Low budget films often can't afford to pay their extras and it's something a lot of people are willing to do for free - but would you pay to be an extra? Scotland's Northern Constabulary today issued a warning about what they believe to be a scam.
Concerns were first raised by tourist body VisitScotland after it was contacted by members of the public who had been asked to part with money to appear in a film. The money was supposed to be a deposit for accommodation. Police believe, however, that both the accommodation and the film itself may not actually exist.
The potential extras were approached by email about appearing in a horror film called Wood Evil, which was supposed to be shooting in Inchnacardoch Forest near Inverness. The Highland Film Commission report that they have never heard of the film. Although crowdfunded films sometimes offer investors the chance to appear as extras, this is seen as a perk for people already interested in supporting a project, and it is not normal for anybody to be asked to provide money up front for the privilege of appearing onscreen.
