The human condition: That's me in the corner

We all know someone who's 'rubbed shoulders with the stars', but did you realise you could make a living out of being a film extra? Adeline Iziren reports

THERE'S a rumour in television circles that Julie Goodyear, loved by the nation as Bet Lynch, began her "Coronation Street" life as an extra in the Rover's Return. So when a friend suggested I sign up with an agency for film and TV extra work I thought why not? Even if I didn't hit the big time, this could be good fun. I could meet the stars and get paid for it. Not to mention a paid day off from my full-time job.

So I sent extras agency Screenlite some photos and last August I landed my first job on the ITV soap "London Bridge". I was on location at London City airport. David was going to Ghana with his wife Diane, but she changed her mind at the last minute to carry on her secret affair with his brother Noel. Remember that heated episode? Or me at the back? Never mind.

Working as an extra can mean starting work early - I had a 7am call - and the actors' motto of "Hurry up and wait" is crucial. There are always long periods spent standing around, ready for sudden, brief bursts of concentration when the cameras roll. Even so, I loved my first day. Best of all, on location the food's all free - a substantial breakfast, and a slap-up gourmet style lunch a few hours later.

Next, I got to star in "EastEnders". I had a more civilised start on this job, 10.30am, waited around for two hours, did one scene playing a patient in the clinic with Ruth Fowler and by 1pm I was dismissed. I was paid pounds 64.50 for just over two hours work. Not bad.

Many film extras are self-employed and this is the way a lot of agencies like it, since they may be asked to do a job at very short notice. But Ian Turner of Screensearch, set up last November, welcomes full-time workers. He has a range of employees on his books including a teacher, investment banker and an estate agent. "They want to do it for a little bit of fun and for a little bit of pocket money," he says.

Some people make a career out of film extra work. Lynn Pottle, an ex- dancer and mum of three from Reading is signed up with six agencies and works about two to three days a week.

She appears in soaps, dramas, commercials and feature films. Lynn, 41, resents being called an extra, preferring supporting artist. "An extra, if you look up the dictionary definition, means surplus to requirements," she protests.

A film extra's basic of pounds 64.50 for a day's work goes up dramatically if you speak or there are some outfit changes. If you're lucky you could land a year-long contract as an extra on a top soap.

Agencies want people who can cope with early mornings, get on with people, and have a good wardrobe of clothes. Having a car helps - you may be despatched to a far away location.

To get signed up you need to fill in an application form and supply some professional portrait shots of yourself together with a fee of around pounds 75, to have your photo featured in an agency's catalogue. You could try persuading them to take the fee out of your first cheque!

Screensearch is looking for new film extras. Call 01444 258035