How to Take A full-body PHOTO

This photo shows the production your proportions and height. You will likely need a friend to help or a way to prop up your phone.

If alone: Set your phone camera on the self-timer, this way you can have a few seconds from when you tap to when the photo is snapped and you can move away from the phone in position.

• Step 1: Place your phone on a stable surface (a shelf or table) about waist height. Press/ tap the button.

• Step 2: Step back until your entire body is visible, from the top of your head to your shoes.

• Step 3: Stand tall with a relaxed, natural posture. Keep your arms at your sides or loosely in front of you.

  PRO TIP: Ensure the camera is level. If the phone is tilted up, you’ll look like a giant; if it's tilted down, you’ll look shorter than you are.

Here’s some great examples of Good Full Body Photos!

If you really have no other option but to take a “mirror selfie” - this is not ideal however in this case please don’t cover your face with your phone.

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Now that you’ve mastered your Full Body photo, time to take that selfie headshot, or if you’ve already done that, log into your profile and update it with your photos!

How to Take A Headshot PHOTO (The "Selfie")

A headshot should focus on your face and shoulders. If you can, take a selfie, using the rear camera of your phone usually results in higher quality.

• Step 1: Wipe your camera lens (fingerprints make photos blurry!).

• Step 2: Stand about 1 meter away from your plain background.

• Step 3: Hold the phone at eye level. Do not tilt it up or down.

• Step 4: Look directly into the lens (not the screen).

Here’s some great examples of Good Headshot Photos

Done? Time to master the Full Body photo next? Or maybe log into your profile to update it with your new photos!

Your Photo is Your Digital Handshake

Your photos are the first thing we and a Film or TV production see. You don’t need a professional studio or expensive equipment to stand out. In fact, our productions always prefer natural, unedited photos that show exactly what you look like today.

Follow this simple guide to capture the perfect headshot and full-body photo using just your phone.

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The Golden Rules:

Before you tap that camera button, ensure you meet these four essential criteria:

1. Natural Light is King: Stand facing a large window or glass door. No window or natural light? Turn on all your house lights.

2. Clear, Simple Background: Find a plain, neutral-colored wall. If you are outdoors, a simple wall or a clear blue sky works perfectly. Avoid busy rooms, posters, or cluttered gardens.

3. Face the Lens Directly: We need to see your full face and features. No "artsy" profile shots, no looking over the shoulder, and no "mystery" shots from the back.

4. Solo Only: This is your time to shine. Ensure you are the only person in the photo. No friends, no pets, and no cropping yourself out of a party photo.

Final Checklist Before You Upload

• [ ] No Filters: Do not use Instagram, Snapchat, or "beauty" filters.

• [ ] No Accessories: Remove hats and sunglasses. If you wear glasses daily, take some photos with them and some without.

• [ ] Recent: Does the photo look like you right now? If you’ve recently changed your hair color or cut, it’s time for new photos.

Pro Tip: Wear simple, solid-colored clothing. Avoid busy patterns or large logos that might distract from your face.

Here’s some great examples of Good Photos!

How do I register to be an extra in Malta?

Application is free and online. You simply need a valid Maltese ID or tax registration number, a mobile number, and recent, clear photos. You need to be living in Malta. Complete your profile on our website to be considered for upcoming roles.

Is background work in Malta paid?

es. All roles booked through BCC are paid. Rates vary by production, but standard background roles typically start around €85–€100 per day, with "featured" roles earning more.

Do I need previous acting experience?

Not for background work. We look for reliability, a professional attitude, and a wide variety of "looks." Whether you are 18 or 80, there is a place for you in the Maltese film industry.

What are the requirements for photos?

We need clear, natural photos in colour, one close-up and one full-body. Avoid filters, sunglasses, hats, or busy backgrounds. Your photos are your "calling card" for directors.

How long are the working days on set?

A standard filming day is usually 11–12 hours. You must be prepared for early call times and long periods of waiting, which is part of the professional filming process.

