This guide covers the basics of being a background performer and the expectations on set, along with important details about wages, professionalism, and what to expect throughout the booking and filming process.
What You Need to Know
Being a background performer is a part-time job, not something to rely on to cover all your expenses. It’s a fascinating way to spend a day, learn more about the film industry, meet interesting people, and earn some extra money. Background performers, or “extras,” play an essential role in films and TV shows by creating atmosphere, realism, and ambiance in various scenes.
You might find yourself acting in restaurants, nightclubs, courtrooms, streets, police stations, crime scenes, and more. While it can be exciting to be near movie stars, it’s important to remember that they are just people doing a job. As an extra, your role is to act naturally, blending into the scene. Overacting is rarely necessary, but neither is ignoring key moments in a scene where your reaction may be required.
How Often Will You Work?
Background performers typically work on a one-day call basis. Common scenes—restaurants, street scenes, etc.—take just one day to film. Occasionally, you may be booked for multiple continuity days or as a regular extra on a TV series. These types of roles can last for the duration of the season. While exciting, background performing is not consistent full-time work.
Professionalism on Set
It’s crucial to conduct yourself in a professional manner on all sets. As a background performer, you’re being paid to do a job. Even if it’s your first time, there’s no need to announce it. Blend in by observing how more experienced extras conduct themselves, and always ask questions if you are unsure of anything. Either ask another background performer or approach the BG wrangler.
The Booking Process
Extras casting teams are responsible for booking background performers according to the production’s specific needs. Casting calls are often posted on our Facebook page with all necessary information about the shoot, including the production name, work date, scene, and the type of extras required. You must respond to any booking emails or texts as quickly as possible to confirm your availability. You will not be officially booked unless you confirm your availability 100%.
What to Expect on Shoot Day
Length of the Day: Film shoot days can range from 6 to 12 hours, but they can sometimes be shorter or extend beyond that. You may work as long as 14 hours or more, although this is less common. Be fully prepared to be on set the entire day without leaving early or arriving late. Minors have stricter regulations; for example, those aged 12-15 can only work a maximum of 10 hours, including 2 hours of overtime.
Calltime Info: Your start time, wardrobe, and other essential details will be sent to you the evening before the shoot. It’s vital to check your email frequently the night before so you can confirm receipt of your call time and ensure everything is in order. Your call time is when you are expected to begin working, but always arrive at least 15 minutes earlier for check-in.
WAGES AND PAYMENT PROCESS
Film and television productions pay an hourly rate from your call time until you’re wrapped for the day. For non-union background performers, the standard hourly wage is $15.30 per hour. ACTRA union members, on the other hand, are paid in accordance with union rates.
- Standard Pay: Background performers are paid straight time for the first 8 hours of work. After 8 hours, you are paid time-and-a-half up to 11 hours, and then double time for any work beyond 12 hours in one day. Meal breaks (1 hour) are unpaid, but lunch is typically provided on set.
- Props, Vehicles, and Animals: If you are booked with specific props such as a bicycle, skateboard, or musical instrument, or if you bring your own vehicle or animal (such as a dog), you may receive an additional flat rate—usually $40 per day. Please note that basic props like backpacks or handbags are generally not considered for extra pay.
Important: We, as the extras casting team, are not responsible for paying extras. Each extra is hired and paid directly by individual productions, and the payment is processed through the production’s accounting or payroll department. If you have any payment-related inquiries, please contact the production’s payroll department directly. We will provide you with the necessary contact information if required.
Signing In and Out
Arrive 15 minutes early to your call time and make sure to sign in with the extras wrangler, who will give you the necessary forms to fill out, such as your timesheet and release form. Don’t forget your social insurance number (SIN), as you’ll need it for payroll. You may also be required to sign a confidentiality agreement, especially on high-profile productions. Always sign out when you are wrapped for the day to ensure you get paid for your time.
Residency Documentation
Since 2018, production companies must provide residency documentation for all employees in order to claim provincial and federal tax incentives. As a background performer, you’ll need to submit proof of your residency (like a utility bill or driver’s license) to the payroll department of each production you work on. This is only required once per show.
Wardrobe and Appearance
Wardrobe is critical to your role. We will provide guidance on what to wear, and you should always bring 2-3 extra changes of clothes suitable for the scene. Generally, avoid solid black, white, bright colors, or bold patterns. The goal is to blend into the background, so muted tones like beige, brown, olive, rust, and gray are preferred.
You should arrive camera-ready, with hair and makeup done, unless otherwise instructed. Men should be clean-shaven unless told otherwise, and you should always come prepared with weather-appropriate clothing, especially for outdoor shoots.
For specific roles like police officers or period pieces, wardrobe will be provided, and you may need to attend a costume fitting before the shoot. Fittings are typically 2-hour paid calls.
Locations and Transportation
Filming can take place anywhere in Winnipeg or surrounding areas. You are responsible for your own transportation, so be sure you can get to the location before accepting a booking. If the location is difficult to reach by transit, it’s better to decline the job than to arrive late.
Payment Process
Your paycheck will be mailed to you by the production’s payroll department, typically within three weeks of the shoot. If you don’t receive it after 30 days, contact the payroll department for assistance. Be sure to keep your paper voucher, which is a record of your hours worked, until you receive your pay.
Cancellations
Emergencies happen, but it’s important to notify us as soon as possible if you need to cancel. Not showing up for a job can cause major disruptions, as we will need to find a last-minute replacement. Please don’t wait until the night before or the day of the shoot to inform us, unless it’s a true emergency.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do:
- Arrive on time and sign in.
- Bring 3 wardrobe choices.
- Bring weather-appropriate gear and an umbrella.
- Have your SIN or work permit.
- Be professional and respectful.
- Return all props and wardrobe items.
- Turn off your phone while filming.
- Be patient and understanding when the crew is stressed.
- Enjoy the experience and meet new people!
Don’t:
- Arrive late or leave early.
- Talk during filming.
- Take pictures on set.
- Wander around or leave the extras holding area without permission.
- Ask the cast for autographs or photos.
- Look into the camera.
- Sleep while waiting on set.