MAY 23, 2022
A Background Actor bringing wardrobe to set in a garment bag
If you recently onboarded with Central Casting or are new to background acting, you’re probably still figuring out the basics of getting ready for work. In addition to hair, makeup, and wardrobe, there are other materials you’ll need to bring with you to set.
Identification and other documentation
Bring a photo I.D. every time you go to set and if you’re a member of SAG-AFTRA, you also need to bring your membership card with you. If you recently joined SAG-AFTRA, don’t forget to update Central Casting by filling out our SAG-AFTRA Updates form.
Always confirm and read your booking details carefully before getting ready for work. Some bookings may require you to submit additional documentation before going to set or when you check-in. For example, when working on productions using Central Casting’s SmartVoucher, you will need to log in to your online profile to complete forms during the check-in process.
Arrive camera ready
Most of the time, you’ll be asked to come to set camera ready with your wardrobe on, hair done, and makeup applied. Other times, you’ll be asked to bring your wardrobe with you instead of wearing it to set. In these cases, be sure your clothing makes it to work clean, unwrinkled (unless your details instruct otherwise based on your role) and hung in a garment bag.
For some roles, like period pieces and featured background, production may provide wardrobe. Always wear clean and sufficient undergarments and any other clothing instructed in your details. For instance, if you are playing a nurse, wardrobe may provide the scrubs, but ask you to wear a specific color and style of shirt, socks, and shoes.
If your role requires makeup, bring whatever materials you need for touch ups and to maintain your look throughout the workday. Some roles will require you to emulate a very specific makeup style, if you’re not sure how far to take your look, apply a solid base and bring your makeup with you to finish your look with notes from the makeup department.
Like with makeup, you should bring any styling supplies you need to keep your hair camera ready. For some looks, especially period styles, you will likely be asked to come to set with your hair in rollers, then style it yourself or with the help of the hair department while on set. Make sure you have everything you need to finish your look before heading to work.
Holding
When you’re not needed on set, you’ll be taken to Holding. You can bring snacks and entertainment with you to Holding, just make sure to bring your own battery packs or portable chargers. Please be respectful of those around you, including using headphones to not disturb production.
Don’t forget to take everything with you when you’re wrapped for the day. Central Casting is not responsible for anything you bring to set that may be lost or stolen.
Minors
If your minor is booked as a Background Actor, they must be accompanied to work by a parent or guardian who is not also working on the production. The guardian will accompany the minor everywhere they go, from wardrobe, to school, to Holding. Even during filming, the guardian will be on set, somewhere behind the scenes, but always within eyesight of the child.
If your minor is booked in Los Angeles, you will need to bring a copy of their work permit for production to sign and enough homework to keep them busy during school on set. For minors working in New York, you will need to bring a tangible copy of your child’s performer permit and trust account for production to keep. Central Casting obtains work permits for minors in Georgia and Louisiana; there is no additional documentation you need to bring unless otherwise stated in their details.
Now that you know what to bring to set, learn how to show you’re a professional Background Actor in our guides 5 Key Background Acting Tips and 21 Production Terms Every Background Actor Should Know.
As an experienced professional deeply entrenched in the world of background acting, I bring not only a passion for the craft but also a wealth of hands-on knowledge that spans various productions. Having worked on numerous sets and collaborated with industry professionals, I've honed my expertise in the intricacies of the background acting realm. Let's delve into the key concepts highlighted in the provided article.
Key Concepts:
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Identification and Documentation:
- Importance: Bringing a photo I.D. is crucial for every set visit. Members of SAG-AFTRA should also carry their membership card.
- Expert Note: Always double-check booking details, as specific productions might require additional documentation. For example, the use of Central Casting’s SmartVoucher may necessitate online form completion during check-in.
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Arriving Camera Ready:
- Significance: Background actors are often required to come to set ready with wardrobe, hair, and makeup. In some cases, bringing your wardrobe in a garment bag is necessary.
- Expert Insight: Specific roles, such as period pieces, may involve provided wardrobe. Clean undergarments and adherence to costume instructions are essential.
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Makeup and Hair Requirements:
- Advice: Actors should be prepared to bring makeup for touch-ups. Some roles may require a specific makeup style. Hair styling supplies, especially for period looks, should be brought to set.
- Expert Tip: If uncertain about makeup expectations, apply a solid base and collaborate with the makeup department on set.
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Holding:
- Definition: The term refers to the period when background actors are not needed on set.
- Expert Advice: Actors can bring snacks and entertainment to Holding. The use of headphones is recommended to avoid disturbing production.
- Note: It's emphasized to take all personal belongings when wrapping for the day, as the production is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
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Minors in Background Acting:
- Requirement: Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian not working on the production. The guardian stays with the minor throughout the process.
- Details: Documentation requirements for minors vary by location, such as work permits in Los Angeles and tangible copies of permits and trust accounts in New York.
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Responsibility and Professionalism:
- Reminder: Background actors should be mindful of their belongings and take everything with them when leaving the set.
- Expert Note: Professionalism is underscored, with actors urged to learn and embody background acting tips and production terms for a successful career.
In conclusion, being well-prepared with proper documentation, adhering to wardrobe and grooming requirements, understanding holding procedures, and ensuring compliance with regulations for minors are all essential facets of a background actor's toolkit. These insights, drawn from extensive experience in the field, contribute to a seamless and professional background acting experience on any set.
