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A supporting artist can be any shape, size, age, ethnic origin, able bodied or disabled. The main requirement is professionalism and punctuality. Having these attributes and building a reputation for reliability can lead to regular work in the industry. Bookings can be made at very short notice so availability and flexibility are vital. supporting artists must be able to take direction and exercise a high level of patience as they can be required to wait for long periods at a time. Working as a Supporting Artist can be very exciting and rewarding and perhaps most importantly, it is great FUN!!! Your role All supporting artists' roles are fundamentally used as "background artists" - to support the principal actors and lend realism to the scene. They may be seen in the back of the pub or walking down the street while the actors perform their role.
Supporting artists are usually the responsibility of an Assistant Director and you need to follow their instructions accurately and promptly. Flexibility and reliability Flexibility and reliability are the core prerequisites of a good extra or supporting artist. You are responsible for your own time management and must ensure you arrive at the location of filming promptly. You will need to sign in at the start of the day and sign out at the end to obtain payment so ensure you know where to do this. Artists need to be well prepared for a long day's work in all kinds of weather! You may be required to work overtime at short notice depending on how the day's filming is scheduled so you need to be flexible regarding the length of your working day. Be prepared to travel, filming may be taking place away from the studio's location and you may have to fund your own travel costs. Legitimate travel costs are tax deductible so be sure to retain receipts to claim them on your annual self-assessment income tax forms. You must be registered as self-employed with HM Revenue & Customs. When you are contracted for an assignment you will be briefed as to wardrobe and make-up requirements. You may be asked to wear your own clothes for filming and you will be briefed on the type of clothing required e.g. casual, business, formal evening wear but, for period pieces or more specialist sets, your costume will be provided by the wardrobe department so make sure the measurements you provide are accurate. You may need to allow extra time at the start of the day for elaborate make-up or to have a costume fitted. It is advisable always to equip yourself with suitable on-set and off-set clothes - remember it may be "summer" on set but cold, wet and windy in the real world! You should also take along a good book or a selection of magazines to while away the time during the inevitable long periods of idleness during the day. On-set Etiquette Your behaviour on the set not only reflects on you but on your agency. A lack of professionalism will diminish your chances of future work and put the good name of Doveteam at risk. You may be contracted for a full day's filming but, during this, it is likely that there will be long periods of inactivity whilst shots are set up or due to changes in scheduling. Do not approach the actors during waiting times unless they speak to you first. Whilst some actors enjoy the break and are happy to relax by chatting to those around, others prefer to learn their lines or rest. You should never ask for autographs and never take photographs. Turn off your mobile phone completely during filming as even on "silent", it may be picked up by sensitive recording equipment. You can check for messages during breaks. Always stick to your appointed time with wardrobe and make-up as their schedules are tight and always return any props. You will probably have to sign for any props issued and obtain a release when you return them. Without a signed release you may not get paid. Catering facilities can vary; there may be a canteen, outside catering bus or vending machines so always take money with you in case you need to pay or bring your own food with you. The cast and crew will always be fed before the supporting artists. Any breach of etiquette which reflects badly on Doveteam may result in you being de-listed by the agency. |