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Actors Extras Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Legendary Studio Shows (LSS) Universal, LLC.

$80 - $100/hr

During filming, second assistant director coordinates with actors and extras to make sure that everyone is on set and camera ready when their respective scenes are ready to be filmed. Directing ...

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Actors Extras information

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$7

$27

$67

How much do actors extras jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for actors extras in the United States is $27.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.42 and $22.12 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an actors extra?

Actors extras, also known simply as 'extras' or background actors, are performers who appear in film, television, or theater productions in non-speaking or non-featured roles. Their main purpose is to fill out scenes and create a realistic environment, such as playing pedestrians on a street, guests at a party, or patrons in a restaurant. Extras typically do not have lines of dialogue and are not the focus of the scene, but their presence is essential to making scenes look authentic and believable.

What can an actors extra expect from a typical day on set, and how can they prepare for the experience?

As an extra, you can expect early call times, long hours, and a lot of waiting between takes, as filming schedules are often unpredictable and subject to change. It's important to bring essentials like water, snacks, and something to read, as well as follow instructions from the assistant directors closely. Extras must be adaptable and professional at all times, ready to repeat actions consistently for multiple takes. You’ll work closely with other extras and occasionally interact with principal actors, but most of your direction will come from the background coordinator or AD team. Being punctual, flexible, and attentive will help you make a good impression and increase the likelihood of being hired for future projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an actors extra, and why are they important?

To succeed as an Actors Extra, you need reliability, punctuality, the ability to follow directions, and a professional attitude, though formal qualifications are generally not required. Understanding set etiquette and being comfortable working with cameras and on film sets are helpful, as is experience with casting agencies or background performer databases. Patience, adaptability, and strong communication skills help you stand out, as extras must often react naturally and adjust quickly to changing scenes. These skills ensure smooth production processes, maintain set discipline, and increase opportunities for consistent work.

What is the difference between Actors Extras vs Background Actors?

AspectActors ExtrasBackground Actors
CredentialsNo formal credentials requiredNo formal credentials required
Work EnvironmentFilm, TV, commercials setsFilm, TV, commercials sets
Industry UsageCommonly used term in castingSynonym for Actors Extras
Search IntentActors Extras roles, castingBackground Actors roles, casting

Actors Extras and Background Actors are terms often used interchangeably in the entertainment industry. Both roles involve appearing in scenes without speaking lines, typically in film, TV, or commercials. The main difference is that 'Actors Extras' is a broader term that emphasizes the actor's role as an extra, while 'Background Actors' specifically highlights their position in the background of a scene. Both roles require no formal acting credentials and are essential for creating realistic settings in productions.

What cities are hiring for Actors Extras jobs?

Cities with the most Actors Extras job openings:

What states have the most Actors Extras jobs?

States with the most job openings for Actors Extras jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Actors Extras jobs?

For Actors Extras jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Actors Extras jobs near you
Infographic showing various Actors Extras job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,903 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

What does a Talent Director do

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

Practical Adult Insights
See more jobs at Practical Adult Insightsexternal

$100 - $125/hr

Other

Re-posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Overview

A talent director, also known as a casting director, helps the director of a film, television show, play, or commercial to choose actors for roles in his or her production. Talent directors are responsible for finding actors, negotiating contracts, holding auditions, and managing the casting budget. They are required to work with actors, talent agents and agencies, and directors in order to serve the needs of the production.

Usually the first step a talent director takes is reviewing a script, making notes about all its casting requirements. He or she typically makes a comprehensive list of all the roles it has — lead, minor speaking, and non‑speaking — and all the scenes where extras are needed. At some point in this process, the talent director discusses with the director or producers their preferences, vision, or requirements for the cast.

A talent director’s first responsibility is to the director. He or she helps the director find actors that are appropriate for each role, often seeking out actors for the director to review in an audition or a series of auditions. On large‐scale productions such as feature films, the director often entrusts the talent director with all other casting decisions, giving only general instructions for casting extras and non‑speaking roles.

Talent directors work with talent agents and agencies to create a pool of potential actors for the director to choose from for each role. For lead roles and roles where a director has already picked his or her preferred actor, talent directors contact the chosen actors, often through their agents, to see if they are willing and available to work on the production. The talent director may schedule a reading with a chosen actor so the director can get a feel for whether the actor will suit the role.

Talent directors also often hold casting calls and auditions to evaluate actors. Auditions offer the director and talent director the opportunity to see a variety of actors playing a particular role, often using the same set of lines. The number of actors performing in an audition will vary according to the size of the production, the scope of the role, and the needs of the director. Directors often wish to review a particular actor’s performance, so talent directors usually record auditions.

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