By Aislinn Ní Uallacháin
Head of Casting @ www.extrasireland.com
I’ve been working at Extras Ireland for the past two and a half years (how time flies!) and in that time, I’ve realised that people tend to ask a lot of the same questions when signing up with us as a member. Here are some of the most Frequently Asked Questions and my answers to them – I hope they help you! We’d love to have you on our team of talent so after reading, click here to register – it’s absolutely free to sign up with us. We can’t wait to connect with you!
1. What kinds of projects do you work on?
Over the last seven years, just some of the projects we have sourced talent for include…
Films such as Transformers 5, The Green Knight & The Last Duel
TV Shows e.g. Into the Badlands, Fair City & Republic of Telly
Commercials for brands such as Super Valu, Ford & Sky Sports
Music Videos for artists like Westlife, Keen V & Fangclub
2. I’ve never done any performance work before – can I sign up?
Definitely – everyone has to start somewhere! We are open to members of any age, gender, ethnicity, size, look, level of ability and experience. So long as you are resident in Ireland and legally entitled to work, you are very welcome.
3. Are all your jobs Dublin based?
Most of the requests we receive are for projects shooting in Dublin and the surrounding areas, but shoots take place all over Ireland.
4. I’m based in Northern Ireland – can I sign up?
Yes. The only difference is that as you don’t possess a PPS number we’ll ask you to invoice us after a job instead of us paying you via payroll.
5. I only want to be put forward for Acting / Modelling Work. Is this possible?
Yes – Extras Ireland very much started out as an Extras Agency in 2014 but has grown since then and we have a diverse group of Actors and Models on our books. In order to be considered for acting / modelling work with us, you must have training / experience. We’ll ask you to submit your CV, headshots, showreel etc to show that you are capable of and experienced in acting / modelling work.
6. Will my information be put up on the internet?
No, your personal information will be kept by us here at Extras Ireland. We communicate exclusively internally with production companies. We do not have a database that is searchable online.
7. How much work will I get?
It’s impossible to predict how much work anyone who signs up with us will be booked for. It depends on what the client is looking for, your suitability for their project and your availability. We cannot guarantee that you will secure work with us but we will always put you forward for jobs you are suitable for.
8. How much notice will I get about a job?
This depends on the job. Sometimes you might know a week in advance but if it’s urgent we may be asking if you’re free immediately!
9. If I receive an availability check and say I’m free, does that mean I will be booked?
An availability check is just that – we are checking to see if you would be available for a specific job. It is not an offer of work. If you respond to us saying that you are available, this does not guarantee that you will be chosen. The final decision will always be made by the production company.
10. If I’m not available will this go against me in the future?
No, definitely not. We are always looking for the right people for each project so we will certainly suggest you for other jobs that you are suitable for. You are not obliged to accept work that we offer you if you are not available.
11. How long are days on set?
Depending on the job, you might be on set for 30 minutes or for a very long day of upwards of 10 hours.
12. How much will I make and how will I be paid?
This really depends on the job and how long you are out working for. Fees can vary from €50 for a couple of hours’ work to several thousands of euro for working on a commercial. After you complete the job, we will be in touch to see how it went and to organise your payment. All of our payments go through Revenue so you must have a PPS number to work with us. If based in Northern Ireland we’ll ask you to invoice us instead. We will transfer your fee directly into your bank account, usually approximately 6 weeks from the date you worked. You must have a bank account, we will never pay by cash.
13. I’m not a performer but I would love to get some work on set. Do you also provide Production Staff and Crew behind the camera?
That’s the specialty of our award-winning sister company The Production People. Visit their website at www.productionpeople.ie to find out more.
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If you’re in need of Extras, Actors or Models for your next Creative or Commercial Project, get in touch. We’d love to help. Simply email [email protected] or call us on (01) 634 3112 and let’s see how we can collaborate.