Between  jobs? Time to spare? A situation like this can be turned to advantage by registering for work as a film and TV extra. 
Essex is one of the main recruiting grounds for extras, since residents have relatively easy access to the main film studios. such as Pinewood and Elstree. 
Extras are usually required to turn up early in the morning, so  the journey tends to be less fraught than for those travelling in the rush hour. 
To work as an extra, you need to be ready to move at a moment’s notice. 
Assistant-directors, the film-crew members responsible for finding extras, often put out calls at the last moment. As an extra, you will also need to be on the books of an agent. 
One of the UK’s busiest specialist agencies is based in Essex. Solomon Artistes has more than 3,000 names on its register. It  welcomes applications from Essex residents of all ages, shapes and sizes, though it is particularly keen on those between 20 and 40. 
Anita Houser, owner of the Southend agency, says: “You don’t need to pass any exams to become an extra, but you do need a confidence and know how to take direction. 
“Film and TV professionals are always working against the clock. The one thing an extra cannot do is waste their time. 
“We have a lot of professional actors on our books, who do extra work to provide an income between contracts. But we also have plenty of amateur actors.
“Essex has marvellous amateur dramatic companies and involvement with one of them means someone will have what it takes to be on our register. 
“The other simple thing they need – and it might sound obvious – is they have to be able to get out of bed in the morning. 
“That has been an issue in the past, particularly with younger people.”
Extras can get to rub shoulders with the stars, but they must treat it as part of the job. 
“If you’re standing behind Tom Cruise on a set you can’t be seen gawping at him, or interrupt shooting to ask for his autograph,” says Anita. 
Extras can expect to make between £100 and £150 a day, with a bonus if they are promoted to a more prominent role.  
Simon Chappel, from Wickford, recently worked the on the new Kray Brothers film, which stars Tom Hardy, playing both
 brothers.
Simon said: “I was just in the background to start with, but then I was pulled forward to a more prominent part as the chauffeur in the funeral scene, driving Tom Hardy. 
“You’ll be able to see quite a lot of me when the film comes out.”