BOSS S.A Tom getting his bus stop karaoke on

You might spot a few of our Supporting Artists on this series of Car Share as a lot of fun characters in interesting costumes! In the first episode, you can see Tom Connelly from the BOSS gang as a bus stop backing singer.

See Tom's booking details on our website.

BOSS S.As solving the murder of Amy Barnes on Hollyoaks

With BOSS Supporting Artists Lucinda and Matt finding clues as SOCOs and David as the desk sergeant at the Hollyoaks Police Station, we think the case of #WhoKilledAmy will soon be solved!

Listen out for Lucinda's line: 'We've got something here Serge!'

Keep up the good work guys!

A day in the life of a Casting Booker

Working on everything from epic period dramas to the country's most-loved soaps, Rhiannon is a booker on our casting desk. We grabbed five minutes with her to find our what her average day is like.

My alarm goes off at… 6am and the first thing I do is check my work phone and catch up on any news. I’m up early anyway as its takes me that long to do my hair and makeup – haha. I can’t live without my GHDs they are my pride and joy! I’ve actually just had to get new ones as my old trusty pair of 12 years broke the other day - I treated myself and got the new limited edition pink copper. I tend to have a cereal bar on-the-go for my breakfast as I never have time to sit down and eat.

My average day… generally consists of working through breakdowns that clients send to me. These can be various requests such as finding passer bys/pub drinkers for soaps like Coronation Street or Hollyoaks, lawyers for crime dramas like Happy Valley and No Offence or people with lots of hair and beards for a period drama like Victoria and Peaky Blinders! I also get out and about to visit clients on set: It could be on the cobbles or in the countryside. It’s great to do this so both parties can put a face to a name and break the ice properly. We also run dance castings which I love being a part of as it's so exciting watching the talent and seeing who stands out. Its amazing seeing all the tricks they can do as well – it makes me want to get up and join in!

After work… I like to be quite social and so will try and arrange different activities to do with friends a few days a week. I also go to tap and ballet class and am part of Manchester Show Choir . It’s important to me that I try to fit in catching up on any programs that we have worked on – I love spotting our artists and thinking “Ooooh I helped to create that!”

How I got to where I am today… As a child I attended dance and acting classes eventually going on to do a degree in Dance and Musical Theatre. I also attended Carney Academy where I had exceptional tutoring from industry professionals on all areas of acting both for theatre and screen. I had amazing opportunities there including working with two West End dancer/choreographers as well as undertaking intense audition prep, Stanislavski and Shakespeare courses run by successful actors and directors. I truly believe without this training at Carney I wouldn’t be where I am today as it fully prepared me for the professional world and taught me so much.

What I love most about my job… No two days are the same. You never know what weird and wonderful requests you may get from a client. Its also great when you put somebody forward for a featured role and then they get picked: I love the feeling you get from picking up the phone and making somebody’s day. Sometimes I’ll get a nice message from an extra thanking me for putting them on a job where they got to work with one of their idols – that’s a lovely part of the job. I don’t think there’s anything I would change, I love it all!

When I get home…The first thing I do is exercise off all the treats that the models and extras bring us! There’s always so much temptation! I then catch up on all the soaps – its important I stay up to date with storylines. My housemates and I will then gather on the sofa to watch something together – its Broadchurch at the moment (I’m suspicious of Lenny Henry…but then again maybe not, its always someone you least expect!)

Advice I would give to someone who wants to break into the industry… Know your casting. You could be the most talented actor in the world but if you are going up for the wrong roles you’ll never get cast. As well as having the talent and skills a lot of this industry is based on looks and whether you “fit” that character. It can be tough realising that you won’t ever be cast as the leading man or lady but you have to remember that it is not a reflection of your talent, it just might be that you suit the funny best friend or sidekick better. Think of Martin Freeman – he usually plays those sort of roles but is just as talented and successful as someone like Hugh Jackman. He’s played some fantastic characters that if you flip it, Hugh Jackman wouldn’t suit (like Bilbo Baggins). I’d also say you can never stop learning. Go to all the workshops and classes you can and continually develop your skills and techniques. Oh, and definitely buy the book “Actions: The Actors’ Thesaurus” by Marina Calderone. It is devised to help you break down text and find interesting ways of delivering lines with different emotions. It’s like the bible for actors!

