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Everything was well organised, from arriving to getting into costume and makeup and transportation to the film set. We knew what was required from us, and we had a lovely time despite Swansea's hot we... See more
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I was sceptical of UVE after reading the reviews but having just completed my first job I have completely changed my view. UVE kept me updated throughout the process and the app was intuitive to use a... See more
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I had a great experience working on Amandaland S2. The team were welcoming, organised, and made the whole process enjoyable. I’m grateful to have been part of the production. And would happily work wi... See more
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Company details
Written by the company
Uni-versal Extras is a professional casting agency based at Pinewood Studios that specialises in supplying high-quality background Artistes for TV, Film and Commercial productions.
Contact info
United Kingdom
- www.universalextras.co.uk
4.4
Excellent
207 reviews
No recent history of asking for reviews
This company hasn't invited customers recently, so reviews may not be representative
Replied to 100% of negative reviews
Typically replies within 24 hours
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Great commercial job
We were booked on a 2 day job in 2020, travelling to Edinburgh twice due to the weather, great job, well paid and still receiving payments now!
24 February 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Uni-versal Extras
We're delighted to read your review, Ian. Thank you!
We look forward to working together again very soon :)
- The UVE Team
Absolutely shocking - Feel sorry for them
This agency is disgustingly run. I appreciate the staff work hard and long hours but you can really see this in their deflated, impatient and rude demeanour, particularly over the phone.
I feel sorry for this agency and all who work there, there is no opportunity for flexibility and no thought process as to who they put forward for what role.
This agency is clearly run off how much money they can earn themselves, Moving people around like they are chess pieces with no humanity.
It is obvious this comes from above and the way the company is run - this really needs to be looked into.
Good luck to all those who work there.
3 February 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Uni-versal Extras
Hi Henni,
We were very sorry to read of your experience dealing with the team here at UVE. This is certainly not how we ever wish our Artistes feel about their time working with us; we appreciate you taking the time to bring this to our attention.
Artiste satisfaction is extremely important to us, and we’re always receptive to feedback.
If you would be willing to share your full name, we would really like to investigate further. Could we please ask that you email our Artist support team on enquiry@universalextras.co.uk so that we may review our call and correspondence logs?
Thank you,
- The UVE Team
One Year's Experience
Paid my subscription up front and was sent many job roles during the year - mostly not suitable. Didn't get 1 actual role. So I would advise people to go to one of the many other agencies who only charge you once you have work. I will not be renewing my subscription.
10 March 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Uni-versal Extras
Hi there,
We were sorry to read your review.
The option to defer your listing fee until your first paid job is something that is available to all Artistes that decide to come on board to work with us. If this was not made clear to you during registration, we very much apologise.
Transparency is very important to us here at UVE, so you will always find all payment options broken down on our Money & Payments page (The option we believe you are referring to is listed under the option of ‘Pay Later’: https://universalextras.co.uk/extras/money-payment/ ) Nevertheless, we are sorry to learn that you feel this way about renewing with us and will welcome you with open arms should you change your mind in future. We work hard to add brand new roles to our jobs board every day, and would love the opportunity to work with you.
- The UVE Team
Never been offered a job at all
Never been offered a job at all. Apart from one or two all the jobs that have appeared have not been applicable to me. This is a complete rip off and certainly won't be renewing my membership
7 March 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Uni-versal Extras
We were very sorry to read your review, Paul. The satisfaction of our Artistes is very important to us, so we're grateful that you took the time to leave us your thoughts.
We can see that only 50% of your profile has been completed, which may be preventing you from appearing in many of our casting searches! We encourage all of our Artistes to provide as much information as possible to ensure the most possible opportunities come their way.
Our number one aim as an agency is to secure all of our Artistes work, but sadly that all comes down to the requirements that productions provide us. When we receive a role, we select Extras from our books that best match the role criteria set by production. This means - unfortunately - factors such as location, costume measurements and listed skills normally determine which Artistes are most suitable for a role.
Our casting team work hard to provide as many opportunities as possible for all of our Artistes, although we absolutely appreciate how frustrating it can be when the roles just aren’t there. We are, however, adding brand new roles every single day, so do very much hope to have the opportunity to work with you in future, Paul.
Please do give us a call on 0345 0090 344 if you have any further queries - we will always be happy to help.
- The UVE Team
Pathetic wage
Long hours, broken lunch and payment took months to arrive. My check out chit said I would receive £152.13 and then £62.93 landed in my account. I phoned them up and they told me that additional fees were taken out. Membership listing fees, etc. Pathetic. It should be illegal this practice. Less than minimum wage.
1 December 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Uni-versal Extras
We were sorry to read your review, Mark.
