What Are Background Actors?

Sometimes referred to as extras, background actors are people who are cast in a production to fill a scene. They typically do not have speaking roles, and they are not always required to have acting experience. Some examples of the types of scenes where background actors are used are busy street settings, dramatic fighting or battle scenes, classrooms, audiences, concerts, weddings, other crowded events, and more.

At times, when hiring background actors, casting agencies will try to create authenticity in the production by hiring people who have the occupations or lifestyles of the background roles needed. For example, if a group of nurses are needed to fill a background scene, actual nurses may be sought out. Other times, certain skill-sets may be required to fill background roles, such as dancing or being able to play a musical instrument.

Background actors can also be hired to perform other important roles on set, such as being a stand-in or a photo double.

A stand-in is someone who has the same general build, skin tone, and hair color as the cast member they need to double for. Stand-ins pay close attention to their actor’s movements during rehearsal so that they can replicate those movements as closely as possible during the setup rehearsal with the lighting and camera crew. While the principal cast is getting their hair, makeup and wardrobe done to prepare for shooting, stand-ins work with the lighting and camera crew to finalize their settings, movement, and framing. There are many movie stars who have their own personal stand-ins who help them with each project they taken on.

A photo double is someone who is made up to look like an actor and take their place on camera for scenes where the actor’s face does not need to be shown.

When sending photos to casting agencies for the purpose of being selected as a background actor, it is important to submit pictures that are current and an accurate representation of what you look like so that there are no surprises if you are hired for a production. Changes in hairstyles, facial hair or other visible body parts (such as tattoos) can impact the selection process because background actors are hired based on how well they would fit in with the era and context of the scene.

If you are looking for extras or background casting agencies, check out our online Nevada Production Directory for a list of extras and background casting agencies in Nevada or drop by our office and pick up a free printed directory!

If you are a background casting agent in Nevada and are not yet listed in our Nevada Production Directory, you can learn more about how to sign up for the NPD here.

For more information about how to become a background actor or stand-in, check out 11 Simple Secrets to Becoming A Professional Movie Extra.

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