For Supporting Artistes just getting started, you might be thinking: What the heck is an N.D.A?

Please allow us to explain…

What is an N.D.A?

NDA is an acronym.

It stands for Non-Disclosure Agreement – it’s a pretty standard document that lots of businesses ask employees or workers to sign when they are privy to inside information that could be risky if it got out.

NDAs are very common in the world of TV and Film where leaked spoilers can be catastrophic!

An N.D.A. is essentially a document that asks you to keep hush hush about anything you encounter during your time working there.

It will look a little something like this…

Why Do I Need to Sign an N.D.A.?

You might find yourself asked to sign an N.D.A. if you:

	Start a new job at a new company
	Begin a work contract with a new client
	Own a business and look into investment, mergers, or negotiating a new partnership.

To take part in Supporting Artiste work with Uni-versal Extras, it is likely you will need to sign one at the beginning of each new project.

It might look like a long, scary document full of legal jargon, but it’s really just a way that productions can make sure that behind the scenes magic stays, well, behind the scenes.

It helps promote trust, as well as protects important information.

Seeing B.T.S magic happen first-hand is a privilege that every production is trusting you with. That means that anything you see during your time on set is for your eyes only – and an NDA helps put everyone’s mind at ease.

That’s because an N.D.A. is legally-binding.

But there’s really no need to panic – it’s as simple a process as jotting your name down on a sign-in sheet – unless you break the terms, that is…

What Happens if I Break An N.D.A?

The consequences for breaching an N.D.A. are no laughing business.

Here are just a few common consequences…

You should always take an N.D.A. seriously and make sure that you comply with the terms of the agreement to avoid these kinds of consequences!

How Do I Sign an NDA?

This really depends on the form that the N.D.A. comes in – but at Uni-versal Extras, for speed and ease of access, we like to do this digitally.

All N.D.A documents are therefore stored and signed in the UVE Artiste app.

You’ll receive a push notification from our app if you have an NDA waiting for you to sign!

We do this via the app so you that you can scan over them in your own time, then respond and send them back to us in a few easy taps.

N.D.As are serious business, so make sure you read it thoroughly.

If you’re anxious, most will explicitly state things to avoid… things such as: no taking photographs, no uploading to social media, no sharing information about the production’s plot / top secret cast – amongst other specific requests!

But the most important thing to remember about an NDA?

…Don’t break it.

If you want to learn more, check out Equity’s guide to Non-Disclosure Agreements.

Return to the UVE blog to read up on more specially-created SA content?

The post What is an N.D.A? appeared first on Uni-versal Extras.

Think of it as your golden ticket to the action

Today we’re breaking down the basics of right to work, so you know exactly what you need to upload before the show can begin.

Let’s jump right in…

What Actually Is Right To Work?

When we say ‘Right to Work’, we have to check that you are legally allowed to work in the UK as a self-employed artiste. You will prove this by uploading certain documents when you register.

We will never request this information via email. Documents must be uploaded by you and stored on your profile.

Who needs a Right to Work?

If you don’t have the right to work in the UK, you’re not allowed to work with us… it’s that simple!

Anyone looking to work as a Supporting Artist with Uni-versal Extras must have the right to work as a self-employed artiste in the UK.

What Should I Upload?

The documents we need to prove your right to work will vary depending on your citizenship status.

You can choose between: 

– UK Citizen (for citizens of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) 
– EU/EEA Citizen + Swiss (for citizens of countries within the EU/EEA and Switzerland) 
– Non-EU Citizen (for citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA, not including Switzerland) 

Once you have selected this option via the ‘My Documents’ page, you will be given advice on what to upload. 

Example images and guidance is also provided for each document to help you.

Have I Provided What Is Needed?

If you don’t have sufficient documents uploaded, you will be prompted to provide them.

To check your RTW Status, visit the ‘Profile’ tab of the UVE Artiste app and select ‘My Documents’ –

If you see the words, “Your selection has now been locked by our administrator”, that is great news! It means that we have manually verified your documents and your ‘Right to Work’ is approved.

Contact Us if your status changes, or simply upload new proof via your profile. 

How Do I Upload my RTW?

Documents can be uploaded using the ‘Upload New’ section in ’My Documents’.

When you select a document, you will see various fields to enter, help text and an example image. Please follow the guidelines carefully and remember that our moderation team manually check all documents. 

Common reasons why a document may not be accepted include: 

• The field information entered does not match the photo 
• The image is blurry or not clear 
• The image is cropped or does not show the whole document 
• The name, date of birth or any other information is inconsistent with the information that you have provided on your Profile itself

Document Expiry Notifications 

If a document expires (which not all documents do) you will be notified twice: 

– 30 days before it is due to expire, and 
– On the date that the document expires 

These emails are automated and sent when the document expires. If you have already provided an updated version, you can disregard the email.

