bit more aware of cameras and how to use them I do recommend this camera for self tapes and for headshots (if you know how to take them, or if you know someone who can take them for you!)
Alpha 7R II with back-illuminated full-frame image sensor
Self Tape Set Up
I mostly take my own self tapes and I take my own headshots for the most part
I recommend you get any good tripid, you can find so many of them on amazon, you honestly do not need anything fancy! This will help you set up your phone or camera in front of you, and ideally one that comes with a little button you can press to tak...
Amazon.co.uk: Tripod
I recommend you getting a photography backdrop if you do not have a big wide plain white wall at your home, preferably one with white backdrop colour. If you can afford to go to a nearby studio that has all this set up for you already, I recommend th...
Backdrop & Stand Sets | Photography Backdrops
These little mics are incredibly useful for your self tapes, this way you can be heard clearly and you do not have to worry about any external noise that can happen! It's a great investment.
Amazon.co.uk: Lavalier Microphone
If You Want To Get Serious
This is the website I have tried very hard getting on!
Spotlight, spotlight, spotlight. Every trained/professional actor knows about this website!!!! If you want to be taken a bit more seriously, you are going to have to get on spotlight. Here's the catch!!! Getting on spotlight there are specific requir...
Spotlight
I mostly do my own headshot, outside of that I only got my headshots professionally done once and it was with this studio. They were very attentive and very kind I am very happy with the results! They are quite pricey, but most really good studios an...
Patch Studio
Networking Events
You need to go to networking events to get work! Especially if you want to make a career out of this!!!!!!!! Here is where I look for events
Eventbrite has been incredibly useful for me to find all sorts of different events, wether it be screenings, networking events and more.
Eventbrite
Using this as an example again, once you get on spotlight there are multiple events that you can attend as a member of spotlight.
Spotlight
backstage casting has many articles with information on how to better network and what you can do to be networking better.
Backstage
Film Schools
Here is a list of all types of film schools in the UK, starting/prioritising screen acting schools in particular. Don't forget to do your own research when looking at these courses and schools! Read reviews, what people have to say about the schools,...
This is the school I went to, I did an intensive year long course for screen acting. It was useful, and gave me the confidence I needed to continue pursuing my career in the film industry, and I discovered my love for writing too.
The International School Of Screen Acting
A school I had considered going to, there are not many schools in the UK that have courses specialised for screen acting.
MetFilm School London
Another school I found during my searches of finding somewhere to study that include screen acting.
Identity School of Acting
I found stuff about screen acting in this school as well!
The Reel Scene
Not much to be said, most people know about this school and it includes some acting for screen as well.
Royal Academy of Dramatic Art
City academy also provides screen acting classes
City Academy