It sounds as though you have opted to have your annual listing fee taken from your first booking instead of paying upfront – which sadly does bring the annual registration fee up to the full-price of £60.
Transparency is very important to us and we do our absolute best to explain all listing options / commission breakdowns to new Artistes during the registration process, and you will always find an accurate breakdown of all costs on our Money and Payments page (https://universalextras.co.uk/extras/money-payment/)
We have been unable to locate a chit under your name, but would love to reach out and go through your chit breakdown together. If you are able to contact out Artiste Support team on enquiry@universalextras.co.uk that would be extremely helpful.
This deduction sounds as though it is a combination of not just our listing fee, but the 16% UVE commission our Artistes pay on the work itself. Moving forwards, the only deduction your earnings would be subject to would be this commission - we do apologise if our commission structure was not made clear to you at registration.
We hope to have the opportunity to work with you again, Mark.
- The UVE Team
Technically issues have been resolved!
Uni-versal Extras was able to resolve my issue, when I called them today.
The situation was easily fixed and my account has been activated! I’m looking forward to using their services now!
21 January 2023
Unprompted review
Reply from Uni-versal Extras
We’re sorry to hear that you faced some issues with our app, Alexander. We do very much appreciate you getting in touch to let us know about this, so thank you!
I’ve just been informed that you have since spoken to our Artiste Support team who managed to get to the bottom of things by removing one of your head and shoulders shots.
As membership was paid on the 21st January, your profile will now be with our moderation team and should be fully up and running by the end of the January 23rd due to our 48 hour moderation window. Once your profile has been moderated, you will then have full access to the app, as well as our Jobs page. We apologise that this was not made clear to you at time of registration.
Should you need us moving forwards, please do always feel free to give us a call on 0345 0090 344 - we will be happy to help!
- The UVE Team
Shocking!!
Shocking!!! Expect you to travel all the way from London to Wales on extremely short notice and no allowance for expenses for a fitting, then screw up the zoom call for rehearsal and then email at 7 pm the night before a 6 am call for another London to Wales trip on your own dime. Disorganised, left hand doesn’t know what the right is doing, and now they want to say they won’t pay for the fitting, if no show for filming, which was only meant to be 9/10 hour day but now told won’t be released till they are done. IMO exploitation!!!
7 December 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Uni-versal Extras
Hi M; thanks for your feedback.
Firstly, we never pressure anyone to confirm their availability for a job – we always contact suitable candidates with all the information we have and it is down to them to tell us if they want to be put forward to the production or not.
In this instance, it sounds like you were checked and confirmed for a job in Wales. For extras work, the fees are normally set in advance and it is unusual for all expenses to be covered – the payment terms for the job would have been confirmed when you were originally checked.
In relation to filming times, it is the norm in the film and TV industry for Artiste days to start as early as 6am and run into overtime. You will see from all the Union pay agreements on our website that overtime rates are clearly defined, because this is normal. Artistes are generally happy when days run into overtime because they are well compensated.
However we appreciate that this type of work is not for everyone - it is very different from a standard 9-5.
– The UVE Team
Universal extras is by far the best…
Universal extras is by far the best casting agency, through them i have fulfilled a life long dream of becoming an extra.
I signed up to them a year ago and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. Every aspect of this agency is immaculate, the staff are super friendly and very accommodating to one’s needs. Whenever I had an issue they were proficient in resolving it. In the last year I have worked on many productions courtesy of UE and every role that I have attained, has been a unique experience for me. Their app is easy to access and navigate and their customer service is again, superb. I highly recommend UE to any aspiring individuals out there who want to work as an extra.
Sign up to universal extras, these guys are the real deal. You will not regret it.
To the team at UE, thank you for your courtesy, consideration, hard work and professionalism. You guys are doing a great job. Keep up the good work!
Yours sincerely
Andrew.
11 November 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Uni-versal Extras
Thank you for your kind, kind words, Andrew!
We are so grateful that you would take the time to leave us a review and are delighted to hear that you have enjoyed your time with us so far :)
- The UVE Team
Great UVE team!
Great agency! Treating people so well! My experience so far was an extreme pleasure! Very supportive and respectful team. I am looking forward to working with you.
Thank you UVE team!
4 October 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Uni-versal Extras
The pleasure is all ours, Petya! Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review; it is much appreciated by all here at UVE :)
Had a good initial experience with UV…
Had a good initial experience with UV extras. However, I was recently banned from my application for being unable to attend a filming day when I never confirmed I could attend in the first place.
1 November 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Uni-versal Extras
Hi Hugh; thanks for your feedback.
According to our records you were booked for filming but sent us a text the night before to say you were no longer available. We attempted to call you but couldn't get you on the phone.
The way our casting process works is we check your availability, and only once you have confirmed are your details sent to the production. So in this instance, you were confirmed and then selected by the production, but then pulled out.
