Creating a believable, engaging TV advertisement is about more than just strong leads and good lighting. Often, it’s the people in the background — the chatter in a busy pub, the movement in a lively street, or the stillness of a theatre audience — that give your scene credibility. When you need to create a natural, convincing environment, hiring a professional crowd of background actors is one of the most effective solutions.

Whether you’re recreating a high street, packing out a concert hall, or simply giving a pub scene some depth, background talent plays a vital role in television production. In this article, we explore how crowd hire works, what to consider when hiring, and how it contributes to the overall quality of your commercial.

Why Use a Hired Crowd in a TV Advert?

While some adverts can be minimal and stylised, many need to feel rooted in the real world. If you’re trying to evoke a recognisable social setting, an empty room or quiet street simply won’t cut it. That’s where professional background actors come in.

Hiring a crowd helps to:

Create a lived-in atmosphere: Realistic ambient action adds credibility and visual texture.

Support storytelling: A pub full of patrons, or passers-by on the pavement, provides context and scale.

Control the environment: Unlike members of the public, hired extras follow direction, maintain continuity, and are fully briefed on their role in the scene.

Stay compliant: Professional actors have contracts, clearances, and understand the legal requirements of being filmed.

Key Environments Where Crowd Hire Makes a Difference
1. Pubs, Bars and Social Venues
Filming in a pub with no customers feels flat and unnatural, especially if the scene hinges on community, sport, or social energy. A group of well-placed background actors can be used to:

Fill tables and bar stools with natural, unrehearsed-looking interaction

Create moments of collective reaction (e.g. cheering for a sports event)

Reflect the type of customers your audience expects to see

Casting the right mix — by age, style, and energy — makes a huge difference. A local pub ad featuring silent, static extras feels false. But a setting with moving, chatting, subtly interacting patrons feels real.

2. Theatres, Cinemas and Concert Venues
Audiences are hard to fake. Even with clever camera work, a half-empty room can break the illusion of a sold-out performance or busy cultural event. Crowd actors can fill seats and respond on cue with the right reactions: laughter, applause, stillness, or tension.

These settings also benefit from:

Continuity in positioning (especially across multiple takes)

Authentic movement patterns (e.g. clapping in time, leaning forward, reacting naturally)

Wardrobe control (evening dress, business casual, or themed costume)

3. Busy High Streets or Outdoor Locations
Capturing street life often requires a lot more than just turning up with a camera. Filming in live public spaces introduces risks — both in terms of unpredictability and legality. Hiring a controlled crowd of extras enables you to:

Populate pavements, crossings or shopfronts

Represent your brand’s target demographic

Create planned motion and direction without random interference

Avoid filming members of the public without consent

From walking with purpose to pausing to check a phone or browse a window display, professional background actors help deliver scenes that feel dynamic but are carefully directed.

The Process: How Crowd Hire Works
Hiring a crowd for an advert involves more than just numbers. It’s about matching people to roles, movement to story, and tone to brand.

Step 1: Defining the Brief
Work with a crowd casting agency to define exactly what you need:

Number of people

Gender, age range, ethnicity

Clothing style

Required actions or reactions

Time and location of the shoot

Step 2: Casting and Scheduling
The agency will select suitable actors from their pool, confirm availability, and ensure all paperwork is in place — including release forms and any necessary insurance.

Step 3: On-Site Coordination
On shoot day, a crowd coordinator or assistant director will manage positioning, blocking and performance notes. This ensures consistency across takes and keeps production on schedule.

Step 4: Debrief and Wrap
After filming, the crowd team is signed out, and any notes or pickups are recorded. Professionalism throughout makes wrap-up faster and cleaner.

Why Not Just Use Real People?
It’s tempting to think you can fill your scene with friends, real customers, or passers-by. While that’s sometimes possible, it carries serious drawbacks:

Continuity problems: Most non-professionals can’t hold a consistent position or reaction over multiple takes.

Performance issues: Natural reactions are harder than they look. You’ll quickly notice overacting, hesitation or camera awareness.

Legal complexity: Without signed consent, you may not be able to use footage — or blur faces, which reduces impact.

Time costs: The delays from managing untrained people often outweigh the savings.

Hiring professionals removes these obstacles and elevates the quality of the final production.