How Do I Complete My Profile?

At Brenda Camilleri Casting, having a complete profile is essential — without it, we cannot book you for work on our films. Follow this guide to make sure your profile is ready for approval and you don’t miss out on exciting opportunities.

✅ Essential Information for Profile Approval

To be eligible for work, your profile must include the following:

Legal Work Documentation:

• For ID cards ending in M, L, G, P, or H (e.g., 00000L): Upload a front and back copy of your ID card as images in the Payment Section.

• For ID cards ending with an 'A' (e.g., 000000A): Upload a front and back copy of your ID card as images in the Payment Section. You must also upload a Tax Proof in the same section.

• Using a Tax Identification Number (TIN) (9 digits, e.g., 600000000): You can upload your TIN instead of your ID card, but you must also provide a Tax Proof.

I have an ID number ending with ‘A’ or a Tax Number. What counts as a valid Tax Proof?

• An official tax document showing your Tax Number or ID card number — such as a tax statement or tax return.

• An FS3 such as this example.

• A screenshot from a live chat with a Government Official from the Servizz website where your Tax Number is clearly visible such as this one.

• A screenshot from an email with a Government Official from the Servizz Tax Number is clearly visible.

Other Required Information:

• 📞 Phone number

• ✉️ Email address

• 👀 Measurements: Height, Chest/Bust, Dress Size, Waist, and Shoe size — all in inches

• 📷 Photos:

  • A clear face photo

  • A clear full-body photo

⭐ Boost Your Chances — Add More!

While the above is the minimum needed for approval, the more complete your profile is, the better your chances of being selected for work. Consider adding:

• Extra photos (different angles, professional shots, etc.)

• Skills and talents (e.g., dance, sports, languages)

• Previous experience in acting or extras work

The more details we have about you, the easier it is for us to match you to the perfect role!

If you have any questions or need help completing your profile, don’t hesitate to get in touch.

🎬 Let’s get your profile ready and open the door to new opportunities! Questions? Talk to us on WhatsApp.

Checking on which days you are booked, or not booked is an important part of being able to plan your work with us, be on time and organise your life around your work. So here’s the correct way of verifying.

1: Log In your Profile

Log into your profile using your email, password and security code.

2: Access Your Profile

From your dashboard, click on "your profile" (see screenshots below)

3: View your Calendar

Scroll down and you will see your calendar, month by month. (see screenshots below)

Booked days are marked in purple.

If your days are not marked in purple, you are not booked.

If you do not see any dates marked in purple, this means you are not booked. Here’s also a recap of other terminology you will see used throughout our communication & in your calendar profile:

• Booked/Booking: This means your day is confirmed, and we will expect you to show up for this day. You will receive a Check-In Message with all the information about this day on the afternoon before your booked day. This is marked purple in your calendar.

• Released: This means that you were once booked but you are not filming any longer on this specific day.

• Available: Dates for which you have responses to our availability request as “available” are marked as yellow in your calendar.

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If anything is still unclear - get in touch with us right away by email or WhatsApp from the links below.

🚨 In January 2025 you might have received an ✉️ email from EP Casting to enhance your profile security with 🔒 MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) . This is an extra layer of security we've added for everyone's profile so it's essential to set this up before being able to Log In to your profile.

Setting 🔒 MFA is easy!

1. Visit brendacamillericasting.com

2. Click on "Extras Log In"

3. Click on "Reset Password”

4. Enter your Email Address, click "Continue", again on "Reset Password" and finally "Submit"

5. Check your ✉️ Email Inbox and click the link in the email you received, click on 🔗 "here"

6. Create a new password. Make sure all the ❌ become ✅. Also make sure you remember this password.

7. Add the MFA security feature. We recommend not using the PingID option but instead use the 💬 SMS verification for your security codes (small grey button at the bottom, see image below).