If you believe there is some kind of error, please feel free to email enquiry@universalextras.co.uk and we will investigate this for you.
– The UVE Team
I love working for this agency
I love working for this agency! Very professional, fun and interesting productions. Highly recommended!
16 February 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Uni-versal Extras
We love working with you too, Linda!
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review - it is much appreciated by the whole team here :)
- The UVE Team
Thank you for being a part of my journey!
Hi Team!
I wanted to thank you all for the last year and being such a huge part of my incredible journey to becoming a supporting artist. Things had been very difficult for me since COVID when I left my career as a psychotherapist after burn out. I felt compeltely lost, skilless and unsure which way to turn until I just went back to thinking about my childhood loves and dreams in acting.
I am having an amazing experience and so compeltely different from the world of health and social care. I no longer wake up with a feeling on dread in the morning of work, I feel part of a team producing something together and everyone feels where their value is. My whole world has turned right side up and you are a part of it. I want to thank you in particular for my wonderful experience in "Loveless"! Thank you!
4 May 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Uni-versal Extras
We're delighted to read your words, Ashley. Thank you for sharing this with us, and for taking the time to leave a review. It is much appreciated by all here at UVE!
We very much look forward to working with you again soon!
- The UVE Team
A Great Enjoyable Experience
The whole team are extremely helpful friendly and go out of their way to make your experience enjoyable, you are very well looked after the whole time you are there.
7 October 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Uni-versal Extras
Thank you for your kind words, Vera! We're very appreciative that you would take the time to leave us a review about your time on set :)
We look forward to working together again soon!
- The UVE Team
I was booked on the production of One Life
I was booked on the production of One Life. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I had a great time meeting all the SA’s who were very helpful and willing to give me their advice. The One Life Production was very good and friendly from theDirector to the actors and AS.
UVE agency has been very supportive in putting me forward for this job and I would to thank them for continue support.
13 September 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Uni-versal Extras
Wonderful working with you also, Juan. Thank you for your kind words.
We look forward to working with you again very soon!
- The UVE Team
the day was well organised & i was…
the day was well organised & i was looked after.
1 October 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Uni-versal Extras
We're delighted to hear you were so looked after on set, Roger!
A big thank you from all here at UVE for taking the time to leave us a review - it is much appreciated :)
- The UVE Team
Absolutely amazing team 👏
Absolutely amazing team 👏
I had an absolutely fantastic day on set. brilliant.Thank you very much guys!
26 September 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Uni-versal Extras
Wonderful working with you also, Veronika :) Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review - it is much appreciated by all here at UVE!
fake company
1 October 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Uni-versal Extras
We were very sorry to read your review, Gabriel.
The satisfaction of our Artistes is important to us, so we’d very much like to speak to you some more about the thoughts that have led you to feeling this way.
I have escalated this to our Artiste Support team, who have since attempted to reach you via telephone but were sadly unable to make contact. If you are open to discussing your thoughts on the matter with one of the team, please do email us on info@universalextras.co.uk; we are always appreciative of feedback!
- The UVE Team
UVE Top company to work with.
I have been with UVE for many many years as an S/A plus, I have had several featured parts in Movies which I’ve loved.
It was very exciting to get 30 days plus on the new Star Wars spin-off TV series “Andor” and the experience was amazing to see exactly how they create such a show.
Love my work and UVE are great to work with.
John Shearer
20 October 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Uni-versal Extras
The pleasure is all ours, John!
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review - it is much appreciated by the entire team :)
We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your time on Andor, and we look forward to working with you again very soon!
- The UVE Team
Supporting Artiste on a Peoples Postcode Lottery TV advert shoot
This was my introduction to the world of the Supporting Artiste and it couldn't have been better. Not only did I meet some seasoned SA professionals but I also got the chance to work alongside Jason Donvan, Jeff Brazier and Danyl Johnson (who was very chatty with us all).
It was great to see the production crew at work, both in a studio on day one and on-site in a Christmas-themed street on the second day of shooting.
We were all looked after so well and the people in the production crew were all really nice to us.
I can't wait to see the finished product on TV.
3 October 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Uni-versal Extras
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave us a review, Jay. We're delighted to hear you had such a wonderful time! We look forward to working together again very soon :)
- The UVE Team
I was a supporting artist on Guardians…
I was a supporting artist on Guardians of the Galaxy. It was my first feature film. It was a great crew. I was featured in the prison scene and met and stayed friends with some great people
I think we filmed 2016?
19 October 2022
Unprompted review
Reply from Uni-versal Extras
Thanks so much for your review, Nigel - it's much appreciated by the whole team here at UVE. We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed your time on set!
- The UVE Team
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