BOSS Artist David Bailey in Beauty and the Beast!

We are so excited to head to the cinema and see one of our BOSS Artists on the big screen. Out TODAY, Beauty and the Beast starring Emma Watson also features long-time member of the BOSS gang David Bailey. David plays a 'vagrant' and can be seen in the song 'Belle' giving an intoxicated 'Bonjour!' to Emma. We are super proud of  David - amazing work! Get in touch for David's booking details.

James Ashcroft behind bars for Emmerdale

BOSS artist James Ashcroft appeared in this gritty scene in Emmerdale playing a prison bully alongside some main cast members. With some amazing work from James, this scene is intense! See booking information for all of our fantastic artists on our website.

CASTING CALL: Manchester based dancers needed

CALLING ALL MANCHESTER BASED DANCERS!

BOSS Casting are looking for male and female artists aged between 18 – 28 for a principle global sporting brand show performance.

Female sizes: 8-10
Male sizes: Medium

We are on the look out for multi-discipline, vibrant dancers. The audition will include a range of dance styles, with the opportunity for freestyle.

You must be available on ALL of the below dates.

Auditions
Tuesday 21st March 2017 in Manchester

Rehearsal 1 
Sunday 14th May 2017 in Manchester

Rehearsal 2
Monday 15th May 2017 in Manchester

Show Day
Tuesday 16th May 2017 in Stockport, Manchester

Competitive fee offered.

Please send your CV, height and size to Richard@bosscasting.co.uk

Please be aware that we only have time to respond to successful applicants. If you do not hear from us by Monday 20th March unfortunately you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. However, you can apply to join BOSS Casting for other TV and extra work here.

CASTING CALL: Female skateboarders and male/female long boarders aged 20 - 30 need for TV commercial

We are looking for female skateboarders aged 20 - 30yrs and female and male long boarders aged 20 - 30yrs to appear in a TV Commercial. You must be available tomorrow in Manchester and on the 8th of March for the shoot. You must not currently be signed with another agency.

Please email cath@bosscasting.co.uk with you name, date of birth and a recent picture of yourself.

Jade and Joel in Hollyoaks

Causing trouble in Hollyoaks this week, BOSS artists Joel Bennett and Jade Golding play journalists hounding Leela for the scoop on her serial killer ex! We're loving the drama. Good work guys! Check out our website for booking details.

Changes ahead at Boss Casting

After eight years at the helm of our outstanding casting team, Cath Ashworth has decided to step down and retire from her role as head of the division.

Since 2009, Cath has led Boss Casting through some incredible achievements and she has some exciting plans for her retirement.

Cath says: ‘I have had an amazing eight years working at Boss Casting. Every day has been different, I have 'Shamelessly' laughed …and cried. Thank you Boss clients for your challenging requests, support and friendship and to the Boss background artists for doing the real hard work. I leave you all in good hands and hope you will venture to Ireland for a visit to my new home!’

Taking Cath’s place is the brilliant Kirstie Jones.  Kirstie has an impressive career history including roles as Assistant Director at both the Royal Court and Royal National Theatres in London and as a LAMDA trained Acting Tutor and Director. She formed Cherry Pie Performance and worked most recently at ALRA North for 3 and a half years.  Kirstie was a part of the team at Boss Casting until 2008 and we are glad to welcome her back as Head of Casting.

‘I am absolutely thrilled to be returning to Boss and to deliver my bold and ambitious vision to the casting division.  Cath has done an amazing job here and I’m so happy to continue her great work. Joining at such a pivotal time is really exciting!’ says Kirstie.

This is a monumental period for the company.  Following a move in November, the inspiring new Boss HQ on Turner Street suits the varied requirements of the agency perfectly and the team have adapted well to their new home. Overcoming challenges is nothing new for the team at Boss. Having transformed this formerly derelict Grade II Listed building from a run down warehouse in Manchester’s cutting-edge Northern Quarter into an impressive studio space housing agency services, Boss look forward to sharing their passion for business with their many friends, colleagues, clients and collaborators.

With four studio spaces available and either wet or dry hire options, the whole business and casting division in particular continues to thrive.