Please also note. For ‘UK Citizens’, the expiry of right to work documents will not result in you losing the right to work.

UK Citizens 

As a UK citizen you have the choice of three document combinations to prove your right to work. 

A UK passport is the easiest option because you just need to upload one single document.  

We may accept out-of-date UK passports, but it is always best to have the most current version uploaded to your profile if possible. 

If you are a ‘UK Citizen’ but do not have a UK passport, please upload a ‘Full UK Birth or Adoption Certificate’ and a ‘National Insurance Number Proof’ document.

Alternatively, you can provide a ‘Registration or Naturalisation Certificate’ and a ‘National Insurance Number Proof’ document. NI proof must be in the form of an official document, issued by a government agency or a previous employer, such as a P45. 

EU/EEA Citizens + Swiss & Non-EU Citizens 

The simplest way for you as an EU Citizen to prove your right to work is by obtaining a share code via the gov.uk website here.

Once provided we will validate the code for you, so you don’t need to upload anything other than your share code.

	NO LONGER ACCEPTED
	Biometric Residency Permit (BRP) We have not been allowed to accept BRP cards as proof of Right to Work since April 2022, you will need to do a UK Home Office Online Check instead. ILR or ILE stamps in Expired Passports All visa stamps must be in current passports.

Not quite done? Why not read up on even more of our recent content on the UVE blog now?

The post What is a ‘Right To Work’? appeared first on Uni-versal Extras.

In the spirit of celebration, we got all excited reminiscing about productions of the past and wanted to give our Artistes the opportunity to do just the same.

So!

Cue Uni-versal Extras Background Bingo!

A shareable bingo tile where Artistes can show off just how much they’ve accomplished whilst working on fabulous sets all up and down the country

If you missed Part one & want to catch up, you can save the Autumn Background Bingo card right here!

On the other hand, if you participated in Autumn Background Bingo, then we’re sure you’ll already know the drill!

So for those continuing the celebrations, let’s check out what made it to the next instalment of Background Bingo: The Winter Edition…

Finally, for anyone that would benefit from a little recap, here’s exactly how to play…

HOW TO PLAY

	Save The Bingo Card	Hold down on the image above to save your Bingo card to your smartphone’s camera roll
	Upload to your Story	Head over to Instagram and click to upload a story
	Select the Bingo card & tap the ‘Draw’ tool	Select it from your camera roll, tap the three dots in the top right corner, then hit ‘Draw’
	Mark Off Your Tiles	Use the pen/draw tool to tick, cross or mark off all of your on-set accomplishments for the world to see
	Mention us @uniextras	Upload your finished card to your story, making sure to mention us @uniextras, so we don’t miss it! You’ll get EXTRA points if you’ve got a tale to tell about one of the tiles in question, so share another story post letting us in on the gossip! We’ll be sharing our favourites

And away we go!

(Remember, our favourite tales will be shared on social media!)

Contribute some fun stories or anecdotes from over the years another way? #20YearsofUVE

…& keep your eyes peeled for the next instalment of UVE Bingo: Spring Edition

The post Background Bingo [WINTER] | Celebrating 20 Years of Uni-versal Extras!🎉 appeared first on Uni-versal Extras.

In doing so, we found ourselves getting all nostalgic.

Looking back at our productions from the last 20 years had us feeling all warm and fuzzy.

Then we thought: surely our Artistes would enjoy a chance to reminisce, too.

An opportunity to cast the mind back to past projects, and take a second to reeeally relish in how much you’ve accomplished.

…Cue the first ever edition of Uni-versal Extras’ Background Bingo

WHAT IS IT?

Think of it as a scorecard of sorts.

Although this scorecard means we get to hear all about your experiences on set over the last 20 years!

Your job? Check off each tile that relates to something that you’ve done during your time as an SA. For example…

Sent us a self-tape during a casting? You’ve earnt yourself a tile.

Spent a few days on the set of Wicked? Bosh. There’s your musical tile.

Once cast as a Sushi Chef to perform some speedy chopping? That’s a double-whammy. Special Skill and Creative Contribution.

This month, we kick things off with the very first edition of Background Bingo.

Share it online to have a rightful boast about your on-set accomplishments, or simply fill it out for yourself as a bit of fun. It’s entirely up to you!

Let’s see what made the Autumn card, shall we?

