5 Key Background Acting Tips

Looking for ways to prepare for the next time you're booked as a background actor? From getting ready to impressing on set, here are some tips to help you be successful.

1. Understand your details

Understanding your booking details is an integral part of working as a background actor. You will receive your booking information as a details message from the casting portal, which may include an additional resource like a Booking Details page. Keep in mind that casting directors and production companies receive booking information as it comes in from multiple departments within production; it's likely you will not receive your details until later in the evening the night before you work.

Your details will include an initial call time, call location and how to get your call time changes. It's extremely important to show up on time and ready to work. Before heading to the filming location, it's a good idea to factor in traffic, public transportation delays, parking and other delays that could make you late.

Always read your details fully and carefully. It's the best way to prepare and set yourself up for a successful day.

2. Arrive camera ready

A big part of background work is creating looks for set. If you're booked for the first time, this can seem a little daunting, but it's also a really fun part of being a background actor. Depending on your role, you may be given very specific hair, makeup and wardrobe instructions to create the desired look. Then there may be times you can add your own spin to your category's clothing and overall style. Either way, just be sure you're starting with your details and creating your look within the parameters given.

Often, you will be asked to arrive to set camera ready with your wardrobe on and your hair and makeup done appropriately for the role. Other times you will be instructed to bring your wardrobe with you. Be sure your clothing makes it to set clean and unwrinkled (unless your category calls for something different).

3. Brush up on production terms

TV and film sets have their own language, which can be confusing if you're unfamiliar with industry terminology.

Get to know these common terms so you understand how you're being instructed on set:

• Background: When you hear "background" called, that's the cue for Background Actors to begin their action.
• Cross: A cross is movement that passes through the view of the camera. If the Assistant Director instructs you to do a cross, your path may take you directly in front of the main action in the scene.
• Back to one: When "back to one" is called, it's a cue to move back to your original position.

If you're unfamiliar with a term you hear on set, ask your fellow background actors when you're not filming. Chances are you're working with someone who can explain it to you.

4. Pay attention and follow directions

Background actors are commonly given direction by assistant directors or production assistants. This can involve walking around the set, pantomiming with other background actors or interacting with principal actors. Pay attention to all instructions given and keep track of your movements so you can recreate them every take. You should also be aware of the movements of the principal actors and other background actors to know how they may affect what you're doing. If you want to work as a stand-in, being a professional background actor who knows what is going on may catch the attention of an assistant director looking to upgrade someone on set.

5. Know what to do at wrap

When you're finished working for the day, a member of production will wrap you, which will involve sending your SmartVoucher for approval or collecting your paper voucher. It's important to review your voucher information while on set and raise any queries with production before heading home. You can access SmartVoucher by clicking the link in the email sent to you at wrap or by logging in to your online profile and selecting the "Job Review" option in the main menu.

These background acting tips will help get you started, but there's a lot you can learn about being a background actor by staying present and engaged while on set. You can also check out our Talent Resources page for easy to follow videos about being a background actor.