From Battlefield To Film Set: Meet The Veterans Turning To Acting

A new initiative is getting veterans who want to try something different to appear as extras in adverts and movies.

'Step Into Film' aims to help ex-military personnel as they transition out of the military and into civilian life.

Run by Services To Film and Walking With The Wounded (WWTW), the project has so far provided work for over 500 veterans.

Richard Trant, Project Lead at Services To Film, says that it's "significant and very exciting":

"We've already had indications from a significant number of large organisations in the film industry who are keen to do this.

"We are really pleased to be able to develop the initiative going forward."

One of the businesses taking veterans on for their advert is insurance company Military Mutual, which aims to target military families.

Lee Mooney, Managing Director at Military Mutual says:

"Being able to use real veterans in our advertising is fantastic for us, and it's an absolute pleasure to have them involved."

The idea is becoming ever more popular with veterans, whether full-time or part-time.

'Step Into Film' follows the successful implementation of 'Step Into Health', a programme which created the first access pathway from the military into career opportunities available in the NHS.