HOW TO PLAY

	Save The Bingo Card	Hold down on the image above to save your Bingo card to your smartphone’s camera roll
	Upload to your Story	Head over to Instagram and click to upload a story
	Select the Bingo card & tap the ‘Draw’ tool	Select it from your camera roll, tap the three dots in the top right corner, then hit ‘Draw’
	Mark Off Your Tiles	Use the pen/draw tool to tick, cross or mark off all of your on-set accomplishments for the world to see
	Mention us @uniextras	Upload your finished card to your story, making sure to mention us @uniextras, so we don’t miss it! You’ll get EXTRA points if you’ve got a tale to tell about one of the tiles in question, so share another story post letting us in on the gossip! We’ll be sharing our favourites

Maybe you’re just getting started with us; maybe you’re a seasoned pro that’s stepped foot on more sets than some of the crew – wherever you’re at in your UVE journey, we think you deserve to be celebrated for being an important part of our story.

So thank you. For the last 20 years

Our stars behind the stars.

Right – eyes down. Let’s bingo!

Contribute some fun stories or anecdotes from over the years another way? #20YearsofUVE

…& keep your eyes peeled for the next instalment of UVE Bingo: Winter Edition

The post Background Bingo | Celebrating 20 Years of Uni-versal Extras!🎉 appeared first on Uni-versal Extras.

20th Century Studios, The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

UVE celebrates art in all it’s forms, so, in honour of London Fashion Week strutting into town this week, it feels only right to salute the movies that taught us some truly unforgettable style lessons.

After all, art isn’t just hanging in galleries or projected on cinema screens—it’s also stitched into sequins, cut into silhouettes and balanced on six-inch heels.

Hold onto your berets, because UVE are diving into 5 fashion fundamentals that we absorbed via the medium of film…

1. Cerulean Isn’t Just ‘Blue’

Frankly, how dare you think otherwise.

As Miranda Priestly strictly taught us in The Devil Wears Prada, Cerulean isn’t just blue: it’s a mood, a hierarchy and a nod to years of learning and respecting a craft.

Many of us had never even heard of ‘Cerulean’ before seeing fashion-newbie, Andy, getting utterly schooled in this iconic scene.

Long story short: in fashion, details matter.

So if you ever want to survive a room full of editors, you’d better know your turquoise from your teal…

2. A Wig and a Pleated Skirt Can Hide Anything

Mrs Doubtfire taught us a lesson that every fashion-lover — and amateur spy — should know: a well-chosen wig and a pleated skirt can conceal just about anything.

Even allowing you to fly completely under the radar of your own ex wife and children. Naturally.

After seeing this, most of us never again underestimated the transformative potential of a sensible cardigan.

3. Always Check the Dress Code

Few scenes are more cringe-inducing than Georgia arriving to a party dressed as a cocktail garnish in Angus Thongs and Perfect Snogging.

We think it’s fair to say that not only did all of us collectively recoil for this poor stuffed olive, we vowed to never be the person that commits fully to a ‘funny’ costume idea without first submitting it to our friends for peer review.

Catch UVE Artistes in Angus, Thongs & Perfect Snogging (2008)

4. Glasses Will Conceal Your True Identity, No Questions Asked

One minute, you’re mild-mannered Clark Kent, tripping over your own shoelaces.

The next you’re a local celebrity, singlehandedly saving the planet and no one notices?

Movies may have the task of making us suspend our disbelief, but surely this is pushing it…

Nevertheless, Superman had an entire generation (and beyond) believing that all we needed to go unquestionably incognito was a trusty pair of glasses.

5. If You Want To Be The Main Character, Wear Yellow

Whether it’s Emma Stone twirling in La La Land, Alicia Silverstone strutting the halls in Clueless or Uma Thurman absolutely dominating in Kill Bill – main characters don’t just steal the scene, they practically glow.

Yellow is the ultimate power-move.

Not convinced? See also: Beauty and the Beast, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Anastasia, Marie Antoinette, The Mask, Kate Winslet in Titanic.. the list is endless (and yellow).

Extras, on the other hand, are the masters of blending in.

Stylish, subtle and utterly essential – you guys are the unsung heroes of every scene.

So maybe we’ll leave the yellow to Uma …for now

Not done just yet? Catch up on even more UVE content back on the blog now!

The post 5 Fashion Lessons We Learnt From The Movies appeared first on Uni-versal Extras.

The production environment will definitely keep you on your toes, but also, the more you work on set, the more you will start to see and understand the team effort behind every successful film or TV show. As a supporting artiste, you too become an essential cog powering a juggernaut!

The production team, whilst fluid, will generally involve people working in set roles with specific responsibilities.

Here we’ve provided some information about the people you might see or meet, so you can be best equipped for your day on set!

2nd Assistant Director (or 2nd AD)

You might think it’s odd for us to start this blog post with the 2nd Assistant Director first, but they are generally responsible for welcoming and coordinating talent.

