The Difference Between a Principal Actor and a Background Actor
Interested in appearing in a movie or TV show? A great way to get on set is to sign up as a Background Actor with Central Casting. There are a variety of acting roles with unique responsibilities, here’s what you should know about the difference between a principal actor and a Background Actor.
What is a principal actor?
Generally, a principal actor is someone with a speaking role on camera. This classification can mean different things depending on the type of production (commercials have different rules than movies and TV shows) or the contract an actor is working under. There are cases when an actor does not speak on camera, but is considered a principal performer, often when the role requires a certain level of acting.
While Central Casting does not typically book principal roles, we do cast Stand-Ins who work closely with actors behind the scenes. Stand-Ins take the place of principal actors for rehearsals, camera blocking, and lighting set-ups. If you’re interested in Stand-In work, read through our Stand-In article category to learn more about role responsibilities and how to get booked.
What is a Background Actor?
Background Actors perform in a non-speaking role, usually in the background of scenes, and help bring life to all kinds of productions. Without Background Actors, there’d be empty courtrooms on Law & Order, a deserted university in Tell Me Lies, and no casino patrons in Hacks.
Working as background not only gives people a behind the scenes look at how their favorite movies and TV shows are made, but offers an opportunity to get their foot in the door of the entertainment industry.
On set, Background Actors are given instructions by Assistant Directors who direct them where and when to move in a scene. While filming, background may cross in front of the camera, pantomime a conversation with another Background Actor, or even interact with the principal cast.
It’s possible that a Background Actor can be given a line and upgraded to principal during filming. This is done based on the discretion and needs of the production, please do not ask to be upgraded or given a line on set.
As with principal work, there are exceptions to Background Actors being purely non-speaking roles. For example, a group of Background Actors can say exclamatory words on camera and still be considered background. Again, the Assistant Director will give you instructions on what to do in a scene, please don’t speak on camera unless you’re asked to.
How to work as a Background Actor
At Central Casting, we book Background Actors every day in movies and TV shows. Signing up is free, easy, and there’s no experience required. Visit our Sign Up page to learn more and get started.
If you are already registered with Central Casting, one of the best ways to set yourself up for success is to keep your online profile updated with your correct sizes, accurate appearance information, and current photos. Casting Directors use the information in your profile when booking their shows, so the more accurate and thorough you are, the easier it is for them to determine the types on roles you can portray. If you fit the requirements for a role, they may reach out with an availability inquiry from our casting platform. You can also look for posts on our Jobs page and submit when you find something that matches your description.
Want to know more about being a Background Actor and working on set? Get up to speed by checking out A Starter Guide to Background Work and Production Crew Members You Should Know.