Managing Director and Boss founder Debra Burns says: ‘Manchester’s ground breaking industrial heritage is well documented and I am very proud of our city, its people and our work ethic.  Having the opportunity to develop our own little piece of Manchester has been a terrific journey and we have breathed life and soul back into 33 Turner Street. Having a low carbon home for Boss in the centre of town is terrific and we hope our clients will enjoy the space as much as we do.’

…Ends

Contact alex@bossmodels.co.uk for further information or high res images.
Contact richard@bosscasting.co.uk for studio booking information

An Extra's Guide To #SetLife

With 19 years experience as a Supporting Artist with appearances on Hollyoaks, Emmerdale, Happy Valley and No Offence as well as a worldwide photographic campaign for Castrol Vectron, David Leung gives us the lowdown on what life on set is really like.

As soon as I get details of a job, I check out the location on Google Maps and make sure I know where I will be going. I look out for the ‘base’ when I get there. This means things like large trailers that act as mobile offices, changing rooms, a trailer for make up and wardrobe, an outdoor catering truck (nicknamed the chuck wagon), a double decker bus and a mobile toilet (nicknamed the honey wagon). 

Before setting off on the day of a job, I will check my phone to see I still have the call details, then check my bag, which I would have packed the night before according to the wardrobe brief which can sometimes be quite ambiguous. For someone who is on his or her first job, this can be rather daunting. They can usually be spotted arriving with a large suitcase and a number of bags with their entire wardrobe inside!

After arriving I will make my way to the double decker bus, where the other SA's will be gathered. This will be our greenroom/dining room/changing room/ and it is where you will spend most of the day. They will also hand out release forms for us to fill in, which will be handed back at the end of the day so that we can get paid. 

Once the forms have been completed then it's time for breakfast, with the smell of bacon wafting through the air. Make up department will be next to show up so that they can check whether you are suitably groomed. For example, when playing the role of a police officer, men need to be cleaned shaven and women need to have their hair tied up in a bun. It pays to come prepared or you might find yourself having to hack off your beard with a razor!

We will then be asked to stay at the unit base until we are needed on set. Waiting plays a big part in being an SA so I always make sure I’m ready. I make sure my phone is fully charged and bring a book.  Chatting with other SAs also passes the time. Most people are approachable and easy going and it helps if there are other SAs there who you know from previous jobs together. For anyone who is on their first job, this can be quite intimidating so I always try to make an effort to make newbies feel at ease.

A runner is usually sent to come and escort us all to set when we are needed. For anyone who hasn't been on a film set before, it can seem quite chaotic with lots of people running around, setting up equipment, cables everywhere, lights, camera and a 1st AD giving orders to everyone.

We will be then handed over to the 3rd AD, who will be responsible for us on set. It is their job to position the SAs in the scene and to give us instructions for what to do when they start to shoot. Most of the time it be will quite simple things like "walk from point A to point B" or "pick up that file and take it to that person over there." Sometimes you might be asked to speak during a scene. This is a big deal amongst SAs and you are allowed to feel a bit smug for the rest of the day! 

Just before the camera starts rolling wardrobe will be making sure your tie is straight your shirt tucked in and to give you a once over with the lint brush.  Make up will also turn up to apply some powder and a coat of hairspray if you are close to the camera. They don’t actually say ‘Lights, camera, action!’ like in the movies. In reality it’s more like ‘Sound, camera set and action! Wait cut – move that to left. You’ve missed your cue!’

Filming a scene can be quite laborious, especially if several different camera angles are going to be shot. This means that you will have to do the same thing numerous times and all the time to be mindful of keeping up continuity. For instance, if you were holding something in your right hand, you’ll have to remember to use the same hand when they shoot the same scene from a different position. Failing to do so will cause big problems for the editor!

Your job as an SA is to bring realism to a scene without distracting attention from the main actors. In a restaurant scene we might have to chat or look at menus or make conversation on the bus. The only difference is this all has to be done without sound so we mime the conversation – which can be a little strange and sometimes awkward! This is so that the sound engineer can get a clear recording of the dialogue from the actors free from background noise.

