YOU WANT TO BE A BACKGROUD ACTOR IN NEW MEXICO

Congratulations! You’ve been booked for a day of background work in New Mexico. This can be a fun and wonderful learning experience if you’re just  entering the industry. You’ll quickly learn about the life of an actor  and the uncertainty that can exist about the project’s details, the  last-minute changes, the long stretches of sitting and waiting, and the  rush to then begin working. It’s important to understand that when  working on a film or TV project, things are very fluid, so when you’re  there as a background actor you need to stay calm and just go with the  flow. 

     At the start, you’ll be told the date  of the shoot but your call time might not be given to you until the  night before the shoot. Understand that production is not trying to make  your life difficult. They can’t set a call time until they know when  the shoot has finished the day before. 

     On the day of the shoot, make sure  you bring all wardrobe that was requested along with a pen, paper,  identification like a driver’s license or passport and social security  card, and business cards. You may also be asked to have a Covid test before the shoot. You will typically receive a pay bump to cover the extra expense of the Covid Test, Business cards are great to bring because if  you have the opportunity, giving your card to other actors is a good way  to connect with others in the industry. If they don’t have a card,  write their information down so you can stay in touch. 

     Always  arrive early to your shoot and ask where “extras holding” is located.  This is the area where all background actors congregate, sign in, and  leave their belongings. It’s also where a production assistant will  begin checking you in. They’ll ask for your name and check you off their  list signifying that you’ve arrived. You’ll also be given a voucher to  fill out that will be handed back to a production assistant at the very  end of the day. You maybe asked to go to wardrobe as well as hair and makeup for some final touches, or possibly more elaborate makeup depending on the scene.  Make sure you fill it out correctly with all of the  requested information. If you’re not sure how to fill out the form  correctly, just ask one of the other actors you’re with. There is always  someone there who be willing to help you.

     There might be snacks or even a full  breakfast available depending on the project. Find a place to sit and  find the bathroom. Make sure you use the facility prior to being called  onto set because you could be working many hours. This is your chance to  talk with the other actors too. It can be a great opportunity for you  to network, make great connections, and learn more about the industry.  You should also make sure your phone is off. You never want to interrupt  a scene because your phone starts ringing. Some productions won’t even  allow cell phones on a set. There are some concerns that background  actors will record or take photos of some of the scenes and upload these  to their social media platforms too. Never take any photos or video,  and never ask for autographs. You’re there to work as a background  artist. Let the principal actors work and not be disturbed.

     If this is a union project, you can  expect to break for a full meal every six hours. There are some  exceptions, but that is a union rule. Productions sometimes will go  longer than six hours to get a scene completed, even though they’ll have  to pay union actors meal penalties for not breaking on time. 

     If you’re walking during the scene, a  production assistant "PA"  will let you know exactly where you begin, the  timing of your walk, and where you need to end. Once you start walking,  continue until you hear someone say cut. Then you “go back to one” which  means you go back to your original starting spot. Depending on the  scene and director, some scenes will be shot over and over again. You  can always ask the production assistant if you have any questions. While  you’re there, watch the principal actors work. It can be a great  learning experience. Observe all the crew as well to have a better  understanding of what needs to happen in order for a TV show or film to  be created.
    Once  the shoot’s ended, you most likely will go back to extras holding to  finish your paperwork and hand it to the production assistant. if you were given props to work with in your scene or wardrobe to wear for your scene you will need to go back to those departments and return those items before turning in your paper work.  You’ll be  given one copy of the voucher for your records.

And most importantly, remember to have a good time!