Want to be an extra in a whodunnit? Now's your chance.
The makers of Return to Paradise are calling for paid extras to appear on the show, which will be filming in the Illawarra from mid-March to early June.
"We are looking for extras to fill our outdoor scenes: runners, surfers, yogis, anybody outdoorsy to create the 'Paradise' world of Return to Paradise," said Holly Trenaman, the extras casting assistant.
Return to Paradise is part of the British Death in Paradise franchise and billed as a "unique Australian take" on the original murder-mystery series. It's reported to include six episodes that will be set in the idyllic, beachside hamlet of "Dolphin Cove".
The home-grown spin-off series is being produced by BBC Studios Productions Australia with Red Planet Pictures for the ABC, in association with the BBC, which will screen the series on BBC One and iPlayer in the UK.
Holly said usually days on set have a 10-hour call time.
"Extras will be paid at award rates, through their agent. All extras will require an agent, however, at the Go See on Wednesday the 28th at Headlands Hotel, we're hoping and looking to meet non-agented people to get them involved and we will help them to get an agent."
To be considered, email your name, mobile number and a photo to holly@screenillawarra.com.
Want to know more about what you might be getting into first?
We asked Screen Illawarra's Tahlia Crinis, who runs Wombarra's Boss Media PR and has worked as an extra more than 20 times, to tell us more.
What kind of stuff might an extra be asked to do?
An extra or a ‘background actor’ is typically asked to fill the background of a scene to make it appear more natural for the lead actors. For example, if there is a scene where the two lead actors are talking in a park, an extra might be asked to walk back and forth behind the lead actors to create some atmosphere and make the scene seem more life-like.
Sometimes you might be asked to mime talking in a scene (it’s rare that you’ll need to audibly say anything, however sometimes they ask for specific noises or reactions). Just like regular acting, you’ll need to listen out for cues like “action” or “cut” and try to remember your marks (where you end up in each scene).
On most productions there will be an AD (assistant director) available to give you guidance on what to do (usually where to walk, sit, stand etc when the director calls action).
An important thing to know is most sets require strict confidentiality meaning you won’t be allowed to take photos, or tell people about what you’re doing. There’s a reason for that – the storyline, characters and location needs to stay top secret to avoid any key information being leaked to the public.
What are the hours and pay like, generally speaking?
The hours really depend on the production – sometimes you might get a four-hour call, an eight-hour call or even 12 hours. They usually try to give you an indication of hours prior to shooting, but be aware that some film or TV sets can run behind time (that’s the nature of film)!
Some shoots might film during the day, some are night and others are a mix of both. Again, if it’s a night shoot you’ll likely get an indication of rough hours prior to saying yes to the gig.
In regards to pay, you typically get paid according to MEAA rates which sets the industry standard (it’s roughly a little over $30 an hour) but you may give an agency a small percentage if you book the gig via an agent.
Why do you enjoy it?
I’ve met some amazing people, experienced things I wouldn’t have gotten to otherwise (for example, playing a police officer holding a gun or being in a plane when it’s ‘crashing’).
It’s great experience on set if you’re interested in learning how a production works or seeing how they make fake rain or fire! Of course not all scenes are extraordinary but the people you meet will always make up for it.
For anyone that’s interested in acting, it’s a great place to start since you get used to being in front of a camera, listening out for cues and landing your marks.
For more information about the local industry, visit Screen Illawarra