Practical Tips for Hiring a Crowd for Your TV Advert

Plan early
Last-minute crowd casting is rarely successful. Give your agency enough lead time to find the right mix of people.

Be clear about the tone
Whether the crowd should feel lively, sombre, formal, or casual — make sure this is communicated clearly to your coordinator.

Provide wardrobe guidelines
Crowd actors may bring their own clothing unless otherwise arranged. Define the look you need to avoid visual mismatches.

Think about diversity
Modern adverts benefit from inclusive representation. Ensure your background reflects the variety of your real audience.

Always have a coordinator on set
A dedicated crowd manager ensures everyone is in the right place and performing appropriately. This frees up your director to focus on principal actors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Hired Crowds
How many background actors do I need?
It depends on your location and shot size. A pub scene may only need 8–15 people to feel full. A theatre or high street scene might require 30 or more to look realistic from a wide camera angle.

Do I need permits for crowd scenes?
Yes, if filming in public spaces. Your production team or agency should secure the relevant permits from the local council or location authority.

Are background actors insured?
Reputable agencies ensure that all performers are covered by public liability and personal accident insurance for the duration of their booking.

Can crowd actors be directed to do specific actions?
Yes. Most are trained to follow direction for background movement, such as walking patterns, simple reactions or timed gestures.

What does it cost to hire a crowd?
Rates vary based on the number of people, duration, location, and whether the scene requires any special skills (e.g. dancing, period costume). 

Bringing Your Advert to Life with the Right Crowd
A strong TV advert depends on more than just great writing and standout talent. The world around your leads — the atmosphere, the energy, the realism — makes all the difference. Whether it’s a noisy bar, a full auditorium or a buzzing city street, a hired crowd transforms your shoot from staged to convincing.

With professional background actors, you’re not just filling the frame — you’re building a believable world that helps your message land with power and clarity.  Contact us to discuss your next TV advert campaign

In today’s fast-paced, attention-driven world, making a memorable impact is everything. Whether it’s a product launch, film shoot, or a social experiment, having the right crowd in place can make or break an event. That’s where Rent A Crowd comes in, offering an unconventional but highly effective solution: hiring professional crowds for events, media appearances, films, and more. Our aim is to create the buzz, energy, and atmosphere needed to elevate any project.

Imagine launching a new single in the heart of London, with a crowd of people waving banners, chanting slogans, or even dancing up a storm inside a quirky venue. These are the moments people remember. At Rent A Crowd, we have the experience and resources to make this happen seamlessly. We’re the behind-the-scenes magic that brings your vision to life. Here’s a glimpse into what we do and how we’ve helped recent clients take their events to the next level.

Recent Rent a Crowd Projects in the Heart of London

Over the past few months, we’ve worked on some truly exciting and diverse projects that showcase the versatility of Rent A Crowd. From political protests to rave parties in unexpected locations, our ability to adapt to the creative demands of our clients is unparalleled. Below, we share some of our recent work that highlights the power of hiring professional crowds.

Fake Protest for a Single Release
Location: Central London

In a world where protests can be a powerful form of expression, one of our most unique recent projects was for the release of a new single in London. The client wanted to make an impact and chose a fake protest as the medium to capture attention.

We gathered a group of men and women, all dressed in white boiler suits, to stage a protest. Each person carried a banners, creating a visual spectacle that attracted curious onlookers and media attention alike. The peaceful yet poignant protest added a sense of urgency and social commentary to the single’s release, amplifying its message in an unforgettable way.

Our staff were not only there to hold banners; they were briefed on how to behave like real protesters, marching in unison, chanting slogans, and engaging with passersby in a convincing manner. The client was thrilled with how authentically we executed the event, generating buzz across social media and news outlets. It’s just another example of how Rent A Crowd can turn a creative concept into a living, breathing reality.

Staging a Rave in a Launderette
Location: South London

When one of our clients approached us with the idea of staging a high-energy rave inside a launderette, we were instantly intrigued. The challenge was clear: transform a mundane, everyday setting into an electric party atmosphere.

We sourced a diverse group of men and women to fill the space. Our crowd was not just there to be present—they were the party. Dressed in casual, trendy attire, they danced, laughed, and socialised with high energy. The sterile launderette and the lively rave created an interesting visual and emotional contrast, making the scene visually compelling and truly memorable.

