So, you wanna be a movie star?

Hmm, maybe not a star exactly; but you could be an extra/supportingartiste/background perhaps.

It is certainly the easiest way imaginable to make a (very little) money for doing next to nothing, have a laugh, meet some interesting people and, occasionally, see some good actors doing their stuff. Though mostly the real actors are a long way away from where you are (physically and temporaly).

To get the full lowdown on the business, you should read Rob Martin's book, You can be aMovie Extra. It was this that got me into extra work several years ago.

 You won't get rich, or discovered
If you want to make a living in movies/TV etc, forget this route! Your work will be intermittent, you'll be lucky to earn £100 a day after agent's fees, and you'll have to pay your own expenses. And no director is ever going to spot you in the crowd and pluck you from obscurity to star in his/her next blockbuster. Apart from anything else, you'll be lucky to catch a glimpse of the director!
And forget getting 'a line' a la Ricky Gervais - it just does not happen - in fact try to engage one of the real actors or director in conversation and you'll be out on your ear.

You will be bored
 Mostly, you will stand or sit around for a long time doing nothing, then be herded onto the set to stand around (or sometimes walk around/run around) while the team have several goes at getting the result they want before you are herded back to wherever they keep you between takes for another spell of doing nothing.

And you will sometimes have a great time
I've had great times on V for Vendetta, Children of Men, Robin Hood (the Russell Crowe turkey) among others. I've had interesting times on Our Mutual friend (TV), Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, among others. And I've been shorn (quite recently, see photo) on The Invention of Hugo Cabret. But you do get paid extra for having your hair cut!

Not yet put off?

Then read the book and talk to some agencies. Rob Martin founded (?) Casting Collective (http://www.castingcollective.co.uk/) which is probably one of the best, but take a look at

http://www.maddogcasting.com/

http://www.guysanddollscasting.com/

http://www.2020casting.com/

and Google casting agents or extras agents to see what else comes up. But be careful; all agencies charge for taking a photo and putting you on their books - the ethical ones take that charge from your first job, no work and you pay nothing. Avoid any agent who wants money up front (except the odd one, like 2020, which gives you a discount for an up front payment!)

BTW: They all take on new people around September time so get in contact soon.

Finally - if you just fancy getting on TV in any old thing, http://www.beonscreen.com/ may be what you are looking for.