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Frequently Asked Questions

14) Should I sign on with extras agencies?

This can be a minefield and you need to be careful.

There are companies who will take a registration or 'book' fee from you and find you no work at all. This may be because they have nothing you are suitable for, or they could be operating a money-making scam and have no intention of finding you any.

Before you sign up, find out how long they've been operating, which films/productions/commercials they've supplied artists for and where your details will appear (printed directory, CD or online - get proof they actually exist).

But also remember that no-one can guarantee work, so unless you are prepared to take some risk, don't sign up.

Useful resources if you are interested in becoming an extra include The Hidden Extra, The Actors' Yearbook and Contacts (which lists UK based agencies all over the country).