Getting your first gig as a background actor might seem intimidating in a city like Los Angeles. There are, after all, so many people in L.A. trying to make it big, even by starting small. But it doesn’t have to feel that way. In an industry built on creative collaboration, it takes all types of cast, crew, and production partners to make a film or TV show sing (literally and figuratively speaking). So whether you’re looking to break into the industry or just see what it’s like to spend a day on set, here’s how to get started.
The truth about background acting is that it’s a lot of sitting around while the crew sets up another take or scene. “Days on set can seem very long,” writes actor Amy Russ. “You’ll spend most of your time waiting to be called, so bring reading material or something to keep you occupied.”
Most background actors are booked for a minimum of eight hours, but very often they have their day extended up to 16 hours. Put all that spare time to good use! It’s a great opportunity to network and make connections with your fellow extras, all of whom are likely at the same career level. You can also just take in the sights and sounds of an actual working set.
“The main benefit of a long day is that you’ll have plenty of time to observe and take note of everything going on around you. Learn the lingo, watch the gaffer, grip, sound person, and makeup artists in action, and take it all in,” writes Russ. “Depending on the setup, you may even get to watch the principal actors work. This experience is invaluable. Remember, it’s why you’re here! Don’t waste the opportunity if it presents itself.”
The good news about background acting in L.A. is that there’s rarely a shortage of productions in need of talent. Hollywood is home to the five major movie studios; TV networks like ABC, Nickelodeon, and CBS; and streamers like HBO and Netflix. Production has slowed in the past few years due to a combination of the pandemic, the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, and the January 2025 L.A. wildfires. But there is plenty of hope that things will pick up again—especially as the city’s creative unions fight to bring productions back to Los Angeles.
Make sure to bookmark our roundups of background acting jobs, gigs in Los Angeles, and streamer auditions, which we frequently update with new opportunities.
You will also want to follow and get acquainted with the many background casting agencies in the city, as they often broadcast jobs direct from the source. This includes:
- Central Casting
- Jeff Olan Casting
- Alessi Hartigan Casting
- Alice Ellis Casting
- Bill Dance Casting
- Burbank Casting
- Christopher Gray Casting
- Creative Extras Casting
- Extra Extra Casting
- Idell James Casting
- Rich King Casting
- Susan Johnston Casting
The number one item you need to book background roles is a professional, up-to-date headshot. Make sure your look truly represents who you are. Once you’re on set, be prepared and respectful of everyone around you.
“If you come in looking like an unmade bed, you’re only going to get cast as an unmade bed or as a bum or a street person,” says background casting director Jeff Olan. “Don’t go on a set and complain. Don’t be mean to anybody. The truth of the matter is, people have to understand this is still a business. Everybody needs to be treated with dignity on set—it doesn’t matter what job you have—and in turn the production will turn it around and treat everybody that we send out with dignity, too.”
