Film and Television Extras
Overview
Introduction
Film and television extras, also known as background performers, have the nonspeaking roles in films and TV shows. They work in the background of film scenes, following the orders of directors and crew members. They may work in crowd scenes, or may simply be one of a few people among the principal performers.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
It is rare that someone is able to make a living solely from work as an extra. "Only 7 percent of SAG-AFTRA actors and performers earn $80,000 or more a year, and 14 percent of SAG-AFTRA members make at least $26,470 annually to qualify for SAG-AFTRA health plan coverage," according to "Most SAG Actors Don’t Even Make A Living Wage. Here Are Their Stories," in Rolling Stone.
SAG...
Work Environment
The work schedule of a film or TV extra is unpredictable, but many people enjoy the opportunity to see themselves on screen. Though the work is not terribly glamorous, extras do have the chance to see famous actors and filmmakers practice their craft. Extras can work indoors on a set or outdoors at a remote location. They work under heavy lights and may be required to do the same things over an...
Outlook
The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment for actors will increase about as fast as the average from 2023 through 2033. Despite this prediction, its extremely difficult to build a full-time career as an actor. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands of people act every year. Because of the fierce competition, jobs in the film industry are hard to come by. Extras who live in Los A...