For small and medium sized productions, this includes extras and background artistes!

Not only that, but the 2nd AD is normally in charge, or heavily involved in the process of selecting the supporting artistes for the production. They will work closely with the Director and us (the casting agency) and therefore have an excellent understanding of the different types of extras that might be attending a shoot day and what their roles and responsibilities are.

As an extra, it is not unusual to spend time waiting in a green room for your call to be a part of the action! That is because on each shoot day, there will probably be multiple scenes to film.

The 2nd AD works directly with the 1st Assistant Director and the Director, often via walkie-talkie, and will bring you from your waiting area to the set when needed. They may also help to move talent through makeup, costume and other steps at the beginning of a day.

So put simply, if you are booked as a supporting artiste, the 2nd AD is a good person to speak to if you have any questions or are unsure about where you need to be.

3rd Assistant Director / Crowd Director

Okay, so we will get to the 1st AD eventually, but before that it’s worth pointing out that for larger production teams or days where there is a lot of crowd, a 3rd Assistant Director OR Crowd Director will likely take over the responsibility of coordinating the background artistes on set.

The Crowd Director will give you direction; this might involve telling you where to stand during a scene; where your start and stop points might be if you are walking in a street; maybe they want you to look in a certain direction; maybe your job is to perform a specific task like picking up a dinner tray as you move through a canteen line or pretending you are talking to a group of people while sitting at a table…

It’s not going to be anything too complex, but the key here is to always listen to the 3rd AD / Crowd Director carefully, and don’t be afraid to ask them to repeat something if you do not understand.

1st Assistant Director (or 1st AD)

So the first thing to point out here is the 1st Assistant Director is not the same as an Assistant to the Director who is more of a personal assistant who might bring the top dog their coffee of handle their schedule.

The 1st Assistant Director is a key member of the film crew and has various responsibilities of their own within the team. They report primarily to the Director, because their main task is to help ease the Director’s workload so they can focus on their most important tasks.

The 2nd AD will generally report to the 1st AD.

Director of Photography (or DOP)

The Director of Photography (DOP), also known as a Cinematographer, is in charge of the visual elements of a picture.

They are the visionaries making decisions as to what types of cameras, lenses, lighting and movements are required to achieve a specific shot. The DOP works closely with the Director to achieve the desired vision for the film.

Underneath the Director of Photography you’ll have a number of people such as Camera Operators, Camera Assistants, Digital Imaging Technicians who are responsible for backing up material and checking camera settings, and also Still Photographers.

Gaffer & Key Grip

It’s pretty rare you’ll come into close contact with a DOP on set, but for those artistes that work as a Double or Stand-In, you might get up close and personal with their team and the Gaffers and Grips.

What is a Double and a Stand-In? A Double is generally used when an actor’s character is in shot, but not in a way where you can see their face. Rather than have the actor go through the motions, they find a body double instead and, thanks to the magic of cinema, the audience should never know it was someone else!

A Stand-In is a bit different – it’s someone who is booked to help set up the shot ahead of an actor/actress arriving on set, which allows the film team to make sure that the lighting, angles, camera equipment, etc., is all ready. As you can imagine, this can be a lengthy process, so rather than potentially impact the performance of an A-list star, they’ll find someone who looks similar and use them to setup the shot ahead of time.

That’s where the Gaffer and Grips come in – they are responsible for controlling lighting (working alongside the Director of Photography) and setting up equipment. So if you hear the Gaffer tell someone, “we need to change that yellow bulb for white light” or “let’s back-light this scene instead”, it’ll be the Grip you see scurry off to make the necessary changes to the equipment!

Producer

Producers are the key to all aspects of a smooth-running production – they make sure everything is done on time and within budget, while maintaining an environment the cast and crew can flourish in.

Producers are involved in the business, financial, and legal aspects of a production.

Runner

Ah, the Runner, what a wonderful role! Whilst it’s not quite as glam as the Director or Leading Lady, it’s a perfect starting point for anyone looking to get on set experience and work in the film industry.

You’ll see the Runner doing things like… making tea and coffee, delivering and picking up packages, managing paperwork, helping with communications between departments, etc.

We’ve all heard the story of how Brad Pitt began working as a film extra (along with many other actors and actresses), but perhaps what you didn’t know is many of the film crew would have started as Runners.

Given how versatile this role is, it’s really no wonder that it makes a great base for someone looking for a career in film!

Uni-versal Extras has had the pleasure of providing Runners for a wide range of productions, so if you’re interested in these kinds of opportunities, look under the Skills & Training area of your profile where you can also list your previous experience if you have any. Log in to the UVE Artiste app now!

