The Difference Between a Principal Actor and a Background Actor
A lot goes into taking a production from script to screen. We’ve introduced you to the production crew members you should know, now it’s time to dive in to the performers who work in front of the camera. Whether you want to become a Hollywood A-Lister or just want to get on set, 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 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 and help bring life to all kinds of productions. Without Background Actors, there’d be empty ballrooms on Pose, no S.W.O.R.D. agents in WandaVision, and no opposing football teams on All American.
On set, Background Actors are given direction by Assistant Directors who tell 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 while on set. This is done based on the discretion and needs of the production. As background, you should never speak on camera unless instructed to by the Director or Assistant Director.
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.
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.
How to work as a Background Actor
Already registered with Central Casting? The best way to set yourself up for success is to claim and update your online profile. Claiming is easy, just click the “log in” button in our main menu, then choose “claim profile.” It’s likely been awhile since you registered or attended an Updates session, so the first time you log in, make sure the information in your profile is correct and add anything that’s missing. One of the many benefits of your online profile is the ability to update your sizes, appearance, and other details as they change. When updating your appearance, don’t forget to also upload photos that reflect your current look.
There are plenty of opportunities to get background work through Central Casting. When booking their projects, Casting Directors will use the information in your profile and reach out via our casting platform to check your availability for roles you fit. You can also look for posts on our Jobs page and submit when you find something that matches your description.
There’s a lot to know about your online profile and how to use it to get booked as a Background Actor on movies and TV shows. Get up to speed by checking out How to Respond to Central Casting Messages and The Ultimate Photo Guide for Your Online Profile.