It’s possible that a Background Actor can be given a line and upgraded to principal during filming. While filming, background may cross in front of the camera, pantomime a conversation with another Background Actor, or even interact with the principal cast. On set, Background Actors are given instructions by Assistant Directors who direct them where and when to move in a scene. 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. Without Background Actors, there’d be empty courtrooms on Law & Order, a deserted university in Tell Me Lies, and no casino patrons in Hacks. What is a Background Actor?īackground Actors perform in a non-speaking role, usually in the background of scenes, and help bring life to all kinds of productions. 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. Stand-Ins take the place of principal actors for rehearsals, camera blocking, and lighting set-ups. While Central Casting does not typically book principal roles, we do cast Stand-Ins who work closely with actors behind the scenes. 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. This classification can mean different things depending on the type of production (commercials have different rules than movies and TV shows) or the contract an actor is working under. Generally, a principal actor is someone with a speaking role on camera. There are a variety of acting roles with unique responsibilities, here’s what you should know about the difference between a principal actor and a Background Actor. Interested in appearing in a movie or TV show? A great way to get on set is to sign up as a Background Actor with Central Casting. Principal actor Kim Raver with Background Actors on Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)

Principal vs principle player