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So you want to be a film extra?

This week we talk to Rob Martin, who has written a book called You Can Be A Movie Extra. He also has a company The Casting Collective, which was formed in 1999. His company finds work for "extras", people who want to appear in supporting roles in films or on television. He now employs 3,000 extras.

Rob says that people who have a more average appearance and don't stand out tend to get more work. He told us: "People who are covered in tattoos or are really fat or really tall are only cast in more specific roles".

Working as an extra won't lead to an Oscar nomination but Rob insists that it is an art form. "The extras work very long hours and there's a lot of waiting around. And then they'll suddenly be required to dance like crazy for a nightclub scene, and more often than not they'll have to dance without any music which I'm sure is very difficult!"

So, what does it take to be an extra?

Rob says "You have to have a good sense of humour and you have to be able to get on with people. As an extra, it's your job not to annoy the stars, who always have a lot of pressure on them."

One of Rob's extras, Nobuko Slater, has appeared as an extra in a number of big films, but he hasn't given up his day job. He said, "I have a full-time job in finance in London, but in recent years I've seen myself in the films Tomb Raider, Spy Come, and Legally Blonde!"

It all began when I fancied doing something really different and I always liked the idea of meeting film stars. I applied for the role of "Businessman wearing smart clothes" in Tomb Raider and they obviously liked my pictures because a month later I was on the film set. I only work as an extra for about ten days a year but that suits me very well. I'm already looking forward to seeing myself in the next Harry Potter film!"

Another extra, Lucy Wallis, warns people who want to be extras that the job is often not very glamorous. "I was once paid £ 100 to pretend to be dead for the day, for an episode of the TV programme London's Burning".

Rob's book, which is packed with tips about the film and TV industry, stresses that extras have to be prepared for anything. He adds: "Working as an extra doesn't pay very well, but it's unique and it's fun. And although they don't get much thanks for it, the extras are a major factor in a film's success — don't forget that!"

Tick (✓) the things which are true about extras

• Extras can ask the stars of the films that they're in for a favour.
• You can earn a lot of money being an extra.
• People who look "normal" get more work than those who look different.
• Extras need to be patient.
• Extras need to be good-looking.
• Being an extra is a full-time job.
• Being an extra can be hard work.
• Extras don't get the recognition they deserve.