Stunt Coordinator

The Stunt Coordinator is in charge of planning and overseeing stunts! Believe it or not, those seemingly spontaneous fights, crashes and explosions are carefully designed and rehearsed!

Working in stunts is a dangerous profession, and the Stunt Coordinator’s job is to oversee everything to hopefully help ensure it all goes to plan, looks great, and that all the stunt performers remain safe.

As an extra with UVE, you can list your stunt experience in the ‘I Have Training In’ field which can be found under ‘Skills and Training’. Log in to the UVE Artiste app now!

Script Supervisor

A Script Supervisor’s job is to ensure that the filming stays on track in relation to the script.

The Script Supervisor will often be tucked away on a chair, listening closely or watching on a monitor to help ensure that things remain consistent, which might not only include dialogue but also any action sequences or performance related notes in a script.

Just imagine how hard that must have been for the Script Supervisors working with great ad libbers like Jim Carey or the late Robin Williams!

This role can sometimes move into Continuity, which means making sure things remain consistent on set – for example if someone is drinking, for each take they might make sure they pick up the glass with their left hand, and if they drink, that the glass remains full to the correct starting level for the next take.

For larger productions, Continuity is often its own distinct role in the team.

Costume / Make-up / Props

Okay, we’ve grouped these three just because they will generally help in the non-performance preparation ahead of your shoot day, though there might be some exceptions.

Often you will be sent to the Costume Department for a fitting prior to your shoot day, where they will find you an outfit to wear and make any adjustments necessary so that it’s a good fit. Under the leading union pay schemes, you’ll see that there are set rates for non-performance days.

When you arrive on set for a filming day, you’ll visit the Costume Team to pickup your wardrobe if you previously had one fitted, or they will choose from the outfits you bring (if you were asked to bring a selection of your own clothes).

The Props Team work on sourcing all levels of props for the set; think large items like furniture, right down to small things like pens or tooth pics! If you’re working in stunts, or require a prop as part of your outfit, for example a sword and shield, this will generally be matched with your Costume.

Finally, the Make-Up Team is a hugely important part of all productions. They will generally sort out your look at the start of the day and remain on set to touch-up and refine your look as required for good continuity.

Director

You must already know this role, huh?

Steven Spielberg, Sophia Coppola, Stanley Kubrick… and they’re just three whose first names begin with the letter ‘S’! Yes, this is the big boss of the whole production, and when it comes to the film crew, they get the most limelight!

Directors are in charge of all creative decisions on set and usually work with their ADs or Runners to communicate information to background artistes.

And while there are infinite roles we could go into, this is a really good base to give you some understanding ahead of your days on set as a film and TV extra!

Remember that every film set is different as is every crew. As a rule of thumb, remember to be kind, professional, attentive and open to direction. People are people at the end of the day, and you should treat everyone how you would want to be treated.

If you want to learn more about industry terms and common sayings, check-out this film glossary.

The post Who’s Who? A Guide for Working on a Film or TV Set appeared first on Uni-versal Extras.

We’re celebrating Star Wars Day this May the 4th by revisiting some of the fantastic productions from the franchise that we’ve been lucky to be a part of.

So let’s get started, shall we?

We’ve provided the best talent in the galaxy to…

Andor [Series 1 & 2]

Kicking things off, we have the brilliant breakaway tale of Cassian Andor: Andor.

Both series 1 and 2 of Andor is positively brimming with UVE faces in the form of Prison Inmates, Pensioners, Party Guests, Caretakers, Soldiers, Librarians, Nomads, Embassy Bartenders, Guards, Musicians, Drummers, Clerks, Doubles and more!

For anyone not yet familiar with this brilliant Disney series; Andor follows revolutionary Cassian Andor as he embarks on dangerous missions for the Rebel Alliance and slots into the Star Wars universe as a prequel to the hit Star Wars movie Rogue One!

Speaking of which…

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Next up, Felicity Jones’ debut as Jyn Erso – Rogue One: A Star Wars Story.

We’re delighted to tell you that you’ll spot our UVE Extras appearing in this one, also!

Big Star Wars fans may already know that Rogue One did, in fact, operate under the code name Los Alamos during production!

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story was shot between multiple UK Studios, including our home base of Pinewood Studios, as well as locations abroad in Iceland, Jordan & The Maldives.

Star Wars: Episode VII – The Last Jedi

Similarly, we had a blast on the 2017 blockbuster, Star Wars: The Last Jedi (a.k.a Space Bear!)

Shot between Pinewood / Longcross Studios, Ireland and Croatia, you’ll encounter UVE Artistes as everything from Fighter Pilots, Prisoners and Resistance Officers to body doubles for principal cast members such as Domhnall Gleeson and Benicio Del Toro!

