Hannah Thomson

Universal Extras

Uni-versalEXTRAS Ltd was established in 2005 by a student, for students. The company soon opened its books to 'non-students' and has since become the leading Casting Agency placing Extras across the whole of the UK and Ireland. Working on a string of award winning productions, Uni-versalEXTRAS portfolio and reputation continues to grow. Wayne Berko founded the company with the belief that students should be able to supplement their studies working in rewarding and well-paid part time roles. Working from a university bedroom, Uni-versalEXTRAS' first production ‘Seconds from Disaster' was a documentary for the National Geographic Channel about the Hindenburg Disaster. By 2006, Wayne had been named one of Europe's top entrepreneurs by ‘Business Week' and had also become an ambassador for the government backed scheme ‘Make your Mark', promoting entrepreneurial spirit in young people. After its initial success, Uni-versalEXTRAS opened its books to 'non-students' in 2007 to cater to the diverse requirements of production companies. As they strove for realism in their films, Uni-versalEXTRAS began to harness not only the looks of its Extras but also their skills. People of all ages and from all backgrounds were required to deliver the first class service the agency is renowned for today. To be closer to its clients, Uni-versalEXTRAS relocated its head office to the prestigious Pinewood Film Studios in 2009. The company has continued to grow organically, employing new staff to meet the demands of the entertainment industry. In many ways the current economic climate has made Uni-versalEXTRAS key objectives even more important: the company has a duty to find well-paid opportunities for its members.