Job profile: Extra / Background actor

Extras are the heart of every moving image. They are responsible for bringing the backdrop of a movie scene, such as in "Lord of the Rings" or the series "Game of Thrones", to life. They make the productions look natural and authentic. In Germany, for example, extras and background actors are sought for the well-known action series "Alarm for Cobra 11", the crime series "Tatort" and the series "Club der roten Bänder". But they are also used in operas, theaters, music videos and commercials.

It is not difficult to become an extra, you don't need any previous experience or training. Any layperson can apply for such a job and generate a nice side income. Many aspiring actors get their first taste of film as an extra and gain further on-set experience in various extra roles. However, you should bear in mind that this type of employment will not make you rich. Gaining experience, being there and having fun are the most important things.

Have you ever wondered who the people in the background of your favorite film are and why they are not looking at the camera? These people are extras and background actors who are part of a movie production as supporting actors, for example. All their movements are skillfully staged and rehearsed - these are no coincidences. They are not necessarily difficult extra roles, but their presence is necessary to liven up the sets and scenery.

On the day of filming, all the actors are usually assembled at a meeting point on the set. This is followed by a communal greeting, after which it is explained what the extras can expect on the day of filming and what their tasks are. Walks, facial expressions, gestures and special movements are discussed and rehearsed. The director or assistant director often selects individual actors who fit the scene well and places them in the foreground so that they can be captured by the camera.

As a rule, the actors are asked to appear in the correct clothing, e.g. in a uniform, evening dress or a fitness outfit, and possibly with a suitable accessory (e.g. handbag, glasses), everyday object (e.g. car, tennis racket) or accompanied by animals (e.g. dog).

However, extras may also have to attend elaborate fittings before filming begins, where they receive their costumes. Fantasy, science fiction or period-specific formats in particular require special outfits that not everyone has in their closet.

Once filming has started, the scenes are often repeated until the perfect performance is in the can - this can be a bit tedious and boring. For theater or opera performances, rehearsals are of course held in advance of the premiere so that everyone knows what they have to do on day X.

The job as an extra has a catch. It is not compatible with every professional activity. This is because advertisements are usually published at short notice and you have to react quickly to be shortlisted. Furthermore, the dates of shooting days can change, which requires a certain amount of flexibility, and often the whole day is taken up by a few minutes of intensive work.

Anyone can become an extra - no matter what you look like, how old you are or what you can do. Precisely because the criteria for different roles are so different, everyone has a chance - children and young people, "mid-agers" and senior citizens with different cultural backgrounds. Not only everyday faces are sought, but also special types with an individual character and recognition value that do not necessarily fit the prevailing ideal of beauty. "People" is therefore also a common term for this job profile.

As you might have guessed from the previous sections, the answer is simple: you don't need any training! The aim of this activity is to offer amateurs without acting training a chance to take part in film, television and theater. Of course, hiring amateur actors also has its financial advantages.

If you've always wanted to know what it feels like to work on a film set and have often thought about applying to be an extra, you can find all the information and help you need in the following article: "How to become an extra?"

Even if some people have made being an extra their main occupation, which of course only works in the media metropolises and is not always welcome, as other faces should also be seen on television from time to time, you don't necessarily earn big money with it.

As a rule, an extra receives a gross salary of €96 per shooting day for up to 8 hours. For up to 10 hours, the minimum pay is €120. In some cases, you also receive additional allowances for travel and accommodation. Furthermore, allowances can be paid for night work, overtime or for bringing your own props, clothing, animals or vehicles. Sometimes catering is even included, although this is less lavish than that of the actors.

The budgets of production companies are decreasing more and more these days, which means that the wages of supporting actors are also suffering. However, if you are registered with an agency or on job portals, you may be lucky enough to be discovered by advertisers who clearly pay more.

The good thing is that extras are almost always needed for a production. In some cases, several thousand actors are hired at once for major feature films such as "Lord of the Rings". The chances of getting a job early are therefore high.

In the media strongholds such as Berlin, Cologne, Munich or Hamburg, however, it could be more difficult, as these are the conurbations of production companies and television stations in Germany and the market there is relatively saturated.

Extra and background actor roles are very popular with budding actors, such as drama students, as a way of getting a taste of stage or film acting. From there, you can then work your way up to a bit-part actor. The role as a bit-part actor can in turn be the first step towards a big career.