The diverse range of people we selected brought the kind of vibrancy and inclusivity the client wanted. Our crowd was briefed to interact naturally, dancing, and engaging with one another in a way that felt organic, while still matching the upbeat tempo of the music. The energy was infectious, and the resulting footage captured an authentic party vibe that was used for both promotional material and social media. Once again, Rent A Crowd delivered exactly what was needed to make the event a success.

Nightclub Atmosphere
Location: Central London

Nightclubs are all about energy, fun, and connection. So when a media production team needed an authentic nightclub crowd for their latest project, they turned to Rent A Crowd. The brief was simple: a group of friends out for a good time, mingling, dancing, and enjoying a night out.
We provided a vibrant and diverse crowd who knew how to have fun while maintaining a relaxed and friendly vibe.

Our group mingled naturally, breaking off into smaller clusters to chat, laugh, and of course, dance. The client wanted a balance between high-energy dancing and intimate socialising, which we were able to provide through carefully selected crowd members.
By curating a crowd that was diverse in age, appearance, and background, we ensured the nightclub scene felt real and relatable. Every laugh, every dance move, every conversation looked authentic on camera, and the client praised the professionalism of our team in creating an atmosphere that felt like a genuine night out.

Why Choose Rent A Crowd?

At Rent A Crowd, we understand that creating the right atmosphere is essential for any event or production. Whether you’re filming a music video, launching a product, or staging an immersive experience, the people you surround yourself with matter. Our carefully selected and professional staff are trained to adapt to any environment, whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large-scale public demonstration.

Our diverse pool of talent means that we can cater to a wide variety of client needs, ensuring that each crowd we provide matches the tone and style of the event. From age and appearance to energy levels and demeanour, we customise every detail to make sure your event stands out.

How Rent a Crowd can Make a Difference

The success of any media production or event relies heavily on the authenticity and energy of the crowd involved. At Rent A Crowd, we pride ourselves on providing groups that bring life to the occasion, helping you create moments that resonate long after the event is over. By working closely with clients to understand their specific vision, we ensure that the crowd we provide feels organic and natural, enhancing the overall impact.
Whether it’s a protest on the streets of London, a quirky rave in a launderette, or a nightclub full of friendly faces, Rent A Crowd delivers the perfect people for the job—every single time.
For your next big event or media production, consider the power of a professional crowd. Reach out to Rent A Crowd and let us help you create the atmosphere that will get people talking.

Setting the Stage

When McDonald’s planned to introduce a new item to their menu, they wanted to create an unforgettable experience for a group of competition winners who were eager to participate in an exclusive preview. What these winners didn’t anticipate was just how extraordinary this event would turn out to be.

Adding to the excitement, reality TV star Rylan Clark was invited as a special guest. His presence brought an extra layer of fun and laughter to the event, especially when he enthusiastically called for more while savouring the new Chicken Big Mac!

Filming the Event

The entire event was filmed by McDonald’s to generate engaging content for their social media channels and to share with the media. To amplify the event’s buzz, Rent a Crowd Agency was enlisted to provide over 20 background extras. These extras helped create a lively queue outside the restaurant before joining the festivities inside. Their genuine excitement was evident as they tried to guess the new, limited edition menu item.

Selecting the Extras

We meticulously selected our extras, ensuring they were comfortable appearing on social media and, importantly, were genuine McDonald’s enthusiasts. Each participant was thrilled at the chance to be among the first to taste the new limited edition Chicken Big Mac.

Capturing the Magic

The event, titled “The Big Chicken Mac Returns,” was a vibrant affair filled with laughter and enjoyment. The film captured people laughing, joking, eating, and drinking while being entertained by Rylan Clark, who mingled with the crowd, handed out food, and, of course, enjoyed the new Chicken Big Mac himself.

Our extras played a crucial role in creating a joyful and energetic atmosphere. Their presence not only enhanced the experience for the competition winners but also added a red carpet feel, making the day even more memorable.

The Outcome

For McDonald’s, the event was a resounding success. The film garnered significant attention on social media platforms and was featured in both national and regional newspapers. This exposure led to a substantial increase in demand for the limited edition Chicken Big Mac, with customers flocking to try the new offering.

