Hence on many advertisements, which are often shown multiple times and distributed internationally, whilst the extra is paid a contracted day-rate, the largest payment is nominally due from ongoing royalties. All performers under agreement with BECTU/Equity are paid on-going royalties. However, even on non-union productions an extra's pay is an agreed day-rate for ten hours of production time. Minimum pay rates are defined by UK Government minimum wage regulations, and both BECTU and Equity have agreed rates with each body. These state that once a performer says 13 or more words in any scene, they must become a contracted actor in that production. In the United Kingdom, the distinction between an actor and an extra is defined by agreements between the actors trade unions Broadcasting Entertainment Cinematograph and Theatre Union (BECTU) and Equity, and the various commercial trade and production bodies. ( August 2010) ( Learn how and when to remove this template message) You may improve this section, discuss the issue on the talk page, or create a new section, as appropriate. The examples and perspective in this section may not represent a worldwide view of the subject. For instance, on James Cameron's film Titanic, a group of 150 "core background actors" was hired to play the ship's passengers, and employed throughout the filming. Some background actors are needed on the set only for a day or two and are paid on a daily basis, while others may remain with the film for an extended period. The length of a background actor's employment on a production largely depends on the needs of the director and the scenes being filmed. On smaller productions or student films, background actors may be hired en masse with little formality. On other occasions, where a costume has already been prepared (for example, to fit another actor who is now unavailable), a background actor may be selected as a "costume double" simply because they are the right size to fit it. A casting director may favor the one who already has the required costume or prop, such as a police uniform, or a musical instrument. A background actor is often expected to bring his or her own wardrobe to the set, although there are also "fittings" for a specific scene or period. Casting directors may also look for background actors with a special skill for the scene, such as rollerblading, bike riding, skiing or dancing. When hiring background actors, casting directors generally seek those with a specific "look", such as "high school students" or "affluent senior citizens", consistent with the context of the film.
stage combat), and includes two 8x10 inch photographs on the rear: one head shot one full body shot. Artists may be required to provide a basic one-page A4 sized CV/resume, that states basic personal details and dimensions, any significant skills (e.g.
Some agencies charge a registration fee, and some (mostly commercial background casting) will take between 10% and 15% commission from any booked work. Several casting agencies specialize only in background work, whilst in the UK the directory Contacts published annually by Spotlight lists all accredited agencies and productions. Background actors are generally selected on short notice, after all other preparations for the shoot have been finalized. Punctuality, reliability and the ability to take direction also figure prominently for these cast members. It is not entirely true that background cast members require little or no acting experience, as any type of unrealistic portrayal must include some form of imagination and acting. In opera and ballet, they are called either "extras" or "supers".Įxtras in the Krak des Chevaliers castle, Syria.Ĭasting criteria for background actors depend on the production. In a stage production, background actors are commonly referred to as " supernumeraries".
On a film or TV set, background actors are usually referred to as "junior artist", "atmosphere", "background talent", "background performers", "background artists", "background cast members" or simply "background", while the term "extra" is rarely used. Likewise, grand opera can involve many background actors appearing in spectacular productions. War films and epic films often employ background actors in large numbers: some films have featured hundreds or even thousands of paid background actors as cast members (hence the term "cast of thousands"). Performer appearing in a nonspeaking or nonsinging role in a film or playĪ background actor or extra is a performer in a film, television show, stage, musical, opera or ballet production, who appears in a nonspeaking or nonsinging (silent) capacity, usually in the background (for example, in an audience or busy street scene).