At lunch cast and crew eat first so that they can get back on set first. After we eat, minds start wandering as people ask about what time we will be wrapping for the day and SAs might ask for an ‘ETW’ (estimated time of wrap). When 'wrap' is finally called, everyone is excited to get going but the crew will still need to do a ‘wild track.’ A wild track is a recording of sound effects for the scene we have just shot, like plates and glasses clinking in a pub and people chatting in the background. We will start chatting at normal level, rattle cutlery on plates, walk around, maybe get up out of a chair, this will go on for about a minute. 

As another days filming draws to an end, people who were given any clothes to wear by wardrobe will be hurriedly getting changed back into their own and the runner will be frantically trying to get everyone's release forms before you leave. SAs are now free to go home and wait for the next call for another job. 

I still get a buzz when I step onto a set, even after all these years – nineteen! - as an SA: The places I've been, the experiences I've had, I wouldn't swap them for anything. I feel honoured and privileged to have been part of so many projects and for some of the famous people I have met. However, the thing that makes being an SA so enjoyable, for me anyway, is the other SAs. We are like a small community, a band of brothers and sisters. I have met some great people over the years that have remained friends to this day.  So if you have some spare time then maybe a job as an SA might be for you: Give it go, you never know, you might see yourself on telly!

Dave Johnstone for Betfred

In this brilliant ad from Betfred, spot our BOSS artist Dave Johnstone catching the rugby ball and tackling his way through a revolving door. Contact us for booking information.

A day in the life of an extra: Rachel Wilde

When I wake up…I don't have much of a morning ritual but if I have an early start I just shower, get dressed and go - I prefer to get ready quickly so I don't have to sacrifice my sleep! If I have more time I go for a run first thing in the morning and then walk my dog - Millie - before breakfast. 

On an average day… The great thing about SA work is that there isn't really an average day! When I'm extra-ing the schedule is always different and I get to go to loads of different locations. People you're working with always changes too so I’m always meeting new people.

In my downtime… I love spending time with my niece and nephew, who are 10 and almost 2. They're really handy for when I want to go and watch a kids film at the cinema! I enjoy catching up with friends and food is always involved! Otherwise I'm a bit of a geek and will quite happily spend way too much time binge watching a good TV drama or reading. 

What I love about my job… One of my favourite things about my job is meeting new people every day. I love getting to know people from different areas/backgrounds who I wouldn't ordinarily get to spend time with.

What I wish I could change about my job… The only downside can be the weather! You can be filming outside for hours and hours so if it's cold and raining it can be a challenge - especially if you're dressed for summer! Brrr...

My #setlife essentials… I usually take a magazine and a pack of cards - I got this idea from another extra - card games are a great way to get people chatting! 

The weirdest thing I’ve done for a job… There's a lot to choose from! But the first one that came to mind was a couple of years ago when I worked on Mount Pleasant. The scene was a fun run and I had to dress up as a frog - webbed feet and green face paint included! For 12 hours. So glamorous! 

What I do when I get home… It varies depending on if I'm working and what time I finish. Last night I went out for a meal with friends, this evening I'm working in Chester, tomorrow evening I'll be at an acting class in Manchester and then Friday night I'll be in the audience with my friend Melissa - also a BOSS extra - at the Britain's Got Talent auditions! 

What I would say to anyone who wanted to be an extra… It's so simple to just apply online to your local agencies (BOSS Casting if you're in the North West of course!) and see what happens. I joined just over three years ago and it's the best job I've ever had! 

BOSS Extras for The Football Pools

Starring Ricky Tomlinson, Razor Ruddock and a whole load of BOSS Extras, this ad for The Football Pools is a hilarious sing-a-long.

Martin Cooper for Magnet

We've never wanted to have a party in the kitchen more! In this toe-tapping ad for Magnet, spot our BOSS Extra Martin Cooper having a dance on the tiles at the end.

BOSS Extras in national campaign for Cancer Research UK

In a national campaign for Cancer Research UK, our BOSS Extras Vasant Mistry and Geoff Gordon appear in this informational poster for bowel cancer testing kits. Spot them on a bus stop or billboard near you!

NOW RECRUITING! We're looking for Extra in Leeds and York

Do you have 2 - 3 weekdays available per week? Able to travel to locations? Want to be part of a local filming production and get on television? Get in touch! 

Email recruit@bosscasting.co.uk with your full name, contact number, a recent picture and your base address. 