Continuing Success

McDonald’s was so pleased with the outcome and the professionalism of our extras that they quickly rebooked Rent a Crowd Agency for future events. Our extras are equally excited about participating in more promotional activities for McDonald’s, eager to continue contributing to such successful campaigns.

Rent a Crowd Extras – a Standout Success

By providing enthusiastic and professional extras, Rent a Crowd Agency helped make McDonald’s event a standout success, showcasing the power of well-coordinated crowd participation in creating memorable and impactful marketing experiences.

As the holiday season approaches, the demand for festive cheer and Christmas magic reaches new heights. One unique and attention-grabbing way to spread joy is by hiring a crowd of Santas for your PR stunts and events. Here’s how Rent a Crowd Agency is making Christmas merrier with a sea of Santas:

1. Jolly PR Stunts

Picture this: a street filled with Santas creating a festive spectacle. Rent a Crowd Agency has orchestrated memorable PR stunts where dozens of Santas bring holiday cheer to public spaces, capturing the attention of passersby and media alike.

2. Festive Commercials

Bringing the North Pole to your commercials is a surefire way to make them unforgettable. Specsavers recognised the impact of a Santa-filled scene, enlisting 20 Santas to add a touch of Christmas magic.

3. Christmas Light Spectacle

What better way to illuminate the holiday spirit than with a Santa-themed light switch-on? Rent a Crowd Agency provided 10 Santas to create a dazzling display, turning a simple event into a magical experience that left the crowd in awe.

4. Airline Christmas Promotions

Imagine boarding a plane surrounded by Santas spreading festive cheer. For a well-known airline promoting Christmas getaways, Rent a Crowd Agency supplied 60 Santas, turning the departure gate into a winter wonderland.

5. Tailored for Any Occasion

The beauty of Rent a Crowd’s Santa service lies in its adaptability. Whether you need a handful of Santas for an intimate gathering or a multitude for a grand event, the agency can customize the number of Santas to suit your vision.

6. Spread Joy Everywhere

Santas from Rent a Crowd aren’t confined to one type of event. From corporate functions to community celebrations, the agency’s Santas can spread joy and merriment wherever they go.

7. Professional and Reliable

Rent a Crowd Agency ensures that their Santas are not only jolly and festive but also professional and reliable. Each Santa is committed to creating a magical experience for your audience.

8. A Photo-Worthy Extravaganza

The sight of a multitude of Santas is undeniably photo-worthy. These moments are likely to be shared on social media, creating a buzz around your event and spreading the joy of the season.

9. Perfect for Surprise Appearances

Surprise your audience with an unexpected Santa appearance. Whether it’s at a shopping mall, a holiday market, or a community event, the presence of multiple Santas is guaranteed to delight attendees.

10. Capture the Imagination

The magic of Christmas lies in capturing the imagination of both young and old. Renting a crowd of Santas transforms ordinary events into extraordinary experiences, leaving a lasting impression on everyone involved.

Get a quote to hire a group of Father Christmas Performers

This Christmas, consider the enchanting option of hiring a crowd of Santas from Rent a Crowd Agency. Whether you’re planning a PR stunt, a commercial shoot, or a community event, the joy and festive spirit that a crowd of Santas brings will undoubtedly make your celebration merrier and brighter. Embrace the magic of the season and let Rent a Crowd turn your Christmas dreams into a heartwarming reality.

When we think about movies and TV shows, our minds often gravitate toward the leading actors and their captivating performances. While they rightfully deserve the limelight, there’s an unsung hero in the world of film and television—the background extra, or the individuals who collectively form a crowd. These often-overlooked contributors play a pivotal role in creating the immersive worlds we love to watch. Let’s explore why their presence is so vital.

1. Enhancing Realism

Background extras are the key to crafting realistic and believable settings. Whether it’s a bustling city street, a packed restaurant, or a crowded stadium, they provide the backdrop that brings scenes to life.

They ensure that the world within the frame feels authentic, making it easier for the audience to immerse themselves in the story.

2. Establishing Ambiance and Atmosphere

Background extras contribute to the atmosphere of a scene. Their presence sets the mood, whether it’s the excitement of a lively party, the hushed reverence of a library, or the tension of a crowded courtroom.

