EMASWATI SOAPIE EXTRAS PAID R250 IN SA

MBABANE – R250!

The Entertainment Desk has learnt that emaSwati actors and models under Becky Casting Agency, who get roles as extras in South African soapies earn R250. The stated amount is for each episode (or shooting). Soapie extras, also referred to as extras, are actors and actresses who serve as ‘dressed background’. They help to sell the idea that a scene is filled with real people just going about their daily business. Soapies rely heavily on background artists for crowd scenes, especially in big pub scenes.

Revealed

In the past two weeks, this publication revealed that emaSwati were featured in South African soapies as extras. One was model and now budding actor Sandile ‘Pluto’ Mkhulisi who appeared on SABC 2’s Muvhango as a security guard. Also, we revealed that five emaSwati were featured as extras in a new Mzansi Magic drama titled ‘The Omen’ which premiered on January 5 this year. The five emaSwati, who act on the drama, are Ntombifuthi Simelane, Mkhosi Masuku, Sambulo Ngcamphalala, Buyile Sibiya and Nolwazi Simelane. It is worth noting that the said amount is also paid to non-emaSwati models and actors under the same agency.  A close source confirmed that they were given the said amount.

However, the source clearly stated that the amount depended on the productions. “Some may get up to R500 for just being an extra. R250 is the minimum charge,” said the source. The source also said the actors were paid on month end, not immediately after shooting. When asked how they survived on the amount, the source said being an extra in many productions enhanced them financially. “Adverts and movies pay more than dramas and soapies. Also, it is fundamental to be registered under different agencies as they pay different amounts.”
 Becky Casting Agency Founder and Director Bekezile Dube also confirmed that actors and models under her agency get paid E250 minimum for being extras in soap operas. “The amount greatly depends on the role that is being played by the actor. Thando Mzamo, who featured in Muvhango received E1 500 for a featured role and Nomahlubi Dlamini received E3 000 for being part of Moja Love’s ‘The Thread’ cast.

Production

“There is no fixed rate - it all depends on that production,” said Dube. Worth noting is that the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC) takes E50 from each salary that a local Eswatini actor or model under Becky Casting Agency receives. The E50 is standard, regardless the amount being paid. ENCAC CEO Stanley Dlamini confirmed that they received a cut from salaries of emaSwati actors and models registered under the said agency. “Yes we take E50 from the contract,” said Dlamini in a brief SMS when confirming with this journalist.
It is worth noting that the actors and models were made aware about this arrangement when signing their contract with Becky Casting Agency.

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