Background Actors - 10 things FILM EXTRAS should know (Part One)

[@meganbutler1769]

Awesome tips, Adam!

[@AdamBaird]

Thanks Megan! I appreciate it!

[@Sherlock245]

This video should be how to be fired as an extra. 😢

[@broadwaymike92]

LOVE THIS!!! I've been doing background for a while. You really do learn a lot from it on what it's like acting for the cameras. I've been a Theater kid my whole life but it's always amazing to be versatile. I've even been interesting of writing a musical about Background Extras...... people don't know how much hard work it is. Kinda like how A CHORUS LINE got people to show respect for the Ensemble too. All the tips..... AMEN, AMEN, AMEN!!! 1. Be On Time - I always try to get to set even an hour to 45 minutes early so I can be one of the first few to be checked in, go through wardrobe, hair & makeup, and BAM...... I'M READY FOR MY CLOSEUP!!!! 2. The first time I ever did a set, I did get nervous about timing but so cool that sometimes production will have the Program of scenes of the day on board so we can know what's coming up next. But I was told NEVER to predict the time. The more you stay, you more you get paid!!! NAMASTE!!! 3. NO PHOTOS, CAMERAS, OR VIDEOS AT ALL...... Big No No!!!! Patti LuPone will kill you if you're ever on a set with her. All productions have to be TOP SECRECT. When I did the film NOW YOU SEE ME, they allowed you to take photos on set but no post until after the release. 4. The cast and crew mingling situation definitely is tricky. Only time if works is if any of them speak to you directly. Half the time, it's like MAIN CAST & CREW and THE BACKGROUND are rivals!! The main core thing that's hard as a background actor is BEING PATIENT. I've met a lot of BG that say "just want the money" but for me, I'm really passionate about wanting to expand my acting career beyond background...... Broadway, Film, and TV star winning all the Awards (Emmy, Grammy Oscar, Tony, etc). Sometimes, there are days where I am ready to go but then they won't use me till the end of the day OR NOT use me at all. Lot of insecurities thinking that I'm not Good Enough or Pretty Enough for Film and TV. How do you keep yourself positive even when it gets frustrating?

[@CedroneTravels]

Thanks--finally got my SAG card! Doing a film in Boston today. Very excited.

[@AdamBaird]

Thats awesome! I am glad that things are going so well for you! Break a leg in your film!

[@angela-d4477]

Thank you so much for this video. I started doing background work last week. These tips are very helpful and accurate.💯 Thanks!

[@AdamBaird]

I am glad that you enjoyed the video! Grab some popcorn and stick around because the show is just getting started!

[@belindaglenn937]

Seriously everyone LISTEN TO THIS GUY!!! He knows what he's talking about. That is all.

[@AdamBaird]

Thank you so much Berlinda! That was really nice of you to say!

[@billsmith04]

Watching this as I’m preparing myself for BG on Yellowstone 1923. Thank you.

[@RaesWAYOverdoingIt]

Watching this now since this is my first time and I’m preparing to be an extra in JK! Studio’s Freelancers! Thanks for the tips!

[@AdamBaird]

Hey that is really exciting! Best of luck to you! Let us know if you have any questions!

[@CedroneTravels]

Break a leg!!

[@RaesWAYOverdoingIt]

@@CedroneTravels thank you!

[@AdamBaird]

@@CedroneTravels I love it!

[@CedroneTravels]

@@AdamBaird so it was incredible!! Long day!! Had scenes with David Hyde Pierce. He’s a nice guy and Bebe Neuwirth. So crazy how many moving parts are all going on at the same time. We did a short scene it took 12 hours!!

[@shayleebaird926]

I never would have thought of a lot of these! This is great!

[@AdamBaird]

Thanks Shaylee! That means a lot!

[@kriptogaming123]

I got my first background acting gig this Friday I do a costume fitting tomorrow nervous af haha it’s for a spin off off grease filmed in Vancouver bc

[@AdamBaird]

Pretty cool! Hope it all went well!

[@zaniaazizar.3798]

I wish I knew the tip about the shoes when I worked background for Walker Texas Ranger.

[@wisedyer2133]

First day on set today!!... thank you my friend great video 💯

[@AdamBaird]

Yay! I am glad that you enjoyed the video! Let me know if you have any questions!

[@mikaelwallentin..]

When i get a line as a background actor i see that i do something right. Or cheering, applauding. I feel that I grow and help the movie out. Don’t know where it leads me

[@CoconutPete]

I was on set for an upcoming TV series and was shocked at how many people were on their phones taking photos etc.. even more shocking is it seemed the crew could have cared less.

[@AdamBaird]

For sure. Dont get caught up in that. You will leave a better impression if you don't do dumb stuff like they did. Break a leg!

[@hiswayservicesblog9288]

Thank you very much for all these tips!

[@AdamBaird]

I am glad that you enjoyed the video! Grab some popcorn and stick around because the show is just getting started!

[@Slim_Gaffigan]

Is comfortable footwear important? How many hours do extras spend standing? Or does it depend on the film?

[@AdamBaird]

Comfortable footwear is really important! I am planning on making a full video about wardrobe, and I will definitely include that! Thanks for bringing that up! To answer your question of "how often extras spend standing", it really would depend on the film. Usually when you get booked then will give you a general idea of what you will be doing as an extra when you get to set. It never hurts to just prepare for the worst though!

[@emmatruax9558]

Very useful and great ideas! Thanks for making these videos 👍

[@AdamBaird]

For sure! Remember that I post every Friday!

