Different Types of Supporting Artist on UK Film and TV Productions

When watching a film or TV show, it’s easy to overlook the vital role that supporting artists play in bringing scenes to life. These artists – affectionately known as “extras” – add realism and depth to a scene and act as a living, breathing backdrop for the main action.

Although supporting artists often blend seamlessly into the background, they often fulfil distinct roles, each with their own responsibilities and impact. While the exact nature of these roles (and the associated rates and fees) will differ depending on which UK union agreement applies to a production, this article provides a general overview of the different types of supporting artist and the critical function they each serve on set.

Supporting artist

A supporting artist is someone who contributes to the overall authenticity or atmosphere of a scene – either on their own or as part of a larger crowd.

They may be dressed in their own clothes or a costume which links them to a specific role, such as a businessperson or a concertgoer.

Supporting artists will usually be indistinguishable from each other and will be instructed to perform general actions like mill around a crowded bar, hang out in a park or ride a bus.

As a rule, supporting artists don’t speak any dialogue, but they may be required to murmur incoherently or sing a well-known song as part of a group.

Walk-on

One step up from a supporting artist is a walk-on. While the exact definition will vary depending on the agreement you’re working under, a walk-on will generally impersonate a specific character (like a nurse or shopkeeper) or receive individual direction to perform a certain action (like crossing in front of the camera) or speak a few unscripted, unimportant words.

While a walk-on is slightly more prominent than a standard supporting artist, their contribution to the scene is normally of a level that if they were cut from the final edit, the overall story would not be affected.

You might be pre-booked as a walk-on or upgraded on the day, in which case the Assistant Director will note this on your salary voucher so that you're paid the correct rate and fees.

If the scene is being shot across multiple days, walk-ons will be rebooked to ensure continuity, so the Assistant Director will generally check your availability before upgrading you to this role.

Featured artist

A featured artist is like a walk-on in that they are generally more prominent than a standard supporting artist. However, whereas a walk-on could be edited from the final cut with no impact on the story, a featured artist will usually perform tasks that are integral to the scene, such as handling props, speaking important lines or interacting with the principal cast.

As with walk-ons, featured artists may be prebooked or upgraded on the day, and they may need to be available across multiple days.

Stand-in

A stand-in is someone who does exactly that – stands in for a member of the principal cast. They won’t be shown on camera, but they’ll be positioned and directed between takes so that camera equipment and lighting can be set up correctly (think of those iconic scenes between Martin Freeman and Joanna Page in Love Actually).

Stand-ins need to be similar in appearance to the person they’re standing in for, so they’ll almost always be pre-booked before the shoot.

Double

Like a stand-in, a double resembles, and stands in for, a member of principal cast, only this time, they appear on camera.

Doubles are usually used to limit the number of scenes with a principal cast member, which saves the production money and makes scheduling easier. For example, a double may be used to shoot multiple takes of an actor walking down the street, where no close-up shots are required.

Doubles may also be used to film scenes which an actor is unwilling or unable to do themselves, such as nude scenes or scenes involving a special skill.

Think you’ve got what it takes?

One of the best things about being a supporting artist is the sheer variety of the role, with no two jobs being the same. And with no experience needed, anyone can put themselves forward to work as a supporting artist and possibly catch a glimpse of themselves on the big screen.

Interested in becoming a supporting artist on UK film and TV productions? Create a free profile and join our UK Casting Community today!