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What is Background Work?
The path from film school graduate to working professional in Los Angeles can seem like a long and windy road with no starting point. But what if we could set ourselves up in a way that is low-pressure, educational, and even a blast? As a soon-to-be desperate film student yearning for opportunity, this is how I would make my first step causal but powerful – background acting.
Often called an “extra” or BG, a background performer fills those non-speaking roles that bring a coffee shop, a busy street, or a grand party scene to life. While the title might sound unnecessary, their contribution is absolutely essential; they provide the texture and realism that makes a fictional world believable. A scene set in a bustling diner falls flat without the sound of clattering plates and the murmur of others. More importantly for us, BG work is a unique and, most importantly, accessible key to unlocking the door to a professional set, offering a paid, front-row seat to the industry.
Many of us film students have probably already hustled on student sets or indie projects, juggling multiple roles from directing to acting. But a large-scale, professional production team would be completely different. I would say, compared with other common entry points into the film industry, background acting is definitely one of the most fun. Whether you're using it as a foundation for an acting career, getting familiar with film set jobs, or simply pursuing it as a hobby while maintaining other jobs for money, working as a background actor is the right job for any cinephile!
The best part? You can watch the show or film with your friends and family and play a friendly game of 'Where's Waldo?'
How and Where do You Find Background Work?
If you, like me, always find yourself researching actors and their early work late at night, you might also commonly wonder things like: How do I even get work? Do I need an agent? Is this actually a good move to break into the industry? What the heck should I do when I actually land a gig? And what if I was too good and accidentally get too famous?!
Well, before we decide how to pose in front of that GlamBOT on the red carpet, we need to find the gig-inner-circle.
My first move has always been to talk to people. Seriously, ask around. You’d be shocked how many classmates, friends of friends, or front desk security guards with cool tattoos have picked up a background gig – especially if you're near a big city like LA, NYC, or Toronto. And definitely don't sleep on your film school’s alumni network. A deep dive into the department website or LinkedIn can turn up grads who are now ADs, PAs, or coordinators. Shoot one friendly, curious email. It never hurt to just ask. The inner circle might be closer that we think.
Do I go DIY or Agency?
The DIY Route: Start by scouring casting boards on sites in your city like Backstage, Central Casting, and Actors Access. Also, according to my aunt who got works in the early 2010s just for fun in Toronto, there are many Facebook groups for non-union actor auditions. Usually, the application does not require any acting or film experience, and based on people's experience a non-professional headshot will also get you a job. Most background casting asks for the basics: your look, your sizes, and whether you’re available.
Leveling Up with an Agency: While not mandatory, partnering with an agency that specializes in background work is a common tool. It would be a huge help, if you’re juggling another job, studies and attempting to get into background work in your free time. An agent’s job is to find work for us and negotiate the pay, for which they take a commission (typically 10-15%). This can free up your time and provide access to a steadier, often higher-quality stream of opportunities.
However, in order to find the right the agencies, we need to do a little more homework here. Not all agencies are created equal. Perhaps start by asking for recommendations from other background actors that you meet on set. To kickstart the search, Backstage has compiled a helpful list of agencies in Los Angeles, which can you can find here.
Can it Lead to a Film Career?
For those of you hoping to kick-start a professional career in film, you might be wondering if this truly a good start for an acting or film-related career.
While it's always going to depend on who you ask, based on some of the comments and professional opinions I've seen, background work definitely lays a foundation for a future career. It provides an invaluable chance to observe, listen and grow. Whether an aspiring director, screenwriter, actor, or future crew member of any type, background work gives you the chance to learn set etiquette, how to apply set terminology in real life, and to get comfortable in a fast-paced, high pressure environment. The cherry on top? You get to watch the project come together.
How do I Prepare?
One of the key things to always remember with any line of work: be on time. The call time is not a suggestion but a command. Expect a long, unpredictable day of intense “hurry up and wait,” which means it is normal to expect more than two hours of waiting after the call time. It is almost always longer. Do expect to spend the whole day on set and be ready to go at any moment. Pack a bag with all of the essentials like a phone charger, a book, and a jacket.
Be sure to take advantage of the environment and network with the people in your area. Mingling isn't just a way to pass the time; it's a smart strategy. You might gain a job referral from a fellow BG actor, improve interpersonal skills, or offer support to someone who's having a tough day. And who knows? The person sitting next to you in the waiting room today could be a director, writer or department head that you'll end up working with in the future.
When called, listen to the PAs, the ADs, and the wardrobe team. The only task is to do exactly what's being asked of you, in exactly the same way, every single take. Settle in and enjoy!
If you're unsure about pursuing acting as a long-term career, try taking some acting classes first. Either way, it's always fun to have the experience of being in front of the camera and working with professionals!
You are doing the critical background work for your own future. So, are you ready for your close-up… even if it’s quietly sipping coffee in the back of the shot? The set is waiting.