8. You will then receive a 6-digit code by SMS, which you will need to input to access your account.

Good to know ☝️

• Sometimes, when entering your phone number for the SMS Verification - you will have to rotate your phone horizontally in order to scroll through the flags for the country prefix.

• If you are getting an account locked error message after too many attempts, talk to us on WhatsApp or send us an email.
  

Stuck? Make sure you didn't skip of the above steps. If you need further assistance talk to us on WhatsApp on 77787400.

The Brenda Camilleri Casting Team 🎬

Application to work as a film extra in Malta is easy and free. Only apply if you are; reliable, enthusiastic, great at time keeping, flexible, polite, able to work very early, always professional, have good availability. To apply you must have a valid Maltese ID card or tax registration number, a mobile number and an email address.

If you have these qualities and would like to be considered for work in Film, TV, commercials or theatre, complete the form here. The form you complete is your profile. You can log into your profile at any time to add more information and photos. You should familiarise yourself with your profile and make sure its up to date and all sections have been filled out.

By making this application with Brenda Camilleri Casting you are agreeing to our terms of engagement and GDPR Code of Conduct - you can read more about these here. We also highly recommend you read through all the frequently asked questions prior filling our application form to ensure that it is done properly and that you don’t have to go through the process more than once. We look forward to working with you.

To complete your application we need: your Maltese ID or Tax registration number, at least two photos of you and your measurements.

The RIGHT documentation:

In order to be able to work and get paid you must have a Maltese ID card or a Maltese tax registration number. You will also need to upload a copy of your ID card front and back in your application. This information is sent to the accounts department so that they can process your payment. If you can't provide one or the other we are afraid you can't complete the application at this time. 

The important things to know for all photos:

REMEMBER: Uploading the correct photos is the difference between working a lot and not getting offered much.

• Your image must be either jpeg, jpg, img, png. Photos in heic or pdf are not accepted.

• Your image should be portrait and not landscape

• Select photos that are a true representation of yourself that have been taken within the last 6 months.

• All photos must be in colour, black and white photos will be rejected

• Send the highest quality images you can get but please keep the file size under 2mb.

• Take photos or pick photos where your background is plain.

• Do not send Heavily edit digital photos or supply edited/cropped digital photos or scans of photos. Social media filters are also banned. You pictures need to look as natural as possible.

• Do not send tiny photos. If below 500kb it won't be of high enough quality.

• Never use photos where you are wearing a hat or sunglasses.

• Never use photos with more than one person, it just needs to be you in the picture.

1. Head shot ( Portrait)

2. Full length shot

👉 Click here for a more detailed guide on the correct photos.

1. Headshot or portrait

2. Full Length Shot

What should I wear?

• It’s best to wear plain solid colours, avoid crazy patterns, large logos and trend clothing.

• Make sure your outfit is not too baggy so we can clearly see your body shape and frame.

• Don’t wear anything too formal or too revealing.

• Don’t wear a hat, sunnies, fascinator in your hair, excess jewellery, no face paint or food on kids face or anything else that may impact the director’s ability to see what you look like.

How you should I do my hair and make-up?

• Please style your hair the way you would naturally wear it. For women and girl’s hair down and to the front of the shoulders is best, but feel free to send us additional photos with the hair up.

• Don’t over-style yourself, you want to look as similar as you can to yourself in person.

• Very natural makeup please, no bright lip colours heavy eye shadow etc.

• Guys please have your facial hair as you most often wear it.

The important things about your measurements:

• Make sure you use a proper tape measure.

• When taking your measurements remove any additional clothing, these add inches to your measurements which are not really yours!

• Get someone to help you if you feel you can`t do it by yourself.

All the jobs we offer are paid - and the amount paid varies depending on your role and the production.

When you receive an availability request we will let you know the payment offered. For example, a background extra may expect to be paid around €100 euros per day, however a featured role may earn around €140 per day!

Please note that in most films 10% tax is deducted at source and paid on your behalf by the production.

