The Ultimate Career Toolkit for Supporting Artists in the UK Film & TV Industry

The UK film and high-end TV (HETV) sector is one of the most dynamic in the world and working as a supporting artist – sometimes called a "background actor" or "extra" – offers a genuine route into the industry. But knowing where to start, how to find work, what you're entitled to and where to turn when you need support can be hard to navigate.

This guide brings together the key organisations, resources and practical tools for supporting artists working in UK film and television – covering everything from unions and training to pay, mental health and career development.

What is a supporting artist?

A supporting artist is a performer who appears on screen in a non-speaking role, providing background action and atmosphere to a scene. Supporting artists work across a wide range of productions – from major studio features and HETV dramas to ads, music videos and independent films.

Supporting artists are typically engaged through background casting agencies, which match performers to productions. Work can vary wildly in frequency, duration and type and while it can be a great way to make some extra money, few rely on supporting artist work as their only source of income.

How to find work as a supporting artist: the EP Casting Community

Supporting artists find work through specialist casting agencies, which act as the link between performers and productions. The fastest way to get in front of multiple leading agencies at once is through the EP Casting Community – a single platform that connects performers with some of the UK's top background casting agencies.

By creating one free profile with the EP Casting Community, you can register with multiple agencies simultaneously, saving you the time and effort of applying to each one individually.

Sign up to the EP Casting Community here!

Getting started: what you need

Before you register, there are a few practical essentials to have in place.

Good quality photographs
You'll need to upload a head shot and a full-length shot when you sign up to the EP Casting Community. These shouldn't be professional studio shots, but they should be well-lit, in focus and show you clearly. Avoid heavy filters or fancy backgrounds. See our photo guide for more information.

A DBS check
Some productions – particularly those involving children – require supporting artists to hold a valid DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. It's worth getting one in advance. See our step-by-step guide to getting a DBS check as a supporting artist.

A National Insurance number
You will need a valid UK National Insurance (NI) number to work legally in the UK. If you don't have one, apply through GOV.UK before registering.

A bank account
Payments for supporting artist work are made by bank transfer, so you'll need a UK bank account in your name.

Understanding your tax position
Depending on how your work is structured, you may need to manage your own tax obligations.

Pay and rates for supporting artists

Pay for supporting artist work in the UK is typically governed by agreements negotiated between the relevant union (the FAA or Equity) and Pact (the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television) – more on these below. Rates vary depending on the type of production, the duration of the engagement and the nature of the work (see here for the latest rates).

As a general guide:

• The Pact/FAA and Pact/Equity agreements set minimum rates for supporting artists on qualifying productions
• Rates typically cover a standard working day, with additional payments for overtime, special action (such as stunts, nudity or featured work) and the use of personal vehicles or specialist equipment
• Productions not covered by a Pact/FAA or Pact/Equity agreement may set their own rates

Unions

The UK film and TV industry is supported by several unions that protect the rights and interests of performers.

Equity
As the national union for actors and performers in the UK, Equity represents over 50,000 members. It provides union representation, legal advice, pension support and public liability insurance. Equity actively campaigns on behalf of its members on issues affecting performers, including AI regulation, fair pay and improved working conditions. Membership is open to supporting artists with qualifying experience.

The Film Artistes' Association (FAA) / BECTU
The FAA is the specialist branch of BECTU representing supporting artists, primarily in London. It negotiates pay rates and working conditions with producers and provides practical and financial resources to members. If you are a supporting artist working regularly in London, the FAA is particularly relevant to you.

Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (Pact)
Pact is the UK's trade body for independent production and distribution companies. While it does not represent artists directly, Pact negotiates the industry agreements that set minimum rates and conditions for supporting artists. It is also a leading advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in the sector.

Training and professional development

Investing in your craft and your knowledge of the industry will help you build a more sustainable career.

ScreenSkills
ScreenSkills is the industry-backed skills body for UK film and TV. It offers a wide range of free online courses and resources, including the ScreenSkills Freelancer Toolkit – a comprehensive guide covering on-set etiquette, UK tax basics, building your screen portfolio and more.

Many drama schools and acting academies also offer part-time or short courses in screen acting, which can strengthen your performance skills and help you progress from supporting to featured or speaking roles over time. That said, no experience is required to sign up to be a supporting artist, so don't think that you need professional acting skills to get started!

Support and welfare

The Film and TV Charity
An essential resource for anyone working in film, TV and cinema in the UK. The Film and TV Charity offers:

• A 24/7 confidential support line (phone and web chat) for anyone experiencing mental health difficulties, financial hardship or personal crisis
• Financial grants for those facing unexpected hardship
• Free counselling – up to six one-to-one structured sessions
• A benefits calculator to identify financial support you may be eligible for
• Employment advice and legal referrals

If you are struggling – whether with mental health, finances, work or anything else – the Film and TV Charity Support Line is free, confidential and available any time.

Association of Independent Professionals and the Self-Employed (IPSE)
IPSE is a UK not-for-profit organisation supporting self-employed individuals. It provides resources, insurance options, a supportive community and advocacy for fair treatment of freelancers and the self-employed.

Staying informed

There are also a myriad of resources available to help you learn about the wonderful world of film and TV.

The Rest is Entertainment
A popular UK podcast hosted by Richard Osman and Guardian columnist Marina Hyde, exploring contemporary stories from across film, TV, publishing and cultural politics – including a previous episode on life as a supporting artist.

The Screen International Podcast
A monthly podcast from Screen International editor Matt Mueller and chief film critic Fionnuala Halligan, covering creative and business trends shaping the global screen industry.

Beyond the Frame with Film London
A seven-part podcast from Film London, hosted by Adrian Wootton OBE. Each episode features in-depth conversations with directors, producers, costume designers and other behind-the-scenes talent.

The Stage
The UK's leading trade publication for the performing arts. A useful resource for industry news, casting calls, career advice and opinion.

Interested in becoming a supporting artist on UK film and TV productions? Find out more here.