General Questions
Who Can Be An Background Actor?
We accept all people of all shapes, sizes, ethnicities and backgrounds.
Will I Be Guaranteed Work?
No, we can not guarantee anyone work. We cast our Background according to the briefs supplied to us by each production. Casting is a very specific process with many factors to be taken into account. We pride ourselves on supplying the right extra for the right role, so if that’s you, you’ll be on the list.
How Flexible Do I Need To Be?
Very! The more flexible your schedule is, the better this kind of work is. We deal with constantly changing production schedules and we do require a lot of flexibility as filming can often be cancelled or re-scheduled at very short notice, sometimes even the evening before.
How Can I Increase My Chances Of Being Booked?
We notice and recognise talent who show up on time, are friendly and easy to work with, are good communicators and are flexible. We receive regular reports back from productions, so if you’re great to work with, there’s a good chance we’ll hire you again
Profile Questions
How Do I Register?
Fill out registration form and submit
My Looks Have Changed, Does It Matter?
Definitely! It’s the most important part of your profile. It’s a good idea to keep your photo fresh, updating it every few months if you can. Submit a new photograph if your appearance has changed? info@extras.fosac.co.za Any changes to your appearance (tattoos, new hairstyle etc.) should be logged. We might have to turn you away from a production if you look different from your photo in our system, or haven’t told us about any changes
My Profile Is Not On The Site
Some of the reasons that you arent loaded onto our site yet. (Please note we are busy loading on the backend at the moment)
Please contact us if you are concerned.
I Am Not Sure Of My Measurements, Does It Matter?
It really does matter — we often cast based on specific costume sizes. If your measurements are incorrect you could be missing out on roles. This can also cause you to be cast in the wrong roles; if your sizes are incorrect and we cast you in a costumed role you will not be paid if you have to leave because the costume doesn’t fit.
Getting Booked & Working On Production
I Have Received An Availability Check, What happens Now?
Please bear in mind that this is not a firm offer of work, once we have ascertained the availability of a group of people we will move to making our final selection for the production. A coordinator will be in touch with further details and to chat you through what is required for this production. We do try to let you know if you have not made the final selection, although with our workload this isn’t always possible.
If I Am Not Avaialble, Does It Affect My Chances Of Future Bookings?
Definitely not. It’s perfectly fine to say you aren’t available. Rather make sure you are 100% available before confirming you are. Its far better to say you are not available than say you are then cancel.
I Have A Question About The Production I Have Been Booked For, Who Do I Contact?
Contact the person who booked you.
I Am No Longer Available For A Production I Have Been Confirmed For, What Do I Do?
Contact us immediately as you need to be replaced. PLEASE do not accept bookings if you are unsure whether you will be available. Have a valid reason why you are cancelling. If you don't have a valid reason for cancelling this could affect future bookings.
Payments
How Much Will I Be Paid?
Rates of pay vary between productions and roles. The majority of productions work on a base of minimum wage for extras. We will always quote you the rate that you will receive minus commission.
When Will I Be Paid?
Payments can take up to 6-8 weeks to be issued. A lot of the time payments come through to us sooner, and as soon as we receive the funds from the production companies we pay it out to you.
If you have been waiting more than 6 weeks for a payment please contact us.
Some productions will do same day cash payments which means once you wrap for the day you will be paid.
Please note if you leave set before wrap, you will NOT be paid.
How Do I Get Paid?
We will pay into your bank account. If you change banks it is your responsibility to let us know.
Note: Some productions will pay you cash on the day.
What Deductions Come Off My Payment?
We will deduct our commission from your pay. Usually 15% (although in some cases 10%) as well as a R15 admin fee.
We do not take any tax deductions from your pay. It is up to you to declare this to SARS. Production will at times pay your tax before paying us.