Yes of course you can. Many of our talent are in full time employment elsewhere. Therefore you may still submit an application form, and once we have suitable film work for you we will get in touch. You may accept or refuse any job we offer on a case by case basis. If you accept and once we offer you the filming dates, you will then need to request time off from your full time employment for that particular filming day/s to be able to join us.

Join the Global Stage: Apply as a Film Extra in Malta

Becoming a part of the Brenda Camilleri Casting database is your first step toward working on major international motion pictures, independent films, and high-end commercials filmed across the Maltese Islands.

As the primary casting department in Malta, we take pride in connecting local talent with world-class productions. To ensure your profile stands out to Directors and Producers, please follow our professional application process below.

The Application Process: What to Expect

Completing your initial application takes approximately 15 minutes. Because we maintain a professional standard that mirrors international studio requirements, we require detailed information to match you with the right roles.

1. Initial Submission: Fill out the primary contact and physical characteristic form.

2. Profile Completion: Once submitted, you must log into your talent portal to upload your headshots and full-body photos. Profiles without clear, recent photos cannot be submitted to productions.

3. Detailed Sections: Complete the "Skills and Measurements" sections. This is vital for costume fittings and specialized background roles. Fill the “Payment Section” with images of your Maltese ID card, front and back as well as adding the expiry date in the appropriate field.

4. Verification: Our team reviews every new entry to ensure the database remains the most reliable "point of reference" for casting in the Mediterranean.

What Happens Next?

Once your profile is 100% complete, you are officially active in our system.

• Selection: We will contact you directly via email or SMS when a production requires your specific "look" or skill set.

• Patience is Key: The frequency of work depends on the current filming schedule in Malta and the specific requirements of the directors we are serving.

Pro Tip: Keep your profile updated! If you change your hair color or gain a new skill (like horse riding or stunt training), log in and update your details immediately to stay competitive.

Direct Communication & Talent Support

At Brenda Camilleri Casting, we prioritize clear and professional communication with our database. Our dedicated talent coordination team monitors all inquiries directed to talent@brendacamilleri.com.

To ensure the most efficient response, please ensure your profile is 100% complete before reaching out regarding specific roles. A complete profile, including current measurements and high-quality photos, is the only way our casting directors can accurately consider you for the diverse range of international and local productions currently filming in the Mediterranean.

How Project Selection Works

We manage a wide spectrum of productions, ranging from large-scale Hollywood epics requiring thousands of extras to boutique commercial shoots and independent films.

• Job-Specific Terms: Because every production has unique requirements, all terms (including daily rates, call times, and location details) are provided on a project-by-project basis.

• Total Flexibility: You always maintain full control over your schedule. Once we reach out with an opportunity, while we are at the initial stages, you have the option to opt-in or opt-out based on your availability.

• Professional Standards: For a detailed breakdown of our operational standards, please ask for more info by email.

Join Our Film Community

The film industry in Malta moves fast. To stay updated on the latest urgent casting calls, "behind-the-scenes" insights, and industry news, we invite you to join our active community.

As a film extra, after your first job with us, we will contact you directly by sms and/or email to ask for your availability for the next film work. So always keep an eye out for our emails so as not to miss any opportunity!

Its important to know that responding to enquiries is essential to you getting booked for the job! Quick and accurate responses to enquiries are essential. We find that we receive the first 75% of the responses within the first 20 minutes immediately after the casting call. We usually leave enquiries open for 24 hours for those that cannot respond immediately, but film productions often want to see options as soon as possible.

On most productions you will be given a release form which also has your payment information prior to your first filming day. You will have a copy of your release form in your profile. The production company may refuse to pay your fees if you do not sign your release form in the requested time frame.

As of September 2020, most payments will be made by direct bank transfer due to the new charges banks have implemented to cash cheques.

It is therefore vital that you provide your correct IBAN number and bank details. It is also important to give us your correct postal address so that you can receive by post your payslip and FS3. All changes of addresses must be communicated to us in writing by email before the production is finished. Incorrect details may result in your payments being delayed or paid to someone else.

