Actors should not be afraid to take on any role, including being a background actor.
But what is a background actor? A background actor is an extra in a scene. They are the ones who are walking down the street in a crowd the background of the shot (hence the name). They do have lines but it’s usually just yelling or saying “yeah!” or “woo!” to encourage more excitement in the scene. But they can also be sitting at a dinner table with their eyes closed as they pretend to sleep while the main characters talk. Or they could be sitting on a bench in Central Park reading a book while other actors walk past them. But no matter what they do, they must make it look real and not look like they are acting themselves.
Being a background actor is important because it adds more realism to scenes. For example if there was an epic battle scene that needed thousands of extras for it, but only had about twenty people, then that wouldn’t look very realistic and would probably result in bad reviews for the film.
Background actors also work with other actors and learn from them by observing their behavior both on and off set. And by observing how other actors behave around celebrities, it
It’s not easy to get started in the acting world. Even after you’ve gone to workshops, voice lessons, and maybe even an acting school or two, it can be hard to find your first gig.
If you’re lucky enough to secure a role, you may find yourself working as a background actor or “extra.” While many actors are reluctant to take on these parts, they shouldn’t be. In fact, being a background actor is a great way to get your feet wet in the industry and make some money at the same time.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the pros and cons of taking on background roles, how they can help you build your career, and what you need to know before showing up on set.
As a background actor, I have performed in a variety of different roles. My career as an extra has led me to be a part of small and large productions, including HBO’s The Deuce, a few episodes of Friends with Benefits, the short film Letters to Daniel and a feature length film called Sarah Q.
As my career progresses, I continue to challenge myself by taking on bigger roles. Sometimes I get lucky! In the case of my first feature film role in Sarah Q, I came in as an extra and ended up walking away with a speaking role and even got my name in the credits.
I’m grateful for the opportunities that come my way but sometimes there is still this stigma about being an extra. There are some who assume that “background work” means you don’t have the chops to be a professional actor. I find it frustrating because it’s not true at all.
In fact, being an extra has taught me so much: It has made me more patient and has inspired me to keep developing my craft as an actor. There are some actors out there who are too fearful to audition for background work but they shouldn’t be! If you’re just starting out or if you don’t have any experience, you should try it
Many actors are hesitant to explore the world of background work and extra work. Often times, I hear from my friends and colleagues that they do not want to “lower” themselves to this field. They prefer to focus all their energy on booking commercials, industrials, and principal roles.
This attitude is a huge mistake. In fact, if you really want to become a working actor, it is a necessity that you have experience in this field. Not only will this give you more experience to add to your resume, but it will also give you valuable insight into the entertainment industry as a whole.
If you are afraid of the stigma attached to being a background actor or extra, follow these tips:
Every actor on set is working for the same goal and that is to make a great movie.
There are different actors on set with different pay, but the job of each actor is to bring something to the table and make the movie better.
Not many people understand that being a background or day player actor is a stepping stone to bigger things in your career. It’s something you have to do. I was a background actor for years before I got my first principal role on a TV show.
If you really want to be an actor and don’t mind working hard, then being a background actor isn’t so bad.
Not all actors get to be the lead character in a movie, not all actors work every day. If you’re a background actor and want to make more money in your career, you should know how to be a background actor that works.
Some actors think they are too good or too talented to work as an extra or background actor. These people should not be acting. The type of person that is drawn to this industry knows that great acting is great acting no matter what part you play.
Being an extra or background actor is a stepping stone for many people; it is also a profession for many others. If you want to act professionally, then having the ability to do extra work will allow you the opportunity to work more often and earn more money. It will also help you network with other people in the industry.
When I was producing movies, I had many occasions when I needed extras or background actors for my projects. I always had a small pool of extras and background actors that would call me regularly for jobs and auditions; this also allowed me to suggest them for roles in my projects as well as other projects that my friends were working on (like directors and casting directors). Working as an extra or background actor allows you great networking opportunities, which can
Acting is the most fun you can have in the world. It’s the most rewarding experience. You can’t compare it to anything. So when you get an opportunity to act, you ought to take it.
However, there are a few people who disagree with me. They say acting is only worth it if you get a starring role in a movie or a big part on Broadway. They say anything less than that isn’t worth their time and effort.
I think that’s silly, and here’s why:
1. Acting is acting, no matter how big or small the role.
2. You gain valuable experience regardless of how big your part is.
3. It’s more fun than any other job in the world!
