Some general information about background acting in television, commercials and film / movies.
What is the difference between a Calling Service and a Casting Agency?
A Calling Service (Extra’s Management, Virgo Talent, Booked Talent etc…) is a service that requires a monthly or per job payment to acquire Extra work for you and make sure you have the required information for arriving to set on time and prepared. The service submits your profile to various casting directors and agencies who will book the appropriate clients for the background acting gig. For SAG or AFTRA Union Work it is almost imperative to acquire work through one of these types of agencies.
A Casting Agency (Central Casting, Rich King Casting, Jeff Olan Casting etc…) is a company or individual who actually casts the Television Show, Movie / Film, Photo Shoot, Commercial or whatever project may need Background or Atmosphere Talent. Many of these agencies use both calling services and direct booking lines to fill the calls for their producer clients.
What can I expect as a background actor?
- As a background actor you can expect to work very closely with top professional actors on some of the most famous movies and television shows.
- You may sometime work very long hours. An average day is 12 hours and many time 13 – 16 hours is not unheard of.
- Often you can expect to be fed very good catered meals and be provided water, coffee, snacks and small meals throughout the day. However sometimes, especially on studio lots, you should be prepared to buy your own lunch at the commissary or local eatery. This is known as a walk away lunch.
What should I not expect as a Background Actor?
- Do not expect to become wealthy quickly. Background acting is an entry level job paying minimum wage for most Non-Union positions.
- It is very uncommon for Background Actors to be “discovered” or Upgraded to Day Player or principal parts on the set of Movies or television shows.
- Do not expect to know what time you will get off of work. Your participation requires strict dedication to finish the job no matter how enduring it may seem.
What does it mean to be “SAG” or “In the Union?”
One of the most likely conversations heard on the set among background actors often begins with the question, “Are you SAG?” Well don’t be offended, SAG or The Union is in reference to the Trade Unions for TV and Movie Actors. The Screen Actors Guild and AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artist). Anyone who is a serious working actor is most likely a member of SAG or AFTRA
You can become eligible to join the Screen Actors Guild with the acquisition of 3 SAG Vouchers for Background work. This can prove to be a daunting task for most but some may find that they become SAG eligible rather quickly.
For more on this subject check out the Screen Actor’s Guild website at: www.SAG.org
There is also the AFTRA Union which covers only Television Shows and Broadcast Radio Cast. Membership to AFTRA is open to anyone willing to pay the joining fee and although it is on the rise, there is typically less AFTRA Union work than SAG Union work. This is changing quickly though as many new TV Shows are opting for the flexible AFTRA Contracts.
Visit their web site for more information on AFTRA: www.AFTRA.com
It would be wise to weigh the balance of cost versus the amount of work available before rushing into a decision about joining a Union. The amount of work available drops substantially for most Actors after joining a Union. Be careful not to rush into a decision that could cost a lot of money and be very disheartening.
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