Payments take approximately 30 days from the last day of filming to be processed by the relevant departments.

All companies work differently however it is standard practice that production will issue payment within 30 days of the last production shoot day, but sometimes this can take longer in the event of a big production company, where possibly thousands of other background artistes would be receiving payment after the shoot. In any case, you can always send an email if you are experiencing any difficulty with payment.

Once you get to the location look for the casting department person you are reporting to and sign in. You must always sign in and sign out on your work days otherwise production will not pay you for your work day.

Shoot days can be tough. Usually they involve long hours, a lot of standing around, and repeating the same things over and over again - but this doesn't mean they won't be fun! If you’re expected to be working all day, you will usually be fed and watered on location, and the other extras/crew will always be more than happy to talk to you about the shoot. At the end of the day, when the Crowd Marshall lets you know the filming is finished, simply head to the queue to change back into your own clothes and sign out- it’s that simple!

In addition to the tasks involved during the day, it’s always worth noting what the weather could be like - some shoots are built around being out on a sunny location all day, so it would make sense to bring sunscreen to avoid slow-roasting yourself! In the same token, some shoots could take place at night when the temperature drops significantly - the bottom line is, always be prepared. 

One important thing to remember is our guidelines for working on set: No phones, no photos, No press conversations. These are VERY important guidelines, and not adhering to them could land you in a lot of trouble with the production company, particularly in the case of big movie productions. On some productions, we will ask you to hand in your phones to the Assistant Director, in order to ensure that the guidelines can be followed effectively.

Before every filming day, the casting team will make sure that each background artiste and cast member has all the information they need about the shoot - depending on the size of the production. On the filming location, most of the time, the team of Crowd Marshalls will be there to guide you and help you every step of the way!

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Logistics & On-Set Crowd Management

Success on a film set depends on precision and communication. At Brenda Camilleri Casting, we act as the vital link between the production office and the background talent to ensure every filming day runs like clockwork. Our crowd marshalls are a vital extension of our team and ensure all the talent on set is taking care of.

Pre-Production Briefing

Before every shoot day, our casting coordination team issues comprehensive official communications and briefing notes to every background artist and cast member. Regardless of the production size, from independent shorts to international blockbusters, we ensure all talent are fully informed on:

• Call Times & Locations: GPS coordinates and check-in times.

• Wardrobe & Continuity: Detailed instructions on "looks," fittings, and hair/makeup requirements.

• On-Set Protocol: Essential safety information and NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements).

Expert On-Set Coordination

We don’t just book talent; we manage the environment. On-site, our experienced team of Crowd Marshalls and Assistant Casting Coordinators are present to oversee the "Extras Holding" area and the set itself.

Our Marshalls are trained to:

• Guide & Instruct: Provide clear directions to talent to ensure they meet the Director’s vision.

• Liaise with ADs: Work seamlessly with the Assistant Directors (ADs) to move "crowds" efficiently between holding and the camera.

• Talent Welfare: Act as a dedicated point of contact to support talent throughout the duration of the filming day.

By maintaining a professional presence on the ground, we protect the production’s timeline and uphold the high reputation of the Maltese film industry.

On set, as an extension of the Assistant Directors we will be there to guide you depending on the requirements.

Mobile phones and cameras are prohibited on set. If you bring a mobile phone or personal valuables like jewellery and computer games you will be asked to leave it in the holding area at your own risk. Production is not responsible for your belongings therefore it is better if valuables are left safely at home.

The casting team will inform you if the production will be needing you to arrive with our hair and make up ready or if you are to arrive with a clean face and hair ready for the make up and hair artists to create your look.

To help get everybody through the process as quickly and efficiently as possible, you can help the team by wearing a top that opens at the front with buttons or a zip. This way your hair and make up will not be affected when you take off your top to put on your costume. This applies for both males and females.