Perdita
27-04-2016, 10:39
Sometimes the best part about soaps is the extras.
Yep, extras (also known as background actors) have one of the most important jobs on the set - contributing to the overall believability of a scene and sometimes distracting us from what's really going on.
But have you ever wondered why the likes of EastEnders' market-trader Shrimpy and veteran barmaid Tracey rarely speak?
Well, apparently, it all comes down to money. Doesn't everything?
The "background artistes" are paid a standard day rate of £84, but if dialogue or any special skills are needed, the bosses have to fork out a lot more.
According to the Film Artiste's Association, if a non-regular character is given a speaking line they are paid an additional £50.50 - so that's why in Corrie, Audrey Roberts's salon customers always just sit there, smile and nod...
Extras can also expect an extra £36 working the night-shift and an additional £25 if they have to drive a car.
http://digitalspyuk.cdnds.net/16/06/1024x575/gallery-1455205852-shrimpy-bbc.jpg
Ben Champniss as Shrimpy in EastEnders
© BBC
And God forbid if Shrimpy ever had to hold a gun - he'd get an extra £19 for that.
In conclusion, we're all off to quit our day jobs now and become soap extras…
Digital Spy
Yep, extras (also known as background actors) have one of the most important jobs on the set - contributing to the overall believability of a scene and sometimes distracting us from what's really going on.
But have you ever wondered why the likes of EastEnders' market-trader Shrimpy and veteran barmaid Tracey rarely speak?
Well, apparently, it all comes down to money. Doesn't everything?
The "background artistes" are paid a standard day rate of £84, but if dialogue or any special skills are needed, the bosses have to fork out a lot more.
According to the Film Artiste's Association, if a non-regular character is given a speaking line they are paid an additional £50.50 - so that's why in Corrie, Audrey Roberts's salon customers always just sit there, smile and nod...
Extras can also expect an extra £36 working the night-shift and an additional £25 if they have to drive a car.
http://digitalspyuk.cdnds.net/16/06/1024x575/gallery-1455205852-shrimpy-bbc.jpg
Ben Champniss as Shrimpy in EastEnders
© BBC
And God forbid if Shrimpy ever had to hold a gun - he'd get an extra £19 for that.
In conclusion, we're all off to quit our day jobs now and become soap extras…
Digital Spy