A NEW extras casting agency based in Newport is looking to support those who want to get into the business by holding a recruitment day today.

Extras Casting Agency was set up by owners Tracey Hurst, 45, of Usk and Aileen Edwards, 47, of Caerleon, with the aim of supporting artists who are looking to get in to the Welsh film and TV industry.

Around 80 people have already booked an appointment for the recruitment day held at the Riverfront Theatre in Newport on April 12 where they will each have a five minute meeting with Mrs Hurst and Mrs Edwards and fill out forms with details of their height, weight and age among other details, to be put on the agencies’ books.

Extras will also have their photograph taken for the agencies ‘look book.’

“The idea to set up the agency came about having spent a number of years on set with our children who are both keen to pursue acting careers,” Mrs Hurst said.

“We were approached to work as extras ourselves and have both worked on several productions including Casualty, Broadchurch, Stella, Upstairs Downstairs among others.

“From this we have ventured into opening up a new agency as there is so much going on in Wales, and also with Pinewood Studios relocating to Wales we thought it would be great to have a Welsh Extras Agency providing people locally for filming.

“We have also recently worked alongside Newport Film School providing the students with supporting artists.”

The agency owners are looking for a range of people aged 17 upwards who would jump at the chance of working on a set as a career or just as a hobby.

“We have tried to keep it local but we do have a couple of people coming from Reading on Saturday,” Mrs Hurst added.

“We have links with some major films and TV such as Stella who have got in touch with us.”

The day will run from 12pm to 4pm.

For information contact the agency via email: bookingEXTRASCASTINGAGENCY@yahoo.co.uk.