Background Acting: The Pros and Cons for Young Performers
For budding young actors, the dream of seeing their name in lights and hearing a throng of adoring fans at the red carpet often starts with much more humble beginnings.
One such tried and true stepping stone in Hollywood is working as a background artist or “extra.” While it might not be the glamorous start many envision, it does offer invaluable experience that can prepare you for future success. However, it’s crucial to weigh both the benefits and drawbacks of this starting path before diving in.
The Value of On-Set Experience
Pros:
Working as a background artist provides an up-close look at the inner workings of a film set. It's a front-row seat to observe professional actors in action, absorb the atmosphere, and understand the rhythm of a live set. This hands-on experience is crucial for young performers, giving them a sense of how scenes are shot, the importance of continuity, and the collaborative effort required to bring a story to life. Plus, it can instill a level of comfort and familiarity with the environment, making future auditions and roles less intimidating.
Cons:
Not every job is exciting. Some shoots can be tedious or downright boring, involving long hours of waiting to be called to set. Sometimes, you might not even be used. Furthermore, if your goal is to see yourself in the final product, it’s often hit or miss. Many times, background actors are edited out, outside the frame, or extremely unfocused.
Supplementing Income While Gaining Exposure
Pros:
Another practical advantage of background work is the potential for supplementary income. For families navigating the often expensive journey of an acting career, every bit helps. Background work can provide a steady stream of income while keeping young actors involved in the industry. Casting companies like Central Casting make it relatively easy to find these opportunities, ensuring that even the greenest actors can get their foot in the door.
Cons:
Children must still attend school hours on set and will have mandatory deductions from their pay to a Coogan account. And while union productions often provide meals, the hours can be long for adults, sometimes exceeding 12 hours a day. This demanding schedule can lead to burnout, especially when the work itself can be monotonous.
The Realities of Set Life: Hours and Expectations
Pros:
Union productions often provide meals, and there are opportunities for pay bumps for providing wardrobe, working in specific conditions (like smoke or water), or if meal breaks are delayed. These small bonuses can add up, making the experience a bit more rewarding financially.
Cons:
Speaking to working actors is generally frowned upon and can be disheartening, as background actors are often treated as the bottom of the food chain on set. The work can also be extremely repetitive, and the thrill of being on set can quickly wear off after multiple long days of waiting around.
Finding the Right Balance
Pros:
While the experience is undeniably valuable, it’s also possible for background work to become counterproductive if not balanced correctly. My advice? Do it a handful of times. Use these experiences to learn and grow, but don't let it become your mainstay.
Cons:
The work can be addictive, drawing young actors away from more substantial acting opportunities. It’s important to keep focused on long-term goals and not get too comfortable in the background role.
Strategic Choices: Films and Commercials Over TV Series
Pros:
When choosing background roles, be strategic. Avoid long-term commitments in TV series, as it can eliminate your chances of booking future speaking roles in that series. Instead, opt for films or commercials. These typically have shorter shooting schedules and less risk of typecasting or limiting your future opportunities.
Cons:
There is always a risk that background work might pigeonhole you, making it harder to be taken seriously for principal roles in the future. It’s a delicate balance to strike, and one that should be navigated carefully.
Speak with Your Agent or Manager
If you’re represented by a talent agent or manager, it’s crucial to discuss your interest in background work with them. They can provide valuable advice and preferences based on your career trajectory. They might even have specific guidelines about which types of background work are beneficial and which to avoid.
The Big Picture
Working as a background artist can be a fantastic start for young actors, offering a blend of practical experience and financial benefit. However, it's crucial to approach it with the right mindset and strategy. Use it as a stepping stone, not a destination, and keep your eyes on the bigger picture of your acting career. With the right balance, this behind-the-scenes work can be a powerful tool in your child's acting arsenal.