But that’s not all…

In addition to on-screen roles, Uni-versal Extras also provided stand-ins for John Boyega, Adam Driver and Billie Lourd, as well as iconic characters Chewbacca, C3-PO, and Admiral Ackbar!

Solo: A Star Wars Story

Uni-versal Extras was also an lucky to be a part of Solo: A Star Wars Story, which follows the origin story of the iconic character Han Solo.

Although you may instead know it as the codename Red Cup: a nod to the brand responsible for the red party drinks cup!

For Solo: A Star Wars Story, UVE provided doubles for the likes of Alden Ehrenreich, Paul Bettany, and Donald Glover, as well as a healthy dose of Space Port Recruits, Air Traffic Controllers, Fleet Troopers, Dancers, Clothing Test Models behind the scenes, and even some 7-foot creatures!

Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens

Thirty years after the defeat of the Galactic Empire, Han Solo must face a new threat from the First Order and the evil Kylo Ren.

In Star Wars: The Force Awakens, we team up with new heroes such as Rey, a desert scavenger, and Finn, an ex-stormtrooper, and reunite with old favourites such as Han Solo and Chewbacca.

But there are some other notable faces you’ll spot in The Force Awakens: our UVE Extras!

During production, Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens went by the the working title of AVCO: a code name that left fans scratching their heads.

According to the LA Times, it turns out this code name was born from a Los Angeles cinema that made use of the special THX sound system developed by George Lucas when showing his movies!

So there we have it; we told you the force was strong with Uni-versal Extras!

…and who knows.

There may even be a few upcoming productions that UVE had a little something to do with.

Watch this space

Explore even more special SA content on the UVE Blog?

The post Every Star Wars Production You’ll Spot UVE Extras In! appeared first on Uni-versal Extras.

From remote and hard-to-reach areas of natural beauty, to historic castles and stately homes, to the most state-of-the-art filming studios the world has to offer, there’s always something new and exciting to be a part of.

With feature film and TV productions always looking for that “WOW” factor, we’ve sent our supporting artistes far and wide to be part of some incredible shoots. And now, for the very first time, we’ve had a look back and hand-picked some of our favourite spots.

So What Makes Our List Of The Coolest, Most Enchanting UK Filming Locations?

6. Hampton Court Palace, London

The UK is lucky to have a rich architectural history, and it doesn’t get much better than Hampton Court Palace in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.

Built in the baroque period for William III and Mary II, it’s easy to see why this Grade I listed royal palace has been so popular for period productions.

It was a key location in the new BBC TV production, Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light (2024). We also supplied artistes at Hampton Court for The Favourite (2019), which is a feature film starring the award-winning Olivia Coleman.

5. The Gower Peninsula, South Wales

One of the most remote and beautiful places in the UK, the Gower in South Wales is a mesmerising stretch of coast-line with real sandy beaches.

The Worm’s Head, pictured below, can be accessed by the adventurous at low tide, with the path becoming submerged when the waters rise. The very end of the Worm’s Head is often closed to visitors due to the presence of nesting rare migratory birds.

Uni-versal Extras cast local Welsh supporting artistes at the Gower for Season 3 of the popular Netflix TV show, Sex Education (2021). 

4. Dover Castle, Kent

What’s better than a palace? Well a castle of course!

And here, we’ve got the stunning Dover Castle in Kent which is a Grade I listed, medieval beauty!

This spot was used for Disney’s Into the Woods (2015) feature film, which had an interstellar cast including Johnny Depp, Meryl Streep, Anna Kendrick, Emily Blunt and James Corden.

3. Cruachan Dam, Scotland

What about working as an extra for Star Wars at a real-life power station?

That’s right, in 2021 we supplied artistes to the Cruachan Dam in Argll and Brute in Scotland for the Disney series, Andor (2022). This real-life hydroelectric power station produced 705 GWh of power in 2009.

Having been involved with multiple seasons of Outlander, our artistes have been to some of the most remote locations in the highlands and lowlands of Scotland, but this location is surely one of the most iconic. An industrial site surrounded by natural beauty… stunning!

2. Windsor, Berkshire

Just a stone’s throw from our head office at Pinewood Film Studios, we’ve got to mention a town oozing with history and royalty – Windsor in Berkshire.

It’s not just the magnificent Windsor Castle that draws productions in, but the historic town and surrounding countryside as well!

So many films we’ve worked on were filmed in Windsor including Suffragette (2015), The Riot Club (2014), The Crown (2016), Bridget Jones’ Baby (2016), Avoidance – Series 2 (2024), 3 Body Problem (2024), Masters of the Air (2024), Come Away (2020) and we’re certain there will be many more to come!

