A supporting artist—often called an extra—helps bring a scene to life without taking a main speaking role. You might appear as a shopper, commuter, guest, hospital visitor or period character. It is professional work, and productions rely on supporting artists to follow direction, stay focused and make every scene believable.

People who are punctual, patient and comfortable with changing plans tend to enjoy it most. Filming can mean early calls, long periods of waiting and late finishes, so you will need enough flexibility to keep a full day free. A calm, friendly and professional attitude matters just as much as your appearance or experience.

Celex considers applicants with acting, drama or performance experience. We may also consider relevant experience in areas such as dance, singing, modelling or promotional work. Your initial application needs a CV showing your relevant experience or qualification.

Celex represents adults aged 18 and over. We do not accept applications for children or young people under 18.

No agency can promise a set number of jobs. Casting depends on each production’s brief, including location, age range, appearance, measurements, skills and availability. Keeping your profile accurate and replying promptly gives the team the best chance of putting you forward when you match.

Start with the short application on our New Artists page. You will need a headshot, a full-length photograph and a CV outlining relevant performance or promotional experience. If your first application is successful, we will email you an invitation to complete the full registration.

Photos must be JPEG, JPG, PNG or GIF files and can be up to 10MB each. HEIC images from some phones are not compatible, so convert them before uploading. Your acting CVcan be a PDF, DOC or DOCX file.

Applications are reviewed by the team, not automatically. Successful applicants are normally contacted by email within two to four weeks. If you have not heard within that time, your application has not been accepted on this occasion; however, you are welcome to try again after three months.

You can wait until Celex accepts your initial application. You will then need to upload a valid DBS certificate before your registration can be completed. Existing artists must keep their DBS evidence up to date to remain active.

Use the official GOV.UK service. Third-party websites may charge much more and their documents may not be suitable for verification. Keep the original certificate safe and upload a clear, readable image to your profile when asked.

Celex asks artists to provide a new certificate every 18 months, or annual proof of a valid DBS Update Service subscription. If your evidence expires, your profile may be made inactive until its replacement has been checked.

Yes, but Celex normally treats it as current for 18 months unless it is linked to an active Update Service subscription. If you use the Update Service, upload both the certificate and clear proof that the subscription is current.

Work enquiries and booking information may be sent by email, text or phone. Keep your details current and check your messages regularly, including junk folders. Always read the full request before replying so you understand the dates, location and special requirements.

It means Celex is checking whether you could work on a possible date. A pencil is provisional booking and is not a confirmed job. Reply accurately and keep the date available if requested, but do not travel to the location unless the booking is formally confirmed.

You are booked only when Celex uses the word “book” or “booking” and sends a clear confirmation. The final call time and exact meeting point often arrive close to the filming date because production schedules continue to change.

Unless the booking says otherwise, use Celex’s 7am–7pm rule and keep the full day available. Calls can be earlier and shoots may run later. Final call times are commonly sent between 5pm and 8pm on the day before filming, and you must acknowledge them promptly.

Tell the named Celex contact immediately. A production plans its scenes around every confirmed person, so disappearing or cancelling late can cause serious problems. Genuine emergencies happen; quick, honest communication gives the team the best chance to find a replacement.

Not for every job, but it can make a big difference. Film locations are not always close to public transport, and call or finish times may fall outside normal service hours. Before accepting, make sure you can reach the location reliably at the required time.

- You must always be prompt and allow plenty of time to travel.
- In case of emergency, you are lost or delayed, please call the Celex mobile.
- In the event you cannot attend a job, you must give us as much notice as possible - even if it a call in the middle of the night, as we would have to find a replacement for you.
- Expect that you may have to drive from the base to a location.
- We recommend you take a small cash float, to cover any unexpected parking, canteen or miscellaneous expenses.
- Please keep your mobile on whilst travelling, in the event that we, or the 2nd AD need to contact you.
- Please download the What3Words app (see next section).
- Go alone – under no circumstances must another person/child/pet be taken to any job along with you –if you are relying on a lift please be aware that they will not be allowed to hang around at the unit base or studio whilst you are working – this is a dismissible offence.
- Find the AD to report to when you arrive and check in.

We will always give you a full address of the location but it is your responsibility to plan your route ahead.

Do not rely solely on a SatNav and postcode.

Wherever possible, we will provide your with the "What3Words" address. This is most accurate way to direct you and it will give you a pinpoint location of 3m×3m. This meand for remote locations it can direct you to the exact gate or entrance to enter through. We strongly recommend you download the app, or you will risk getting lost or delayed.

What3Words:
Navigate to precise locations with a 3 word code referenced on your call sheet.
Never get lost again!

No. A recent smartphone photograph is fine if it is sharp, well lit and honest. Stand against a plain background in natural light, wear a simple top and avoid filters, sunglasses or heavy editing. Your headshot should show your face and full hair length clearly.

Costume teams use them to decide whether existing wardrobe will fit. Guessing or using old measurements can cost you a booking and may cause problems at a fitting. Use a tape measure and update the figures whenever your size changes.

Update it whenever your appearance, contact details, measurements, skills or availability changes. New hair colour, facial hair, visible tattoos and significant changes in weight should all be reflected promptly.

If you have not worked with Celex since March 2022, apply through the New Artists page using the current criteria. More recent artists can sign in to review and update their existing profile.

Follow your booking message first. Useful basics include photo ID, requested wardrobe, comfortable layers, a waterproof coat, a refillable water bottle and something quiet to do while waiting. Pack for the weather and label personal items where practical.
Always take medication with you and inform us if you have any allergies. Allergies should also be reported to the AD on arrival and inform them of the location of your EpiPen should you have one. For Spring and Summer shoots, SPF based sunscreen & non-drowsy antihistimes are always a good idea.
Taking snacks is recommended, especially if you are diabetic or suffer from reactive hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).

Productions will normally explain the catering arrangements. Meals or refreshments are often provided on longer calls, but bring water and a small snack unless instructed otherwise. Tell Celex about serious dietary needs before the job.
If in doubt, always take your own food, especially if you have strict dietary requirements or allergies.
Taking snacks is still recommended, especially if you are diabetic or suffer from reactive hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).

No. Sets are confidential workplaces. Do not photograph costumes, locations, paperwork, cast members or anything happening behind the scenes, and do not share production details online. You may be asked to sign an NDA and store your phone during filming.

Arrive early, check in as directed and listen carefully to the assistant directors. Be polite, patient and ready when called. Keep conversations quiet in holding areas, never approach principal cast for photographs and raise any concern with the correct production contact.

For contemporary scenes you may receive a wardrobe brief and be asked to bring several options. Period or specialist costume is often supplied, sometimes after a separate fitting. Bring only what the brief requests.

Yes. The applicable rate depends on the production, agreement, role, hours and any additional requirements. The work enquiry or booking will explain the rate being offered. Celex also publishes current commonly used Equity rates for reference.

No membership or registration fee is charged. Celex’s currently published Artist Terms list a 17.5% commission deduction from eligible earnings and a £2.50 administration fee per booking or engagement. Check the current terms for full details, including which expenses are excluded.

That depends on the agreement covering the production. Your booking information should show the basic attendance period and the point at which overtime becomes payable. Keep an accurate note of your call, meal and wrap times, and follow the production’s signing-out process.

Payment time varies because the production company must first process and pay the agency. Celex then processes your payment after receiving cleared funds. Check that your bank details are correct; an incorrect account number or sort code will delay payment.

No. Under the Artist Terms, the production company is the employer for each engagement and artists are treated as self-employed for Income Tax and National Insurance. You are responsible for your own records and any tax return or payments that apply to you.