3 July 2007
Press Release: For Immediate Release

Professional Industry Training for Extras Now Available

After seven years as a professional extra on film and television sets, Robyn Worthington is stepping into the limelight.

When Worthington recently heard of three separate incidents of inexperienced extras being asked to leave a set for messing up the background of a vital scene it occurred to her that here was a gap in the market. A gap she had the knowledge and experience to fill.

ProfEx4U is a new business venture aimed at providing the film and television industry with extras that understand their job and respect the jobs of the crew. Worthington’s one and a half hour workshop ‘The Role of a Professional Extra’ launches on 7/7/07.

The course covers jargon and protocol in the studio or on set, wardrobe requirements, tax information and confidentiality. Workshops are held twice weekly on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings.

A register of attendees is kept and major production houses such as South Pacific Pictures (SPP) receive a list of people who have completed the workshop. Each person who attends also receives a pack containing guidelines and other relevant items

Worthington’s initiative has been developed in consultation with production companies including SPP and a range of actors’ agencies. ProfEx4U is also endorsed by Women in Film and Television (WIFT) Auckland, and other industry professionals.

Worthington says, “This is a great step forward. I’m excited about doing something that will have benefits for my industry and its participants. The people who’ve attended my workshops will have a valuable advantage over those who haven’t because it’s not just knowledge I instil, but also the confidence to be the best extra you can be.”

In addition to her seven years acting experience, Worthington has completed a range of acting classes and workshops, and is an active member of WIFT. Her credits as an extra or featured extra include KING KONG, HERCULES, SIONES WEDDING, a variety of television commercials, and SHORTLAND STREET where she has an ongoing featured extra role.

Bookings for ‘The Role of a Professional Extra’ can be made by phoning 09 818 1852 or 0272 877 017. The first course takes place on the auspicious date of 7th of July 2007, 10am at the Point Chevalier Community Centre in Auckland, and costs $30.

ENDS