Neasa, a 28-year-old who appeared as an extra in the 2025 film 28 Days Later, has opened up about the straightforward process she followed to be selected for the role. The post-apocalyptic horror-drama, directed by Danny Boyle and starring Ralph Fiennes and Jodie Comer, hit UK cinemas on 20 June 2025, with several scenes filmed in Somerset.
In a candid TikTok video, Neasa emphasized that no previous acting experience is necessary to become a film extra. She shared a simple two-step guide for anyone interested in getting involved.
“Step one,” Neasa explained, “is to take clear photos of yourself using your phone—whether it’s a Samsung, iPhone, or any device.” These should be simple shots, without filters or makeup, ideally taken against a white background while wearing plain clothes that highlight your figure. “Step two is to search online for ‘extra people’ or ‘The Casting Collective’ if you live in the UK, as these are the top agencies for extra casting.”
READ MORE: Yeovil Town’s Match at Woking Postponed Due to Waterlogged Pitch
READ MORE: Traitors Star James Baker: Relationship Status, Family Life, and Career Beyond the BBC Show
Registration with these agencies is free, and once accepted, you gain access to a personal profile where you should upload as many photos as possible along with detailed information such as your height, weight, and measurements. Neasa stressed that the more thorough your profile, the higher your chances of catching the eye of a casting director.
Working alongside Danny Boyle, she also noted that extras must be flexible and ready to follow specific instructions, such as avoiding hair dye, tanning, or acrylic nails, if the production requests it — all to maintain continuity on set. When filming begins, extras usually receive minimal direction and often must create their own actions to fit the scene.
Neasa warned that filming can involve long hours; an eight-second scene she was part of took approximately 15 hours to shoot. Regarding pay, she shared that compensation for extras varies based on the size of the production and the number of hours worked, but her rate on 28 Days Later ranged between £130 and £200 per day.
The film’s production in Somerset included notable locations such as Cheddar Gorge—used for the climactic final scene, which director Danny Boyle described as “extraordinary”—the B3135 road, closed for five days during shooting, and the Wookey Hole Caves near Wells. The shoot was supported by Screen Somerset in coordination with the Somerset Council’s film board.
Neasa’s tips show that with little more than a smartphone, some clear photos, and registration with the right agencies, anyone can get the chance to appear on screen as an extra in a major film.