What is a background actor? "A background actor, or extra, is a nonspeaking role; extras appear frequently in the background of television or film productions, intended to round out the scene for realism’s sake. They could be spectators at a baseball game, audience members at a comedy club, or just people strolling through Central Park—these are all common background roles.
"Is there a difference between “background” actor and an “extra”?
"There is not! You may hear “background” used instead of “extra” because, frankly, it sounds a little more sophisticated. But a background actor is the exact same thing as an extra.
"What is a featured extra? "A featured extra is a background actor who gets a little more screen time. Maybe they pour the lead a latte, deliver a newspaper to their doorstep, or catch a fly ball—meaning that it’s more likely for a featured extra to be recognizable in the final episode or film. "Featured extra" is not an official SAG-AFTRA designation, however, and doesn’t translate into additional pay.
"Another thing to remember: featured extras still don’t speak on camera. If they have even a one-word line, they’re now considered a “co-star.” Co-stars have five lines or less; generally, they’ll only be required for one day of shooting, though that’s subject to change. Unlike extra work, you absolutely can put co-starring gigs on your acting résumé when trying to land speaking roles. Also unlike extra work, almost without exception, productions will require co-stars to be members of SAG-AFTRA.
"How to be an extra in a movie or TV show
"Becoming an extra is much simpler than becoming an actor: you need a recent headshot, and that alone will enable you to apply for gigs, though an acting résumé with any background work you've done can help you land a part. “What we’re looking for in a submission is a picture that represents yourself,” says Grant Wilfley of Grant Wilfley Casting, which handles most background acting work in New York.
“We’re not interested in retouched professional headshots if they are not an accurate representation of what you look like,” Wilfley continues. You can even use a photo you took yourself, provided it shows that you took your submission seriously. Don’t use “an out-of-focus shot of yourself where you can only see half of your face. That’s not super helpful. It may show your quirky personality, but it’s not showing what you look like, and that’s really the most important thing.” . . .
. . ."For instance, an extra will be paid more if:
- They are required to get wet (unless provided with swimming or surfing gear) or work in a smoke-filled environment
- They personally provided certain props, such as pets or golf clubs
- Body makeup or oil is applied to more than half their body
- They use special skills such as tennis, ice skating, horseback riding, or driving a motorcycle
- Full article...
- There are good extras and not-so-good extras!
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