Breaking into the entertainment industry can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to on-camera acting. While formal training, headshots, and auditioning are all essential, one of the most overlooked yet valuable opportunities for new actors is background acting (also called being an extra). If you want to become a working actor, background acting is one of the best ways to gain experience, understand how film sets operate, and start building industry connections.
In this guide, we'll explore why background acting is a smart first step for aspiring actors and how it can set you up for success in the film and television industry.
What Is Background Acting?
Background acting involves performing as an extra in film, television, and commercial productions. Unlike principal actors, extras don't have speaking roles but help fill out scenes to create a realistic environment. For example, extras might play restaurant patrons, pedestrians, office workers, or party guests.
While background actors rarely receive individual screen time, their presence is essential for making scenes feel authentic. More importantly, it's an invaluable opportunity for aspiring actors to observe professional productions up close.
1. Learn How Film and TV Sets Work
One of the biggest challenges for new actors is understanding the fast-paced, highly structured world of film and television sets. Unlike theatre, where actors control their performance from start to finish, on-camera work involves technical elements like camera angles, lighting setups, sound recording, and blocking.
As a background actor, you'll witness the entire production process firsthand. You'll learn:
How directors, cinematographers, and other crew members collaborate
Common terminology used on set (e.g., "rolling," "back to one," "marks")
The importance of hitting marks and continuity for on-camera performance
By the time you land a speaking role, you'll already be comfortable in a professional set environment, reducing your chances of feeling overwhelmed or making rookie mistakes.
2. Build On-Camera Confidence
Many new actors struggle with on-camera nerves. Performing in front of a camera feels different from acting in a theater, and the presence of lights, crew members, and multiple takes can be intimidating. Background acting allows you to ease into on-camera performance without the pressure of carrying a scene.
Even if you're just walking down a street or sitting at a table, you'll get used to being filmed, following director instructions, and staying in character for long periods. This experience translates directly to future auditions and speaking roles, where confidence is key.
3. Network with Industry Professionals
Acting is as much about who you know as it is about talent. Being on set puts you in proximity to directors, producers, assistant directors, and fellow actors who may remember you for future roles.
For example:
A production assistant might recommend you for a featured extra spot.
A casting director could recognize your professionalism and invite you to audition for speaking roles.
Fellow background actors may share tips on upcoming auditions, agents, or acting workshops.
While it's essential to remain professional and avoid bothering key crew members, simply being a reliable and positive presence can open doors in unexpected ways.
4. Get Paid While Learning
Unlike acting classes (which can be expensive), background work pays you while you gain industry experience. Rates vary, but most productions follow union or non-union guidelines. In the U.S., SAG-AFTRA (the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) sets higher pay rates for background actors.
Even as a non-union extra, you'll possibly earn money for your time, with meal allowances and even bonuses for special skills or featured background roles. It's a great way to start making money while pursuing your acting career.
5. Improve Your Professionalism and Work Ethic
Acting isn't just about talent—it's about being reliable, punctual, and adaptable. Background acting teaches you:
Set etiquette: How to behave professionally and follow crew instructions.
Time management: The importance of arriving early and being prepared for long shoot days.
Adaptability: The ability to take direction and adjust performances on the fly.
These qualities make you more attractive to casting directors and increase your chances of landing
future roles.
6. Gain Eligibility for SAG-AFTRA
For actors pursuing union work, background acting can lead to SAG-AFTRA membership. Many productions offer SAG vouchers to background actors, and earning three of these can qualify you for union membership. Joining the union gives actors access to higher-paying roles, healthcare benefits, and greater job protections.
7. Experience the Realities of a Film Career
Many people dream of being actors but don't fully understand the industry's demands. Background work gives you an honest look at the realities of set life:
Early call times and long hours
Hurry-up-and-wait culture (lots of downtime between scenes)
Physical endurance (standing for hours, repeating takes, wearing uncomfortable costumes)
Experiencing this firsthand helps new actors decide whether to commit to a professional acting career.
8. Open Doors to Featured and Speaking Roles
While background acting won't instantly make you a star, some extras do get upgraded to speaking roles. If a director needs an extra to deliver a line or interact with a lead actor, they might pick someone already on set. Being present, prepared, and professional increases your chances of these opportunities.
Additionally, some casting directors scout extras for future projects. You could be called in for auditions for more prominent roles if you stand out due to your look, professionalism, and/or on-set demeanor.
Should You Start with Background Acting?
Background work is an excellent first step if you want to become a working actor. It provides hands-on experience, builds confidence, helps you make industry connections, and pays you while learning the ropes.
While it shouldn't be your only strategy, it's a smart way to gain experience, develop professionalism, and ease into the competitive world of film and television. Many successful actors, including Brad Pitt, Channing Tatum, and Megan Fox, started as background actors before booking major roles.
So, if you're serious about acting, consider signing up for background work today. It might just be your first step toward a thriving on-camera career!
For more screen, stage, and voice-over acting tips and techniques, check out our other posts on The Intrepid Actor. And be sure to visit our website at Everything Cinema Productions to see how we can support your acting journey!
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