The movement, interactions, and expressions of extras add depth to the environment, creating a more dynamic viewing experience.

3. Conveying Social Dynamics

Background extras help convey the social dynamics within a narrative. They can illustrate hierarchy, relationships, and societal norms through their actions and reactions.

Their presence can be instrumental in depicting the diversity, class distinctions, or cultural aspects of a story.

4. Guiding the Audience’s Focus

Background extras are strategically placed to guide the audience’s attention to the main characters and the central action. They act as visual cues, subtly directing the viewer’s gaze.

By moving and reacting naturally, they ensure that the audience’s focus remains on the key elements of the scene.

5. Adding Depth to Storytelling

Even though background extras don’t have speaking roles, their presence can indirectly advance the plot. Their reactions, expressions, and movements can foreshadow events or contribute to the overall narrative.
They make the fictional world feel lived-in, helping viewers suspend their disbelief.

6. Creating Iconic Moments

Some of the most memorable scenes in cinema history involve crowds or background extras. Think of the sweeping dance sequences in musicals, the energetic battles in historical epics, or the thrilling sporting events in sports dramas.

These moments are often the result of meticulous coordination and the dedication of numerous extras.

7. Representing a Diverse World

Inclusive casting of background extras reflects the richness and diversity of our real world. It sends a powerful message about representation and inclusivity.

It allows viewers from various backgrounds to see themselves reflected in the stories they watch.

8. Collaborative Teamwork

Being a background extra is about working harmoniously as part of a larger team It requires discipline, attention to detail, and the ability to follow directions from directors and assistant directors.

The collective efforts of the entire cast and crew, including extras, contribute to the success of a production.

Crowds and background extras play an indispensable role in shaping the cinematic experience

Their contributions are not to be underestimated, as they are the unsung heroes who enrich the storytelling, amplify the atmosphere, and make fictional worlds feel vividly real. The next time you enjoy a movie or TV show, take a moment to appreciate the often-unnoticed efforts of these dedicated individuals who make it all possible.

Ghosts, ghoulies, vampires, witches – the list of Halloween themed characters on our books is terrifying. Meeting them when in character is even more horrific and frightening!

These are not characters you want to meet on a dark night but if you want someone to liven up your Halloween event, look no further!

Our Halloween specialists include actors, performers and stilt walkers who really know how to bring their characters to life. It is also why they are much in demand.

Every year, we work with countless steam railways creating terror filled railway journeys, with Halloween themed attractions as well as with brand managers and PR companies seeking an attention grabbing stunt.

Anything can happen. One of our most unusual Halloween requests was a demand for sampling staff and product demonstrators to promote Halloween themed sweets to families in ASDA stores nationwide. All the staff had to dress up as ghostly characters when roaming the stores, promoting the sweets. It was eye-catching and extremely successful. Families loved the idea!

Halloween offers immense potential for promotional activities of all kinds. For centuries, it is a period always regarded as a time of mystery, where the boundaries between worlds are thin.

Take a look at some of these Halloween facts for inspiration

According to the Ancient Celts, spirits roamed the countryside at Halloween. By wearing costumes, they could avoid being recognised.

Harvests were celebrated around a big communal fire at night.

Taken to America by emigrants, Halloween became a dramatic autumn festival.

Black and orange have become the traditional colours of Halloween. Black represents darkness and death while Orange is the brightness of harvest.

An American concept, pumpkins are now the most popular Halloween product – but did you know they also come in white, blue and green?

Jack o’ Lanterns are fun to place beside doors and paths. The concept comes from Ireland, where people placed candles in hollowed out turnips. Nowadays pumpkins are used, but the idea is the same – providing light to frighten away ghosts.

Halloween candy is big business in America accounting for around two billion dollars every year reflecting the demand from kids out on their nightly Halloween walks.

Planning an event or promotion this Halloween?

Contact us now to obtain the perfect ghosts, ghoulies, zombies, witches, wizards or any other strange character you might need. Talk to us about your requirements and plans – we love to help out and make sure that your event is successful in every way.

Wherever you are in the country, we can guarantee providing teams of local, professional and highly experienced people who can bring your Halloween event to frightening perfection!

Anyone seeking work as an actor or extra needs an agent. They are the most important people in the business. Without them, it is very hard to find work. A great agent can make all the difference to your career prospects.

