A 28-year-old woman who secured a role as an extra in the 2025 film 28 Years Later has detailed the uncomplicated steps she took to get cast, emphasising that no prior experience is required. The post-apocalyptic horror-drama, which serves as the third instalment in the 28 Days Later series, hit UK cinemas on June 20, 2005, featuring stars like Ralph Fiennes and Jodie Comer alongside newcomer Alfie Williams.
How to Get Cast as an Extra
In a TikTok video, Neasa, the extra, outlined a simple process for aspiring background actors. "You don't need any experience," she stated, kicking off her advice. The first step involves using a smartphone—whether it's a Samsung, iPhone, or another model—to take clear photos of yourself.
Finding the Right Agencies
Neasa recommends searching online for "extra people" or "the casting collective" if you're based in the UK, as these are among the top agencies for extra work. Signing up to these websites is free, and once accepted, you can view and manage your profile.
Optimising Your Profile
According to Neasa, this is the most crucial part. "You need to put up as many photos as you can and include as much information about yourself as possible," she explained, noting details like weight and measurements are essential. She worked under director Danny Boyle and stressed that more photos and information increase your chances of being contacted by productions.
For the photos, she advises against using filters or heavy make-up. "Just take photos as you are," Neasa added, suggesting wearing plain clothes that fit well to show your shape and using a white background. She reassured those concerned about their appearance, saying, "to be extras, we don't have to be models."
On-Set Expectations and Pay
Once cast, extras must follow production instructions closely, such as avoiding dyed hair, tans, or acrylic nails if specified. Neasa also revealed that extras aren't always given direct guidance on set—"You have to make it up," she warned, based on her experience.
She highlighted the time commitment, noting that an eight-second scene she was in took around 15 hours to film. As for pay, it varies widely. "It's a hard question because the amount for extras is always different," she said, depending on the production's size and hours worked. On 28 Years Later, she earned between £130 and £200 per day.
This insight offers a practical guide for anyone looking to break into the film industry as an extra, proving that with the right approach, it's accessible even without a background in acting.