1. Portsmouth Naval Base

And now, the crème de la crème…

It’s crazy to think that for the opening scene of the award-winning Les Misérables (2012), Uni-versal Extras would have its artistes working in Portsmouth, standing in a real-life (and still in use) naval dock!

That’s right, you may remember that Uni-versal Extras was the sole extras agency for Tom Hoopers feature film adaption of the hugely popular musical. We held open castings in various cities across the UK which were used to support the diverse needs of the production.

So many magical filming tricks were used to bring Les Misérables to life in such stunning style. And being cast to perform in a huge trench submerged in water with Hugh Jackman… well it doesn’t get much more epic than that!!

To say it was a once in a lifetime opportunity would be an understatement.

And that’s a wrap on our list!

Did we miss any enchanting filming locations that stick out to you? Let us know by leaving a testimonial to tell us where and what made your experience epic!

Head back to the UVE blog for even more fun, Film & TV content?

The post The UK’s Most Enchanting Filming Locations appeared first on Uni-versal Extras.

1 – CONTACT DETAILS

2 – PERSONAL DETAILS

3 – PROFILE PHOTOS

Interested in becoming an Extra with Uni-versal Extras but aren’t sure what documents you need to provide? Look no further!

For the fourth and final instalment of our Impressive Profile series, we’re taking a closer look at the important Documents required to become an extra with Uni-versal Extras.

Right To Work Documents

The documents required to prove your Right to Work will vary depending on your citizenship status. When you first register with UVE, you set your Status via the ‘My Documents’ area of your profile.

You can choose between: 

– UK Citizen (for citizens of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) 
– EU/EEA Citizen + Swiss (for citizens of countries within the EU/EEA and Switzerland) 
– Non-EU Citizen (for citizens of countries outside the EU/EEA, not including Switzerland) 

Once you have selected the appropriate option, you will be given advice on the document combinations you can upload to prove your right to work. 

Read our blog post on Right to Work for more in-depth guidance.

Other Documents

After you have uploaded the minimum requirements for Right to Work, you will then see the Other Documents list which contains all the other types of documents you can upload.

This includes DBS certificates, Change of Name Documents, Driving Licences, Student IDs, Police Scheme Cards and more.

What is a DBS Check? It’s a certificate which verifies a clean bill of criminal history and/or discloses any charges that may be against your name. Some productions require you to have one to be considered, but it is not mandatory – you will be notified when we check your availability if a DBS is indeed required for the role.

I’m registered free as a student; do I need to upload proof? Yes, it is important that you upload valid proof of your student eligibility. If you don’t, we will request this from you via email when you complete your first job and if you don’t provide valid proof in time, you will be charged a Listing Fee as a Non-Student. The proof must confirm your course start and expiry date, and that you are studying full time. Please refer to our T&Cs for more information.

What about other documents? If other documents such as a driving license is required for a role, we will request them from you when checking your availability. If you have them and want to be proactive, please feel free to upload them in advance so you’re ready to go!

So How Do I Upload Documents?

All Documents must be uploaded directly to your Profile using the UVE Artiste App.

Why Are My Uploads Getting Rejected?

Common reasons that your document might not be making it past moderation are:

• The field information that you enter does not match that on the document uploaded
• The image is blurry or not clear
• The image is cropped or does not show the whole document
• The name, date of birth or any other information is inconsistent with the information that you have provided on your profile

If you need further help, please refer to our Support section. You can also reach out to our Artist Support Team who are on hand to help, by submitting a query via our Contact Form.

How Can I See Documents I Previously Uploaded?

After you have uploaded a document, you can see it on your profile via the same My Documents screen. Right to Work documents will be displayed directly below this upload type, and Other Documents will be uploaded beneath that.

In addition to documents that you have uploaded, Job Sheets (which is a document generated when you get booked for a role) and Remittance Slips can be found under Other Documents as well.

You cannot currently delete documents from your Profile. If for some reason you need a document to be deleted, please Contact Us.

That’s all from us today! Why not zip back to the UVE blog to explore even more content especially for the informed Supporting Artiste?

The post How To Build an Impressive Profile – Part Four | Documents appeared first on Uni-versal Extras.

Did you know that this is also often the case for many of our favourite household names?

We thought we’d take a look at 11 very familiar faces that kickstarted their careers in Film & TV as Background Artistes before working their way right on up to A-list status…

How Many of these Celebrities Did You Know Began as an Extra?

1. Renée Zellweger

Before she was telling Jerry Maguire that he had her at “Hello” or was turning heads in Bridget Jones’s Baby, Zellweger can be seen as an Extra in the coming-of-age comedy Dazed and Confused (1993).