We are looking for people between 17 - 70 years of age who are based in Leeds, York and the surrounding areas. 

BOSS artists in Tina and Bobby

We are gutted that this week will be the last episode of Tina and Bobby. We have enjoyed every minute of the series so far. As well as the incredible portrayal of football's 'original golden couple' we always look forward to spotting our BOSS artists on screen.

In last week's episode, two of the BOSS team had featured roles. Jayne Jones played Tina's nanny, who you can see dressing up to distract the crowd of press (many of whom are also from BOSS). Rui Filipe plays the jewellery shop manager who accuses Bobby of stealing.

See all the booking details for our boss artists on website.

BOSS artists photo updates

We've really enjoyed seeing members of the BOSS gang this week as they've been visiting our new building to update their portfolio shots. Don't forget to get in touch to book your time slot if you haven't already!

Bernie Phillips in Tina and Bobby

Congratulations to our Supporting Artist Bernie Phillips who got a mention in the credits on the first episode of Tina and Bobby, which aired on ITV last Friday. Bernie played Tina (Michelle Keegan)'s father, Eddie Greene with Patsy Kensit taking on the role of his wife, Betty Greene. We really enjoyed the first episode of the new drama series, telling the story of the life of England footballer Bobby Moore (particularly all the scenes where we could spot our BOSS artists!).

BOSS Extras for Bupa UK

Need inspiration to get out and about this January? Our BOSS Extras braved the grey weather and put on their cycling gear to film this ad for Bupa UK in Macclesfield forest. Karl Fletcher, Adam Parker and Andy Degg got on their bikes and hit the road. See their booking details here.

BOSS Extras letting it shine

Gary Barlow is on the hunt for four boys who can sing, dance and act in his new talent show Let It Shine. In the programme, hopefuls audition to be part of a new musical telling the story of Take That, set to the music from the band. In Let It Shine's suitable all-singing, all-dancing intro, our BOSS Extra/Dancer Ellis Brownhill can be seen in the leather clad boyband with Gazzer B himself!

See our website now to find out more about booking our Extras, Artists and Dancers.

BOSS Extras for Thinkbox

Marketing body Thinkbox work with companies to help them get the most out of commercial TV. In this hilarious promotional video, our BOSS Extras can be seen preparing the earth for an alien invasion. Spot our artists as members of the military and scientists. See out website now for booking information.

Karl Fletcher for Disneyland Paris' 25th Anniversary

Getting the year off to a magical start, you might have spotted someone from our books in the latest ad for the 25th anniversary of Disneyland Paris. Karl Fletcher appears in the commercial, leading his 'family' through The Magic Kingdom. Visit our website for information on booking any of our BOSS artists.

BOSS Artists for School Gardens Retirement Living

In this informative and impressive video from School Gardens Retirement Living, our BOSS Extras help to show off the great facilities at the retirement village. Spot Peter McDougall, Hussain Hassan, Janet Bauer, Margaret Mills, Norman Haddock and Sarah Mills in the promotional video. Find all of our 50+ Artists on our website.

BTS on Channel 4's 'No Offence'

After the first episode of the new series aired last night, Channel 4 comedy-drama 'No Offence' received a great response. Heralded as 'an irresistible feast for all the senses' by The Telegraph, the episode showed an explosion at the funeral of a Nigerian drug lord's son. A few of our BOSS extras who worked on the show took some behind the scenes snaps!

For any enquires about our BOSS artists, see our website.
  

BOSS Extras on Channel 4 in series two of 'No Offence'

From the writer of Shameless, Channel 4 series 'No Offence' has been hailed for its female led direction behind the scenes and flawless comedic portrayal on screen with actress Elaine Cassidy starring as DC Dinah Kowalska.

The programme returns to Channel 4 tonight at 9pm for a second series with hoards of our BOSS Extras appearing in the show. Visit our website for booking information.

BOSS Extras in new ITV drama Tina and Bobby

Starring in this true love story of the 'original golden couple,' Michelle Keegan and Lorne Macfadyen play Tina and Bobby Moore. Look out for a whole lot of our BOSS Extras in this one! 'Tina and Bobby' airs on Friday 13th January at 9pm. See all of our BOSS artists on our website now.