Not surprisingly, finding a good agent takes time and effort. You need to make the right choice, ensuring you feel confident and can work with the agent.

How do you find an acting agent?

Begin by deciding what you want from your career. How do you want your career to progress? Do you want to specialise in any way? How flexible are you as to where and when you work? Are you driven to succeed? Or are you just happy to do any work that comes your way? Take time to research different agents and their approach to see who fits your career strategy.

Is the agent someone you can work with?

Make sure you can get on with the agent. Are you comfortable chatting to them, seeking help from them? Do it feel as though they care about developing you as an actor and finding you work? Check out their website and find out what other people think of them.

• Have a positive outlook

Acting is not an easy profession in which to succeed. Rejections are common and you have to accept them. Remember that the agent is there to get you work, and tell you if there are any reasons why you are not suitable for a particular role. Be positive and work to overcome any criticism, seeking new opportunities, new skills to widen your portfolio.

• Research is all important

Do your homework. Check out every agent you consider approaching. Look at their website and social media channels. Are they busy? Are they active? What do other people think of them? Ask around the industry for recommendations.

• Be specific and know exactly what you are seeking

Agents are busy people. They don’t have time to waste. You need to be specific, clear minded as to what you can provide, what your skills are, and what you are looking for in an agent.

• Your personal brand

Who you are is very important. Creating a clear brand image of your skills and background is essential. Directors need to make decisions quickly and don’t have time to read reams of information. Having a clear profile, a clear brand image will make their job easier.

• Be creative

Don’t just wait for work to come to you. Get out there and knock on doors, ask around, look for opportunities and constantly ask yourself how you can improve your skills to make you more employable.

• Create a portfolio

Everyone has to start somewhere, and a portfolio is the place to do this since it showcases your talent, background and experience.

• Encourage people to say ‘yes’

Be flexible and versatile. Be prepared to show an agent how good you are, and how well you can work together.

• Small steps

Finding an agent is the biggest step you are going to take in your career. It might feel uncomfortable to have to sell yourself and your talents – but that is exactly what you need to do. Be prepared for rejections. Agents might not feel you are right for them. Persist and keep searching. Remember that rejections are not a reflection on you or your talent, there are others to approach.

Register for Free with Rent a Crowd

Even if you are signed to an agent you can still work for other agencies such as Rent a Crowd. We are part of the Envisage Agency Group – to sign up click here!

Updating your profile is one of the easiest ways of getting more work. Bookers make decisions based purely on what is in your profile. Making sure that all your skills are listed, and that all the information is up to date ensures bookers know what you can provide.

Photographs

Update your photographs. Potential clients judge you by your photograph. That is the first thing they see. If it doesn’t immediately appeal or fit their requirements, then they will move on to other candidates.

Make sure your photographs show you as you are now. The older the photographs, the more likely you will have changed your appearance. Ideally, photographs should be updated automatically every month.

If you make a dramatic change in your hairstyle – change your photograph immediately.

You don’t need professional studio shots. Selfies will do.

Don’t use images that are photoshopped or filtered in any way. Potential clients want to see you as you are now.

Worth considering are adding photographs which show a slightly different appearance. If you have long hair, add a photo showing you wearing it up. If your photograph shows you wearing dark colours, add some photos of you dressed in bright shades.

If you have a clearly visible tattoo, or piercings then make sure that at least one photograph shows those items clearly.

If your photographs don’t portray you accurately, then you could find casting directors cancel your booking the moment you appear on set.

Measurements

Add as many measurements as possible. Bookers want to know your measurements – will you fit the clothing they provide? This is particularly important if they are searching for someone to fit a costume, or act as a stand in double. Exact measurements will be essential.

Contact information

Check that your address, phone number, email are all totally correct and up to date.

Extra skills

Stop for a minute and think about other skills that you might possess. Do you speak any other languages? Do you have any knowledge of any form of dance? Have you taken classes in dance or singing? Do you have a driving licence? Are you cleared for work with children? Can you ride a horse? Can you paraglide? What about gymnastics, yoga or swimming?

Adding such information to your profile is vital. There is always a chance that a booker is looking for someone with such a specific skill.

Response time

Most importantly, respond instantly you are contacted! Clients want to make decisions immediately. The sooner you respond, the greater your chance of being given the work.

