How Much Are Supporting Artists Paid on UK Film and TV Productions?

Part of the magic of filmmaking lies in creating a world so immersive that audiences forget it’s not real. This is where supporting artists come in. From playing frisbee in the park to wielding an axe while riding bareback on a horse, these performers breathe life into the background of a scene.

If you’re curious about working on a film or TV set – or just dipping your toes into the acting world – becoming a supporting artist is a great place to start. But as with any job, this raises the question: how much do supporting artists on UK film and TV productions get paid?

The answer depends on several factors, such as:

• Where the production is filming
• How early in the morning (or late at night) you'll be starting
• Whether you’re open to getting a haircut for the role
• Whether the shoot takes place on a public holiday

There’s more to this job than meets the eye, and the details of the shoot can impact how much you are paid as a supporting artist. Let’s break it down.

What are the main rates of pay for UK supporting artists?

In the UK, rates of pay for supporting artists are primarily determined by where a production is filmed. Two main union agreements outline these rates:

• Pact/FAA Agreement: this agreement, between the Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT) and the Film Artists’ Association (FAA), applies to productions shot in and around London.
• PACT/Equity Agreement: this agreement, between PACT and Equity (the trade union for actors and performers), applies to productions filmed outside of London (ie, beyond a 40-mile radius of Charing Cross).

While these are the primary agreements, productions may sometimes use a different rate card; for example, the BBC and Equity have a rate card that applies to continuing BBC dramas, and for commercials, the rates will usually be defined individually for each job.

Understanding which union agreement applies to a job is crucial, as this will dictate how much you’re paid and under what conditions. When you are asked about your availability for a job, the applicable rates should always be stated so that you can make an informed decision.

Types of pay for supporting artists

Basic pay

As a supporting artist, your earnings can include several components beyond the basic daily rate (BDR). These components ensure fair compensation for the demands of the role:

• Holiday pay: Added to your BDR, in line with UK employment law.

• Overtime pay: Covers additional hours worked beyond your contracted time, often including holiday pay adjustments.

• Early call pay: Additional payments are due when your call starts earlier than 7am, depending on how early you are required to work.

• Public holiday rates: Higher rates apply if your work falls on a public holiday, both for the basic rate and for overtime.

See here for current rates of pay.

Supplementary fees

Productions occasionally require supporting artists to perform specialised tasks or bring their own provisions, such as a costume or prop. In such cases, you’ll be entitled to supplementary fees to compensate you for the extra effort or resources. Examples include:

• Reacting to a prompt or speaking dialogue under specific direction by the production
• Bringing your own costume or prop (such as a uniform)
• Performing physical tasks, like swimming or horseback riding

These supplementary fees vary depending on whether the production falls under the PACT/FAA Agreement or the PACT/Equity Agreement. Regardless of location, these fees can add a boost to your earnings as a supporting artist.

See here for current supplementary fee amounts.

Travel allowances

Traveling to and from a shoot is another important consideration for supporting artists. Productions recognise that commuting can be costly and inconvenient, so they often provide travel allowances which will differ depending on how far you have to travel.

See here for current travel allowances.

Meal allowances and penalties

Food on set is typically provided for everyone – from lead actors to supporting artists (and it’s quite good!). If food isn’t provided, you’ll receive a meal allowance to cover your expenses. Again, these allowances differ slightly depending on the agreement you’re working under.

Productions are also responsible for ensuring that supporting artists receive regular breaks and opportunities to eat. If a meal break is delayed or curtailed (ie, cut short), or meals are not provided, you may be entitled to penalties. This encourages productions to prioritise the wellbeing of their supporting artists.

Under the Pact/FAA Agreement, you may also work a “Continuous Day”, in which case there is no formal meal break and supporting artists instead have continuous access to a running buffet. If you work a Continuous Day, overtime will kick in two hours earlier than on a Standard Day.

See here for current meal allowances and penalties.

Supporting artists are essential to creating the immersive worlds we see on screen. By understanding your rates of pay, supplementary fees, and allowances under the PACT/FAA and PACT/Equity Agreements, you’ll be better equipped to navigate which jobs are the best fit for you and your skillset.

Whether you’re filming in the heart of London or a scenic countryside location, these union agreements ensure fair treatment and compensation for your contributions to the magic of storytelling. And while the work can be demanding at times – whether it’s braving the elements for an outdoor shoot or donning elaborate costumes – it’s also an immensely rewarding way to be part of something extraordinary.

If you’re considering stepping into the world of supporting artists, arm yourself with knowledge and embrace the adventure. After all, every great story needs its background characters – and you could be one of them.

For more information on supporting artist payments, check out our ultimate tax guide for self-employed workers in the UK film and TV industry.