Georgia’s film scene is nearly as legendary as Hollywood itself. In fact, it’s the largest combined film and TV production hub in the U.S.—and at the center of this monumental business is Atlanta. An actor’s opportunities for success are plentiful here, whether you hope to make it big or want to keep your film career a bit more low-key. It isn’t always an easy path, but background acting in Atlanta can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience for those eager to have it.
Everyone knows the stars of the big screen, but what about all the tens to hundreds (to thousands, depending on the movie or show) that make up the texture of any given scene? Background actors are, as the name implies, actors who appear in the background of film and television productions. Also called extras, background actors provide color and texture to a scene, making film and TV productions feel true to the director’s vision. Extras are the people cheering in crowds, or the everyday civilians teeming in the town square, or even the warriors of an opposing army, destined to defeat at the hands of the film’s hero. Often giving scenes a sense of reality, these performers fill out especially big scenes that take place in busier settings. Think of a city street or a concert venue and imagine how bizarre and empty it would feel without people there to fill it out.
Not only are extras vital to film and TV productions, but they also come with plenty of benefits for the people playing those roles. Extras in movies in Atlanta and other major hubs like L.A. and New York have the chance to share screen time with big-name stars like Robert Downey Jr. and Cate Blanchett. Outside of the potential to rub elbows with celebs, background acting roles provide an opportunity to sit back and watch a production from the best seat in the house.
How to Become an Actor in AtlantaSo if you’re local to the Atlanta area and are looking to break into the background acting scene, where exactly should you start? For a fresh actor just getting into the business, there are a few vital steps to making it as an extra in Atlanta.
1. Familiarize yourself with the local background acting scene.
The first step to making it in any new city is to get to know what acting communities look like around you. Atlanta grew to earn the name the “Hollywood of the South” thanks to generous tax incentives that drew in major productions, including the MCU’s “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Black Panther.” With these huge big-budget productions, there’s a wealth of opportunity for background actors.
2. Network with other extras.
There’s no going it alone in the film world; everyone needs the guidance and connections that can come out of finding your acting community. One place to start is with classes and workshops that can also hone your skills and get you ready for auditions and eventual gigs. In Atlanta, Drama Inc. reigns supreme as a hub for actors of all levels to practice their craft. The Alliance Theatre is also a great place for Atlanta actors to network and educate themselves on skills and techniques needed to make it as a background actor, as it features classes for skills like on-camera acting and voiceover work.
3. Land gigs.
Once you’ve made some acting friends in Atlanta, taken some classes, and begun to feel ready to branch out into the working world, start monitoring databases like our own casting call page. Find resources online and locally to continue honing your craft and building up your network, making it even more likely you’ll find extra work in Atlanta. Auditioning for background work isn’t the same as what most people imagine when they think of an acting audition; instead, extras try out for roles based on how their look fits the project.
4. Seek representation.
Finding work isn’t the easiest task, especially for an inexperienced actor. If you’re looking to up your game in the ATL and beyond, start searching for an agent who can generate even more auditions for background roles. Some of the top acting agencies and casting companies—including some that specifically offer representation for background actors in Atlanta—include:
- Atlanta Models & Talent
- Formation Talent
- Stewart Talent
- J Pervis Talent Agency
- East Coast Talent
- Central Casting Georgia
5. Keep on truckin.’
Background acting in Atlanta is a major industry, meaning that while there’s a glut of opportunities, there’s also a wealth of talented and excited newcomers eager to make their mark on the Georgia film scene. Before you begin this phase of your acting journey, take the time to reflect on what you want out of it and be realistic about the opportunities presented to you. An acting career is an ambitious undertaking, and working as an extra is no different—but with the right attitude, energy, skills, and time, it’s more than possible for a newbie to find their footing and begin making a living as an extra.