Interested but not registered with us?

All you have to do is click here. Fill in the form, add your photographs and wait for the work to appear.

Try using a flash mob in your next marketing or PR stunt – you will not regret it. There is no better way to bring your brand to life, giving it instant consumer awareness and interest. Flash mobs ensure your brand gets talked about, and that brings sales and yet more customers.

What is flash mob?

It is, quite simply, instant publicity. Imagine a busy shopping centre or train station where people are going about their daily business. Suddenly it erupts into song and dance for a few spectacular minutes, before everyone disappears. In the meantime, people have been stopping, listening, joining in, taking photographs, filming and sharing the event on social media where it quickly goes viral. Over the next few days, write-ups and pictures appear in the local press, even trade and business media.

It was just a stunt, but a very successful one. All the participants had been hired to take part in this flash mob. And it is not just large scale events where flash mobs can play a role – they can be tailored to any location, any style involving small numbers to several hundred. We provide flash mobs for all types of occasions from themed sales conferences to birthday parties.

It’s pure psychology

One of our clients hired us to provide a flash mob to provide a red carpet experience for sales delegates. The flash mob acted as adoring fans when the employees arrived at this Hollywood themed conference. Clapping, shouting, whistling, camera flashes gave the event a real sense of glamour and excitement as delegates arrived.

Since humans are naturally curious, passers-by stopped to stare and even join in. They wanted to know what was happening, and were attracted by the sense of fun and excitement.

Secret Crowds

Not every client wants the public to know that some people in the crowd have been hired to attract attention. Our staff are aware of this, and make sure that no-one is aware of their active involvement. They make sure that the event seems totally spontaneous.

We worked with Heart UK to create a secret crowd based PR stunt, which went completely viral.

What can crowds bring to a promotional event?

Noise and attention

Flash mobs immediate catch attention – and the resultant publicity can be incredible. It makes brands stand out from your competitors. Consumers gain extra awareness of your brand. An all singing, all dancing flash mob has an immediate effect on consumer perception of your brand. Your name is one they will recognise when they go shopping or choosing a service.

Adds spectacle and makes your brand interesting

In Chicago stage show, Billy Flynn states “Give ‘em the old razzle dazzle. Give ‘em an act with lots of flash in it and reaction will be passionate.’ A flash mob does just that. It dazzles and makes people react, giving them ‘something to talk about’.

Nor is it expensive. You can hire a flash mob of any size, from a small group to make an event look busy, to hundreds or thousands to give it a real splash. And no-one outside the event will be the wiser!

Get in touch with us now and organise your own flash mob spectacular

It’s a great way to put dramatic talents to work.  Extras are frequently needed for all kinds of films, TV series as well as crowd scenes for publicity promotions. 

Just think of the number of crowd scenes you see in every production – people walking down a high street, having a meal, playing in a park, taking part in sports.  For every lead part, there are always several extras needed.

Sometimes there might be work for extras with special skills such as horse riding, dancing or sailing.

Days can be long on set, so bring something to do while you wait. Learn lines from a script, read a book, try a craft such as knitting or crochet. Be prepared to sit quietly in a corner until you are needed.

Don’t forget it can also provide some opportunities to learn by watching the lead actors. Watch and learn – but don’t interrupt them or ask them questions.  Remember they are working, and need time to concentrate on their roles.

Finding work as an extra involves signing up with an agency like  Rentacrowd. You will be asked to fill in a form giving all your physical details, contact details, as well as any special skills that you may have.  Worth mentioning too if you have any special resources or props that you can use if necessary such as a Santa outfit, golf clubs, ice skating or driving a motorcycle. 

Most importantly, keep those details up to date.  Make sure that your agency is aware of your availability, and of any extra experience, skills or props that you acquire. 

Top Tip for when you start Background Extra Work

When you receive a booking, make sure you arrive on time and fully prepared.  Do your research beforehand.  If it is a TV series, watch a few previous programmes to get a feel for the atmosphere, the characters and storylines.  If it is a promotion involving a crowd scene, familiarise yourself with the details and the setting so you know what to expect.  Be prepared to get into character at a moment’s notice. No matter how small the role of an extra, it is all valuable experience which can give you added confidence when you apply for other roles.