Suspension of belief describes an audience temporarily accepting the reality of a film and forgetting they are being shown a fabricated production. While an actor’s performance and director’s vision are at the forefront of this suspension of belief, details can also have a huge impact.Â
One of these details is the people that appear in a shot that simply fills the scene and makes a sporting event, museum, street corner, or shopping mall feel real. This is where background actors come into the picture.
background actor duties
First, let’s define a background actor
Background actors are important in setting the scene and creating an atmosphere that foreground actors interact within. Without them, the vivid worlds we see on screen would feel empty and unreal. Let's start by defining a background actor.
BACKGROUND ACTOR DEFINITION
What is a background actor?
A background actor, also known as an extra, is an actor who appears in a nonspeaking or non-role in the background of a scene. They help make movies, TV shows, and other visual productions feel more authentic by populating scenes to make them feel real and lived in.
Background Actor Duties:
- Populating scenes to add realism and depth
- Following directions to complement the main action without distracting
- Maintaining action continuity across takes
Background Actor Job Description
What does a background actor do?
The duties of a background actor vary depending on the needs of the production. Their primary role is to bring scenes to life by providing a realistic backdrop for the main actors' performances. They might walk through a scene, sit at tables in a busy restaurant, or cheer in a stadium.
While they do not have spoken lines, their presence is crucial for creating believable settings. Here’s a full look at what a background actor does, from receiving the call sheet to wrapping up a day on set.
Call Sheet
The night before, or at the very latest, the morning of filming, background actors receive a call sheet. This document is crucial as it includes the call time (the exact time you're expected to be on set) and a detailed schedule of the day's filming.
It ensures background actors are well-informed about the production details and logistics for their workday. Info ranges from time slots, locations, weather, etc. To learn more about how to read a call sheet, check out our video below.
The Anatomy Of A Call Sheet • Subscribe here
Arriving and Checking In
Upon arrival, the first step is to locate "extras holding" — the designated area for background actors. Here, you'll sign in, verify your information for the day, and receive initial instructions. This area serves as a base where background actors can leave their belongings and await further directions.
Wardrobe, Hair, and Makeup
Background actors may need to prepare their wardrobe, hair, and makeup depending on the production. Some productions might ask you to arrive "camera ready," meaning you should be in predetermined clothing like streetwear, business wear, etc. Other productions will provide wardrobe and require you to get ready on set.
For period or genre-specific scenes, the production might even supply special wardrobes or require special effects makeup to help background actors seamlessly fit into the scene. For example, background actors in an apocalyptic zombie film will need to have their SFX makeup done.
Long Wait Times
It's common for there to be long periods of waiting on set. Background actors should be prepared for these waits and bring books, snacks, or other quiet activities to keep themselves occupied without disturbing the production process.
On Set
When called to the set, a production assistant, 1st AD, or another member of the staff will brief you on the scene, including your blocking and any specific actions you need to perform. The key is to remain in character, follow your blocking, and avoid drawing attention away from the primary action or looking directly at the camera.
Key Terms and Instructions
- Background: This is the cue for background actors to begin their actions according to the scene's requirements.
- Action: The cue for the main actors to perform.
- Cut: This signals everyone to stop performing.
- Back to one: A direction to return to your starting position for another take.
- Cross: Instructions for background actors to walk in front of the camera.
- Matching: Ensuring that your movements are consistent from take to take for seamless editing.
- Pantomime: Acting out silent conversations to avoid unwanted noise during filming.
- Wrap: Indicates the end of filming for the day or completion of a background actor's role in the production.
On rare occasions, a background actor might be upgraded to a principal performer based on the needs of the production. If, at the last second, they decide a waiter might interact with a line rather than simply walking by, you may get a bump from an extra. This is an exceptional opportunity but not common.
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Acting Skills that Get the Role
How to become a background actor
Becoming a background actor typically does not require formal training. Many find their way into the profession through casting agencies that specialize in recruiting extras, while others may join through open calls or by registering with online platforms like Central Casting or Backstage.
Unions such as SAG-AFTRA offer resources and protection for those pursuing background acting more seriously, providing a path toward regular work and better pay rates. Networking and building relationships on set can also lead to more opportunities for background work.
Becoming a background actor requires patience, flexibility, and the ability to follow directions while being comfortable in front of the camera. You should also be ready to commit to a gig last second as many calls for extras happen close to the day of the job.
How Much Do Background Actors Get Paid?
Background actor salary
Salaries for back ground actors can vary widely based on location, production budget, and union affiliation. According to SAG-AFTRA, the minimum rate for back ground actors is $174 per day or $15.24 per hour. However, some productions may offer higher rates. Again, it all depends on the production.
Getting Started Landing Roles
Find background actor jobs
Finding jobs as a background actor has never been easier thanks to dedicated websites and casting agencies that connect extras with productions. Resources like Central Casting, Backstage, and the SAG-AFTRA website are valuable for those looking to break into background acting, offering job postings, casting calls, and information on how to get started in the industry.
Up Next
Discover more filmmaking roles
Background actors are a great example of a role that is considered a minor role that has a big impact. To continue through our series of various filmmaking roles and positions, you can explore similar jobs like 1st AD, Production Assistant, or Gaffer. Or you can jump over to our Film Crew Index to browse the entire range of filmmaking roles. Understanding what everyone’s role on a film set is will help make you a better overall filmmaker and a more efficient crew member.
Up Next: Explore more crew positions →
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