Anyone had experience of working as a background artist?

[Azuresky68]

Hi there. Just signed up with an agency to work as a background artist.

So far I have been offered a couple of opportunities but both involved a lot of travel and it wasnt clear if overnight accommodation is provided/paid for.

I initially signed up as they were recruiting for somewhere very local to me.

I am retired but still have a casual paid job in the theatre. Have also worked in the travel and hospitality industry and at music festivals so I am used to non-traditional jobs

Any hints and tips on what the job is actually like would be great.

Yes, it is easy work, but it is not very lucrative after you take away travel / parking costs / agency fees / agency commission. You can be 'pencilled in' for a job, but then not actually get the confirmation or cancellation until the evening before it is scheduled, which can be frustrating.
Rarely is travel paid, but you do normally get free meals depending on the length of your day, and it can be fun to meet and work with other SAs.
Sometimes you get paid extra for providing costume, being featured, having a speaking part, etc.
If you want local work, try signing up to local agencies. When you are booked onto a role, I'd suggest taking a book or tablet / charger, and a thermal mug for teas / coffees. Also check if filming will be indoors / outdoors so you can prepare by taking thermals / waterproofs etc.
Try to listen to the Assistant Director, and try to be quiet on set and don't stand out - your job is to fade in to the background.
I wish you all the best!

Thanks for the great advice. I was wondering about travel and parking costs. I will wait and see if any opportunities for local work come up.

A friend of mine did this for a while, apparently there can be a lot of boring sitting around for hours. I think it helps if you live in or near a big city and are available at short notice.