Atlanta, Georgia, has become a major hub for the film and television industry, earning the nickname “Hollywood of the South.” From blockbuster Marvel movies to popular TV series, productions of all sizes flock to Georgia, thanks to the state’s attractive tax incentives. One of the key components of these productions is the background actors, or extras, who help create the realistic scenes and settings that audiences love. But how much do these background actors actually get paid?
Standard Pay Rates for Background Actors
According to ZipRecruiter the average hourly rate for a background actor in Atlanta is around $25/hour. We have no idea where they got this from, but this is absolutely false! It is not nearly that much! For most non-union background actors in Atlanta, the standard pay rate starts at around $100 to $200 per day. This is based on a 12-hour workday, which means extras typically make about $80 to $100 for 8 hours and receive overtime pay if the production goes over that limit. Overtime is generally paid at time and a half, and for productions that stretch well beyond 12 hours, some actors may even earn double time. This is common on larger productions, where long days are not unusual.
Union vs. Non-Union Pay
There’s a significant difference in pay between union (SAG-AFTRA) and non-union background actors. Almost all background work in Atlanta is non-union. Union actors can command higher rates and more benefits but in Georgia (unlike California), productions use almost all non-union background actors. Which makes it easy if you want to sign up and be an extra – just don’t expect to get rich doing it.
Just for the record, for SAG-AFTRA members, the base pay rate is typically around $182 per day (as of 2024). If the production goes beyond 8 hours, actors earn overtime, which can significantly increase daily earnings. In addition to base pay, SAG-AFTRA background actors also receive benefits like meal penalties if food isn’t provided on time and rest period penalties if they aren’t given breaks.
Special Skills and Featured Extras
Some background roles pay more than the standard rate. Extras who have special skills such as dancing, playing an instrument, or stunt work can earn higher wages. For example, an extra who can drive a car during a scene or handle weapons may earn $250 to $500 per day, depending on the skill level required.
In addition, featured extras, who have more prominent roles in the background but no speaking lines, may earn a bit more. Though they’re still considered background actors, these roles often come with an elevated pay rate because they are seen more clearly on camera and are sometimes given direction individually. The pay for featured extras in Atlanta can range from $150 to $300 per day.
Extra Work on Commercials
Background actors working on commercials can sometimes earn higher pay than those working on films or TV shows but not always. Commercial work pays has high as $350 to $500 per day, with the possibility of additional compensation if the commercial airs nationally or becomes part of a long-running campaign. You may read that some background actors receive residuals (when background actors can continue to receive payments long after the commercial has aired) but this is very infrequent.
Overnight and Hazard Pay
Certain conditions can increase pay for extras. For example, if you’re asked to work overnight, you may receive additional compensation. Productions that require overnight shoots (usually starting around 6 PM and running until the early morning hours) often come with a small pay bump, typically an additional $50 to $100.
Extras working in hazardous conditions, such as extreme weather or performing dangerous actions, may also qualify for hazard pay. This can include shoots involving water scenes, high-speed car chases, or scenes that involve explosions or other risky stunts. Hazard pay can range from $50 to $150 on top of the base rate.
Taxes and Deductions
Like any job, background acting income is subject to taxes. Many productions in Atlanta will withhold federal and state taxes, and you should receive a W-2 or 1099 form at the end of the year, depending on how the production classifies you. If you are classified as an independent contractor, you’ll be responsible for paying your own taxes, so it’s important to budget for that. Some extras may also need to factor in expenses like gas, parking, or meals, although productions usually provide meals if the shoot lasts more than six hours.
Don’t Quit Your Day Job
While background acting in Atlanta will not make you rich, it can be really fun if you enjoy the film industry. Some think it’s a good way to get your foot in the door if you’re interested in the entertainment industry, but it’s also unlikely that you’ll get “discovered” being an extra. With the city’s booming film industry, there are plenty of opportunities for those looking to work as extras, whether for the fun of working on a movie or a very small paycheck.
This writer had the experience of sitting directly behind director,Ryan Coogler, for about 2 hours as he directed Angela Bassett in her amazing U.N. speech on the first day of filming Black Panther: Wakanda Forever (filmed in the Eqyptian Ballroom at the Fox Theater in Atlanta). The experience was amazing but the pay was not.
Pay can vary depending on factors like skills, and the type of production, but be prepared for basically very little pay. Combined with the long hours and the unpredictable conditions it may not seem like it’s worth it, but if your love movies it’s still worth doing. If you’re considering becoming a background actor in Atlanta, it’s important to do your research, be prepared for the realities of the job, and most of all, enjoy the unique opportunity to be part of the action behind the scenes.
