All New Actors Should Be Background Actors!

If you're just starting out in the acting world and want to learn quickly, being a background actor can be an eye-opener.

Ever wish you could watch movies actually being filmed? Everyone loves watching the behind the scenes footage. As a background actor, you get a backstage pass to witness the magic happening. You'll see how professionals collaborate, how scenes are blocked, and how the entire production comes together. It's like a crash course in showbiz mechanics!

(Blocking, by the way, is the term that refers to the coordination of actors on how they move around each other or handle props in a scene, so that they’re always on camera at the perfect time.)

Nothing to fear.

Let’s get this straight. There’s nothing to fear as a background actor. You won’t have any lines, unless they upgrade you with a line or 2, which is more pay and a credit on your resume. You won’t audition to be background. Casting just looks at headshots and selects what faces populate the world of that project.

Networking

It’s a networking goldmine! One of the perks of being a background actor is the people you'll meet. You'll be in the midst of casting directors, producers, crew members, and other actors – potential connections that could open doors to bigger opportunities in the future.

I’ve got a lot to say on this, but think of this as a first-time meeting, if you meet at all. Sometimes, you’re just in the same room. You’re not becoming besties with these people…not yet. Networking takes time to grow organically. We all can smell those people who are all about what’s in it for them. And when you’re on set, especially as a background actor, your job is to listen, not speak. There’s an art to networking and it takes patience.

Set Etiquette

You’re going to learn set etiquette skills. Let's talk about professionalism. Background work teaches you essential set etiquette – showing up on time, taking direction, staying adaptable even when things change last-minute, and patience. You’ll learn that waiting around, after they’ve told you to be ready, is the norm. These skills are your ticket to building a solid reputation in the industry.

You get to learn from the pros. Now, even though you might not have lines, being on set exposes you to experienced actors in action. You'll see their techniques, how they stay in character, and how they work with each other and the crew. How they mess up a line, and move through it like it was part of the script. It's like having your own personal acting masterclass.
So, yes, that means that you might be on a set with your favorite movie stars. Your starting or ending mark might be standing right next to Matthew McConaughey or Anne Hathaway. It’s always interesting to see other actors’ methods before they even hear the word, “Action”.

So part of being a professional is learning how to keep it together. You can’t go all fancrazed when you’re on set. Remember, you are all actors. You’re peers, believe it or not…just at a much different level.

Can I talk to the movie stars on set?

You’ll get instruction from the 2nd AD, which is the 2nd assistant director, typically. They’ll most likely instruct you NOT to talk to the main actors. Why? Because the actors are working.
When they walk on set, they’re going through their own methods of preparing for their scene. Some actors use their imaginations to put themselves mentally where they need to be. Others use emotional recall and sense memory, which is digging up powerful memories to evoke an authentic, organic emotion. And some are method actors, meaning they inhabit the role completely, losing themselves in the character, and many times even when the camera isn’t recording.

So your innocent, “Good morning,” might be distracting to them. Don’t be surprised if the actor turns their back to you while they’re preparing on the set. It’s not personal. My advice on set is let the actor make the first move. If they make eye contact and smile, you do the same. If they want to talk, by all means, engage, but don’t get chatty. They’re really just being polite. They’re working.

Remember, it’s not personal, it's business.

Getting comfy on camera -

You’ll learn to get comfortable and confident when you hear “Lights, camera, action!” So, they don’t actually say that anymore, but you’ll see how it’s done when you’re on set. Background work helps you get comfortable in front of the camera. The more you're around it, the more those nerves fade away. So when you do get those speaking roles, you'll be ready to shine! And by the way, it’s a whole different ball game when you’re the center of attention. But this is just your first step.

Listening is your job.

Your job on set is to listen to direction. Even when someone isn’t talking directly to you, they might be referring to you. If you hear the director discussing “blocking” with a lead actor who is standing near you, they might be discussing how you’ll move around them or how they’ll move around you. It's all about being present and responsive – even when you don’t have any lines. Eventually, the 2nd AD will give you your direction. Always ask questions to the 2nd AD if you’re confused. It’s better to ask than to screw up a take.

Great experience - 

From TV shows to commercials, background actors experience a range of projects. This exposes you to different genres, styles, and methods, making you a more versatile performer. Acting in a dramatic film is very different from acting in a multi-camera TV comedy. I recommend only doing background acting a few times if you have aspirations of becoming a working actor. Like maybe 2 or 4 times. Your goal is to get on-set experience, and a nice paycheck, hopefully. Then, start getting auditions with speaking lines. The faster you can start auditioning for speaking lines, the faster you’ll get pulled into the industry.

This is not a resume credit or on your reel.

Does this experience go on your resume and reel? The simplest answer is no. Only speaking roles get that precious real estate on your resume and a slot on your reel. BUT, if you have nothing to share on your resume, you can list it, but take it off as soon as you have a real credit. Remember, you want to look like a pro. And there’s many ways to make your resume stand out even when you have no experience…that’s a different topic for later.

So, there you have it – the scoop on why being a background actor is an enlightening stepping stone for new actors. Don't underestimate the power of this experience. Embrace it, learn from it, and then move onto speaking roles!

Break a leg.