Early Call Times
As a background actor, you’ll quickly get used to early call times. These early mornings are essential for setting the stage, ensuring everyone is in place, and kicking off the day’s shoot without delays. Being on time is vital—it shows you’re dependable and respect the production’s tight schedule, which can make a big difference when it comes to being invited back for future gigs.
Late Call Times
Sometimes your call time might be in the afternoon. Many times in these cases, this means this might be an overnight shoot. It’s not uncommon to work a 16 hour “day”. If you have a 4:00PM call time this might indicate an overnight shoot and you should be prepared to work all night. An overnight shoot should be communicated to you ahead of time from the casting company (but not always).
Long Hours
Work days can last anywhere from a few hours up to 16 hours (or even more). You should always plan on at least a 12 hour day but don’t be surprised if it goes longer.
Lots of Standing
You might be on your feet a long time. It’s always good to bring your own chair in case there isn’t enough chairs for all of the background. You’ll be glad you did!
Wardrobe and Makeup
Costuming is a big part of the job. Sometimes you will be instructed to bring two or three of your own outfits. Other times, your costume will be provided to you and in these cases you might have a fitting. The fitting is usually a few days before filming where you will be sized and the costume department will determine your costume. You’ll often be provided with outfits that fit the scene’s period, setting, and context. Light makeup might be applied to make sure you look your best on camera. Coming with clean hair and nails helps the hair and makeup team do their job more efficiently.
At the end of the day, you will return your costume and occasionally need to visit makeup again to have them remove any glue or other appliances.
Scene Preparation
Before the cameras start rolling, someone from the crew, usually the assistant director, will show you where to stand, sit, or move. This coordination is crucial for keeping the scene’s flow intact. It’s important to follow these instructions closely and hit your marks accurately. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask—understanding your role is key to a smooth shoot.
Rehearsals and Filming
Rehearsals help you get a feel for the scene and understand your movements. Once filming starts, you’ll need to repeat these actions consistently across multiple takes to ensure continuity. This repetition can be tiring, but maintaining energy and focus is essential. Pay attention to any changes or new directions from the director or assistant director between takes.
Patience and Waiting
A lot of your time on set will be spent waiting while the crew sets up lighting, adjusts cameras, and fine-tunes other details. Bring a book or another quiet activity to pass the time, and have some snacks and water handy. Use this downtime to stay out of the way and be ready to go when called upon.
Networking and Building Relationships
Being on set is a great chance to network with other industry professionals. Use the downtime to chat with fellow extras, crew members, and occasionally principal actors. Building these connections can lead to future work and provide valuable insights into the industry. Always be professional and respectful—these relationships can have a lasting impact on your career.
Learning Opportunities
Every day on set is a chance to learn more about the filmmaking process. Observe how scenes are put together, how the director interacts with actors, and how the crew operates. This knowledge is invaluable if you aspire to larger roles or other positions in the industry. Understanding different departments like lighting, sound, and camera work gives you a broader perspective on how films are made.
Etiquette and Professionalism
Maintaining a professional attitude on set is crucial. This includes being polite to everyone, following instructions promptly, and respecting the project’s confidentiality. Avoid taking unauthorized photos or videos, as this can violate non-disclosure agreements and spoil the production. Keep your phone off or on silent to avoid disrupting the shoot.
Health and Safety
Safety on set is paramount. Follow all safety guidelines, especially in scenes involving stunts, special effects, or large groups. Wear any required safety gear and stay aware of your surroundings. If you have any health concerns or allergies, let the production team know in advance. If you ever feel unsafe on a set, you can leave! Don’t put yourself in an unsafe environment and speak up if you feel unsafe!
By embracing these aspects of the on-set experience, background actors can make the most of their time in the industry, build a solid reputation, and open doors to more significant opportunities.
Making Millions of Dollars
Just kidding. You won’t get rich doing background work. In fact you cannot even make a living doing it. Do it for the experience and if you love doing it.
