the first and only agency to provide Principal Supporting Artistes to the uk film and television industry
Our goal is simple: to maximise efficiency on set and increase the quality of the background action we see on our screens.
We represent only the very best and we’ve created a new grade of SA.
We present to you Principal Supporting Artistes
HOW WE SEE IT
ETHOS
At the centre of every crowd scene should be a core group of experienced Extras who can mingle seamlessly amongst the Principal Cast. Supporting Artistes who can be relied upon to be professional, take direction and hit their marks. Our Dirty Dozen (or so) Principal SAs are in addition to normal crowd SAs and intended for the centre of the action. Directors and ADs can then be confident the most featured extras are the ones who know what they’re doing.
HOW WE DO IT
PROCESS
Now, more than ever, we need a system which can identify the best performers and most professional Artistes in the business.
We believe our rigorous and uncompromising recruitment process achieves this.
The Watchlist
We have compiled and continue to compile a list of the most recommended names and faces of SAs in the UK. When a name reaches the required number of recommendations we invite them to an interview.
The Interview
Every candidate is interviewed on a one-to-one basis where we assess their suitability as a PSA. Successful candidates are invited to attend our Advanced Extras Training Day.
The Training Day
The single most effective way to accurately evaluate professionalism and performance is in a live set environment. The National Film & Television School is the only school in the world to train Assistant Directors at a diploma level and it is here where we hold the only course of its kind – an Advanced Extras Training Day.
Certification
Simulating a shoot day, with cast, crew and equipment, we evaluate each artiste on their professionalism and ability to respond to direction. Those who meet our standards of excellence are invited to join our books.
TESTIMONIALS
The quality PSA’s that Dirty Dozen provides, fill a much needed gap in the industry. For years every AD I know has kept a private list of SAs that they call on when something special is needed. Now, you can cast them with the help of Dirty Dozen and be guaranteed success without stress.
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Dirty Dozen are taking things to the next level with their PSA’s. An innovative new approach allowing Key & Crowd 2nd AD’s to cast well trained, experienced and professional background artistes; run by industry professional AD’s who know and understand the requirements of what we need.
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With Dirty Dozen, Tom and Charlie are creating a beneficial new outlook to SAs. One that will give Crowd ADs a genuine confidence in the quality of SAs they have to work with. Their platform of PSAs provide ADs with vetted, professional and reliable SAs that will take whatever creative challenge you throw at them and deliver a performance to win your director over. Often with crowd – QUALITY REALLY IS BETTER THAN QUANTITY
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My experience of working with Dirty Dozen has been fantastic. Tom and Charlie are lovely, incredibly approachable and communicative. I found Dirty Dozen to be well organised, and managed in a very attentive and knowledgable manner. Their dedication to their artists is evident in the opportunities they provide.
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As a Crowd AD, the introduction of PSA’s is invaluable to what we are trying to achieve within production. Not only does the talent reflect on screen but it helps make the day on set run efficiently. The training provided by Dirty Dozen is a completely unique experience and imperative to the future of supporting artiste work in the industry.
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As a Supporting Artist (SA), I couldn’t recommend Dirty Dozen Agency’s PSA training day more highly. What truly impressed me was the collaborative learning environment. It wasn’t just a one-way street – we SAs had the chance to share our experiences and offer feedback to aspiring Assistant Directors (ADs). This two-way approach made the whole experience incredibly rewarding.
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THE REEL