[@dammitjim9131]

Awesome awesome advice!! I would add just one more: DON'T complain about conditions to crew members or even to the other BG actors regardless. This makes everyone uncomfortable around you, and you could be potentially blacklisted as difficult. Unless (as you mentioned) your life is endangered (or you have a phobia), just go with it all. Makes the whole experience more enjoyable.

[@AdamBaird]

This is a really good addition. Complaining in general isn't very good in life let alone on a film set. Thanks for the great comment!

[@megancarroll]

Nah😣 you should always speak up when it’s not safe regardless

[@Lowkeytasha]

WHERE IS PT2?????!!! I JUST SUBSCRIBED

[@AdamBaird]

Claudysha Julien it is coming! :)

[@nicholasczech6973]

These are don’ts but i see all this happening all the time on set lol

[@AdamBaird]

Haha yeah. Lots of people don't know what they are doing :)

[@suehedges]

Thanks for the upload. This is very useful!

[@AdamBaird]

Sue Hedges your are welcome!

[@ronaldbaird4902]

Thanks for the tips!

[@AdamBaird]

For sure! I am glad that you liked them!

[@nadiiakryvoruchko1375]

12 hours…I did 16

[@AdamBaird]

Dang... I am so sorry

[@DoYouDJ]

You are not kidding about craft be thought dude was going to attak when asked for some cheese

[@AdamBaird]

Haha yeah. People are crazy sometimes.

[@dennisw.truman3325]

How long does it take for a background actor to get their SAG card?

[@AdamBaird]

You need to do a lot more then background work to get your sag card. Also, getting your sag card might not be the best option for some people. Definitely be careful when someone approaches you with sag work.

[@zonimacabre]

Whew it’s so hard to follow some of these rules! Haha I just had my first day and I hope I did okay! 😅

[@AdamBaird]

I am sure you did great!

[@jacobbaird574]

the ending is golden!! haha i’m proud.

[@jacobbaird574]

subscribed!!

[@AdamBaird]

Haha thanks Jacob! You freakin rock!

[@WarriorZionel1]

I wanna be a actor but i got stage fright and im only 13 and i think im to fat:(

[@wildernessworthy]

Love it!

[@AdamBaird]

Thanks man!

[@2Listen2me]

Your videos are fun. I will share.

[@AdamBaird]

AAAHHH!!! That means a lot! Thank you Thank you!

[@an_hooo]

Thanks bro

[@AdamBaird]

Welcome

[@siskavard]

Is it OK to ne on your phone in the holding area? Cheers

[@AdamBaird]

When in doubt the answer is no. Always ask a supervisor if you can.

[@LunaticReason]

I was offered a job they said continuity background what does that mean?

[@AdamBaird]

continuity background means "make sure the background looks the exact same way every take". Make sure they do the same movements and have the same items every take. Often times they will have 1 crew member whos job is to watch the background/actors and make sure that there is continuity between scene and shots.

[@LunaticReason]

@@AdamBaird Thanks, continuity I understand but wondering what the context was in regards to hiring me as background. Here is what they said paraphrased and omitting details. They said they wanted to submit me to play X part as member of group. The main parts of group have been cast by actors. Searching for continuity background to fill in rest of group. So my interpretation of this would be a reoccurring role in order to keep the continuity. Would my interpretation be right?

[@AdamBaird]

@@LunaticReason Sounds right! Gratz!

[@makennacanty897]

Thanks for the tips Adam! If I have never acted before what can I do to help me get a part as an extra?

[@AdamBaird]

You should check out callboard.com. They have lots of extra work and that is where I find all of my auditions.

[@McCaler]

Sure I can be the best background performer,......provided I don't get type casted. lol

[@darlenetait1369]

Also - don’t book anything else that day! It’s unprofessional to announce that you have to leave to (fill in the blank) part way through the shoot. Also… the “how much longer?” question drives the producer crazy - don’t do it.

[@AdamBaird]

Agreed. It is tough when the production doesn't respect your time as an extra either. I remember an indy film that went 4 hours over schedule (ending at 4am) and they expected everyone to stay or not get paid... pretty bad.

[@Sarah-ht1sy]

I feel like it would be so confusing to be there

[@AdamBaird]

It could feel that way for a bit, but after a while you will fit right in. Have you been on a film set before?

[@Sarah-ht1sy]

No I haven’t. But I would love to. 😁

[@AdamBaird]

Sarah well there are lots of opportunities around. Let me know what questions you have and I would love to answer them!

[@Sarah-ht1sy]

@@AdamBaird thank you 😊

[@stoneschanify]

So in other words… just stfu and do what you’re told… do these rules/limitations change once you become a principle / lead actor?

[@AdamBaird]

It becomes more collaborative when you are a lead, but many of the core principles are the same.

[@darlenetait1369]

And NEVER EVER look at the camera.

[@AdamBaird]

Or the Actors. (Mosty during action)

[@rachelberniebernstein]

You're adorable!!

[@AdamBaird]

Aww thank you! That was a really nice thing to say!

[@joes0406]

No talking or phone for 10 hours?...

[@AdamBaird]

It can be tough, but every film set is a bit different. thee goal is to make a good impression!

[@jamesbarton5759]

Please never wear that shirt again on a video, or in public, or at home.

[@AdamBaird]

You don't like the shirt? It is actually one of my favorites haha

[@jamesbarton5759]

It’s a very pretty shirt. Is pretty the look you are going for? I think my sister has this shirt.

[@darzaealonzo4954]

That shirt fire you a hater sir

[@sethmegandoran2561]

Thanks for the tips!!

[@AdamBaird]

For sure! Thanks for watching Seth.