What is background work, and why is it important?
Extras work, also known as background work, is when you act in scenes to make the setting look real. In TV shows, movies, commercials, or online content, you could be a customer at a café, a student, a passerby, or a member of the audience.
Background roles are one of the easiest ways for new actors to get into the business. They let you see how professional sets work, learn how productions work, and start to build a reputation—all without the stress of being in charge of a scene.
Just look at these Hollywood stars who started their careers as extras—even Ben Aflek and Channing Tatum had to start somewhere!
Step 1: Know what casting directors want
You don't need to be an actor
One of the best things about doing background work is that casting directors don't expect you to have a lot of formal training or a lot of credits on your resume. What they want is for you to be reliable, pay attention to details, and be able to follow directions.
Background actors need to fit in with the scenes naturally, pick up cues quickly, and keep things going during long days of shooting.
Availability is important
Producers often need background actors on short notice or for long periods of time. If you can be flexible with your schedule, you have a much better chance of getting booked.
This is why a lot of beginners start by applying to projects that are open on casting platform like allcasting.
Step 2: Make a strong profile for your background actor
Simple, honest photos work best.
You don't need dramatic headshots for background work like you do for principal roles. Casting teams want to see how you really look.
Use photos that are clear and well-lit with:
- Clothes that are neutral
- Very little makeup
- Hair that is natural
- No strong filters
Your pictures should show what you look like right now.
Fill out all the information
For background casting, height, age range, clothing sizes, and location are very important. Even if the look fits, profiles that aren't complete are often skipped automatically.
Step 3: Apply to the right casting calls
Start with projects that are easy for beginners
New background actors are always needed for commercials, TV shows, student films, and digital productions. Many listings make it clear what these roles are.
To find projects that fit your age, look, and schedule, you can look through current background casting calls on allcasting.
Apply with care, not at random
Casting directors can tell when someone applies without reading the job description. Always check:
- You meet the requirements for age and location.
- You can be there on the day of the shoot.
- You look like what was described in general.
Every time, quality applications are better than quantity.
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Step 4: Be aware of what will happen on set
Be professional right away
People who work as background actors should:
- Get there early
- Bring the requested clothes options
- Do what you're told quietly and quickly
Even if you don't talk on camera, people are always watching you.
Days that are long are normal
A lot of the time, background work means waiting, doing scenes over and over, and working long hours. Being patient and having a good attitude can help a lot, and casting teams remember people who are easy to work with.
Step 5: Use background work to build momentum
Create set experience, not a resume line
Background roles don't usually go on acting resumes, but they do give you something just as valuable: real-world experience. You'll learn how to act on set, how to be aware of the camera, and how directors talk to each other.
Knowing this will make you feel more sure of yourself when you try out for speaking parts later.
Be polite when networking
When you do background work, you can meet other actors, assistant directors, and production staff. Be polite, friendly, and professional, but don't interrupt or try to get attention.
People often get opportunities because they are known as reliable, not because they promote themselves.
Step 6: Keep an eye out for chances to upgrade
Sometimes, background actors are given bigger or more important roles. You shouldn't expect this to happen, but it does, especially when someone stands out for the right reasons.
Be ready at all times, know your marks, and follow directions exactly.
Last thoughts
Getting into background work is not a quick way to get ahead; it's a step up. It lets new actors get into the business, learn how sets work, and show that they are professionals.
Background work can be the start of a much bigger journey if you have a strong profile, realistic expectations, and put in consistent effort on allcasting.
No matter what role you play, even if it's in the background, you're getting closer to the career you want.
