Only Fools and Horses

‘So much fun!’ Dad explains how anyone can make £200 a day – including retirees

WHEN IT comes to exciting and imaginative ways to make money, side hustles don't get much better than this.

A dad from Bristol has spoken about how he recently fulfilled his childhood dream and earned some extra money in the meantime. He told Express.co.uk that it was an experience he will never forget and would happily recommend to anyone.

Although 41-year-old Paul Croker now has children of his own, he still remembers being a film fan since he was a kid.

He recalls going behind the scenes on the set of Only Fools and Horses which filmed a number of outdoor scenes in Bristol.

Fast forward a few years and Paul has since enjoyed his 15 minutes of fame – starring as an extra in a popular TV series called Industry which aired on BBC Two in the UK and HBO in America.

It earned him £110 for the day and he says it could be the perfect side hustle for students, parents and retirees.

Paul Croker as a film extra on the BBC

Paul Croker as a film extra on the BBC (Image: Paul Croker)

Paul enjoyed the work because it’s completely different to his day job – helping businesses with their IT.

The entrepreneur, who runs the IT solutions company 18it, particularly enjoyed working as an extra because they made him feel “like a movie star for a day”.

While he was there, he met people from all walks of life including an accountant who “just wanted to get out of the office”.

He enthused: “It was so much fun! I felt like a movie star.”

He continued: “I feel you have to grab these moments as they may not come around again.

“Plus it’s recorded – no-one can take it away, it’s there forever on film.

“Earning a bit of extra money also helped.

“We even got to play spot the stars, too.”

Although Paul recalls making £110 a day, Uni-versal Extras said it’s not unheard of to earn £200 depending on whether someone has a niche skill or particular look.

Marketing manager Indiana West said the company is always looking for more extras and they actively encourage people from all walks of life to sign up.

She added: “Some of our artistes do it full time.

“If you live close to a large studio or busy production spot then you can have a real abundance of work, but we still find that most of our artistes work on a part-time basis.”

People usually have to pay to sign up with an extras agency – subscription packages start from £30 – but this is easily made back after one job.

Full time students can sign up for free, but Universal will then take a 16 percent commission.

Paul’s top tip is to give it a go and reach out to directors to see if you could be what they are looking for.

He had so much fun that he will definitely be doing it again, although next time he’s hoping it will be on a James Bond film set.

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