Among an ensemble cast of other famous actors including Adam Goldberg, Matthew McConaughey and Ben Affleck, Zellweger appears in a couple scenes as a wild high school student.

2. Daniel Day-Lewis

Before getting internationally recognised in Stephen Frears’ My Beautiful Laundrette (1985) and Merchant Ivory’s A Room with a View (1985), Day-Lewis played a child vandal in Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971) – a drama about a young, bisexual artist and his infidelities.

…Shortly afterwards Day-Lewis also scored a minor role in Ghandi (1982). 

3. Regé-Jean Page

Page may have stolen our hearts as the handsome Duke of Hastings in the Netflix’s Bridgerton (2020) but, like many great British actors, he also appeared in the beloved Harry Potter film franchise.

In The Deathly Hallows: Part 1, Page can be seen standing behind Emma Watson as a guest at Bill Weasley and Fleur Delacour’s wedding.  

UVE provided extras for The Deathly Hallows: Part 2!

4. Channing Tatum

Tatum worked many jobs before gaining prominence as an actor. These include performing as a dancer in a music video for Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs” and working as a stripper, an experience upon which the 2012 film Magic Mike is loosely based.

One production you may not know Tatum was involved with, however, is War of the Worlds (2005), where you can just about spot him running behind Tom Cruise as Aliens attack a church.

Uni-versal Extras provided casting support for 2011’s The Eagle.

5. Marilyn Monroe

When we think of ‘Celebrity Extras’, they don’t get much bigger than Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe. Monroe was just 22 when she was signed to 20^th Century Fox as a contract player.

This gained her a role as Betty in Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay! (1948) where she has one line saying “Hi, Rad” before swiftly walking off screen. Can you spot the young Marilyn in her blue pinafore walking down the church steps? 

6. Bruce Willis

For all you Die Hard fans out there, did you know that Bruce Willis played an Extra in films like The First Deadly Sin (1980) and The Verdict (1981) in the early 80s?

Before his John-McClane-days, you may be able to spot Willis watching on with intrigue in this courtroom scene!

UVE provided extras for Red 2!

7. Sofia Coppola

You might know that Hollywood film director Sofia Coppola featured in the third Godfather film (1990) as Michael Corleone’s daughter, but did you know that her father, Francis Ford Coppola, also cast her as the baby (Michael Francis Rizzi) in the famous Baptism scene in the first Godfather film?

She also played an immigrant child just two years later in the second Godfather (1974).

Coppola’s talents were soon made clear elsewhere in the industry as she went on to direct iconic films such as The Virgin Suicides (1999) and Lost in Translation (2003).  

8. Leonardo DiCaprio

Oscar-winning actor known for Titanic (1997), Inception (2010), The Wolf of Wall Street (2013), Leonardo Dicaprio, made his film debut in Critters 3 (1991) when he was seventeen but – even before then – you will be able to spot him as an Extra in the TV series Roseanne.

See if you can you track him down as one of Darlene’s classmates!

9. Sylvester Stallone

Before he was throwing punches as Rocky Balboa or showing his combat skills as John Rambo, Stallone was an uncredited ‘subway mugger’ in Woody Allen’s 1971 film  Bananas.

As the story goes, Allen was going to send Stallone back to the casting agency believing he did not look tough enough to play the role, until Stallone made him change his mind. 

10. Jackie Chan

A big fan of Bruce Lee and his films, the young Jackie Chan appeared as both an Extra and as a stunt double in Lee’s Fist of Fury (1972), and then later appeared again in Lee’s Enter the Dragon (1973).

He was also an Extra as a child in the film Big and Little Wong Tin Bar (1962). Eventually, this work history lead to Chan becoming the talented Kung-Fu film star we all know and love today.

11. Jesy Nelson

As it turns out, Jesy Nelson has been making an appearance on our screens far before she made it onto our radar as 1 quarter of girlband Little Mix!

Prior to her X-factor fame, Jesy Nelson also had a passion for the movies and can be seen not only at the Yule Ball in Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire (2005), but also as part of the school audience in About A Boy with Hugh Grant and Nick Hoult!

FUN FACT

Before joining the team at UVE, 2 of our very own Casting Agents both dabbled in Extra work!

You can spot UVE’s Chris and Sophie appearing in many things including: My Mad Fat Diary, Sex Education, Fantastic Beasts 2, Sherlock, The Nutcracker, Doctor Who and Eddie the Eagle!

Head back to the UVE blog for even more fun, Film & TV content?

The post 11 Celebrities That Got Started As Extras! appeared first on Uni-versal Extras.