How Much Do Extras Get Paid in the UK? Real Rates & What to Expect
Appearing in a TV show or film sounds glamorous. Getting paid for it makes it even more appealing. But once you look past the idea of mixing with famous actors, For most people considering it, the real question is a simple one: how much do extras actually get paid?
I’ve worked as a film and TV extra myself, and over the years I’ve also spoken to plenty of people who do it regularly. Pay is real, it’s regulated, and in the UK it’s far more structured than many people realise. But it’s not a shortcut to easy money either.
Here’s what extras earn in the UK, how the rates work, and what you can realistically expect to take home.
Do movie and TV extras get paid?
Yes. Legitimate TV and film productions in the UK pay extras. Whether you’re working on a BBC drama, an ITV soap or a feature film, background performers are paid under agreed industry rates. Unpaid roles are rare on professional productions and usually limited to student or ultra-low-budget projects.
If you’re booked through a recognised casting agency, you should expect to be paid for filming days, overtime, and often costume fittings or additional requirements.
How much do extras get paid in the UK?
Most TV and film extras in the UK earn just under £100 to a little over £100 per day for standard background work. That figure comes from official BBC, ITV and FAA/PACT agreements and reflects a normal filming day.
As a rough guide:
• Standard TV or film day rate: £97–£109
• Overtime: £14–£26 per hour
• Night shoots: £101–£157
• Public holiday filming: up to £160+
Those numbers apply whether you’re standing in the background of a drama, a soap, or a feature film. The work itself is usually straightforward, but the days can be long.
Commercials and corporate filming pay more
Where pay jumps noticeably is outside traditional TV and film.
Commercials and corporate filming tend to pay higher daily rates, even for background roles.
Typical rates look like this:
• Background extra: around £125 per day
• Walk-on role: around £250 per day
• Featured role: £350 per day or more
These jobs are less frequent and more competitive, but they’re often shorter and better paid.
What you actually take home after agency fees
This is where expectations need managing.
Casting agencies don’t work for free. Most take a commission from your earnings. For example, Casting Collective deducts 20% commission plus VAT from all bookings.
In practical terms:
• A £125 day rate becomes roughly £100 before tax
• A £250 walk-on role becomes roughly £200 before tax
Different agencies charge different amounts, but 15–20% is common.
My experience working as an extra
I’m always looking for flexible ways to make extra money, and working as an extra appealed because it’s usually short-term with no long-term commitment. I signed up after seeing a local casting call shared online and was booked not long after.
The reality is very different from how it looks on screen. Most of your day is spent waiting around. You might be standing for hours in an uncomfortable costume, repeating the same movement again and again. Early starts are common, and you’re often told your call time the night before.
That said, it’s a genuinely interesting experience. You see how productions work, meet people from all walks of life, and occasionally spot well-known actors up close. Food is usually provided, which helps on long days.
Do extras have to audition?
Usually not. Extras are booked based on how they look, their availability and whether they fit a certain requirement. Casting agencies already have your photos and details, so auditions are rare.
That’s why keeping your profile up to date matters. If you turn up looking very different from your photos, you can be sent home without pay.
Can extras earn more than the basic rate?
Yes, and this is where pay can add up.
Extras can earn additional fees for things like:
Providing special skills
Night filming
Public holiday shoots
Costume fittings
Haircuts or appearance changes
Being required for multiple episodes
If you’re upgraded to a walk-on role, pay increases significantly — even if you don’t speak. On some TV productions, multi-episode work can push daily pay well beyond the standard background rate.
Do extras pay tax?
Extra work is usually treated as self-employed income. You’ll need to register for self-assessment and declare what you earn. Tax is only due if your total income goes over your personal allowance, and returns are filed the following tax year.
Can you make a living as an extra?
For most people, no. Work isn’t guaranteed and bookings can be unpredictable. You might work several days in one month and none the next. Almost every extra I’ve met has another job or income stream.
As a side hustle, though, it can work well — especially if you’re looking for something flexible rather than a regular commitment. I’ve covered this and other realistic ways to earn extra money in my guide to the best side hustles in the UK.
Is being an extra worth it?
If you’re expecting glamour and easy money, probably not. If you want flexible, occasional work that can pay £100–£300+ per day, and you don’t mind long days and lots of waiting around, then it can be worth doing.
Just go in with realistic expectations — and a good pair of comfortable shoes.
Casting agencies to consider
If you want to find out more or want to work as an extra, look at the list of extras agencies below. These are all recommended by people I have worked with.
FAQ’s
Do extras get paid if scenes are cut?
Yes. Once you’ve worked the day, you’re paid regardless of whether the scene makes the final cut. It’s common for scenes to be edited out entirely, but that doesn’t affect your pay.
Do extras get paid for costume fittings?
Usually, yes. Costume fittings are often paid separately, typically at a half-day rate if they last several hours. Very short fittings may be unpaid, but this should be made clear in advance.
Do extras get paid for auditions?
Most extras do not audition, so there’s usually no payment involved. Auditions are rare and generally only happen for walk-on or featured roles. If an audition is required, the casting agency will tell you beforehand.
How many hours do extras work in a day?
A standard filming day is usually around 8 to 10 hours, but it’s common for days to run longer. Overtime applies once you go beyond the agreed hours, which is where pay can increase noticeably.
Do movie extras get paid more than TV extras?
Often, yes. Feature films generally pay slightly more than TV, especially for longer days or night shoots. Commercials and corporate filming usually pay the most.
How often do extras get work?
It varies a lot. Some months you may work several days in a row, while other months you may not be booked at all. Extra work is unpredictable, which is why most people treat it as side income rather than a main job.
Can you choose when you work as an extra?
You can decline bookings, but turning down too much work can reduce future offers. Most agencies expect a reasonable level of availability, especially once you’ve confirmed interest in a role.
Do extras need acting experience?
No. Extras are hired based on appearance, reliability and availability, not acting ability. Experience can help you get upgraded roles over time, but it’s not required to start.
Is extra work taxed in the UK?
Yes. Extra work is usually treated as self-employed income. You’ll need to declare what you earn through self-assessment if your total income goes over your tax-free allowance.
Hey fella
Really interesting blog. Just wanted to know. Do you always get more than one days work? For example do I have to do one day plus the travel for £85 basic plus deductions? (Casting co). Hardly seems worth it but a few days at the rates you’re stating is something that I could really do with at the minute.
Hope you can help
Many thanks
J
Hi Joe. It really depends, but most jobs are usually 3+ days. It’s unusual for filming to be wrapped in one day and in most cases, they have you staying late to work.