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Background Character Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AGBO Films LLC

Technical Artist, Character

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Review and optimize skin weights, joint counts, and influence limits across hero and background character tiers * Configure skeletal meshes, physics assets, LOD chains, Groom assets, and control rig ...

AGBO

Technical Artist, Character

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Review and optimize skin weights, joint counts, and influence limits across hero and background character tiers * Configure skeletal meshes, physics assets, LOD chains, Groom assets, and control rig ...

AGBO

Technical Artist, Character

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Review and optimize skin weights, joint counts, and influence limits across hero and background character tiers * Configure skeletal meshes, physics assets, LOD chains, Groom assets, and control rig ...

AGBO

Technical Artist, Character

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$123K - $147K/yr

Review and optimize skin weights, joint counts, and influence limits across hero and background character tiers * Configure skeletal meshes, physics assets, LOD chains, Groom assets, and control rig ...

AGBO Films LLC

Technical Artist, Character

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$123K - $147K/yr

Review and optimize skin weights, joint counts, and influence limits across hero and background character tiers * Configure skeletal meshes, physics assets, LOD chains, Groom assets, and control rig ...

AGBO

Technical Artist, Character

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$123K - $147K/yr

Review and optimize skin weights, joint counts, and influence limits across hero and background character tiers * Configure skeletal meshes, physics assets, LOD chains, Groom assets, and control rig ...

Westgate Resorts

Character

FL · On-site

$18/hr

As a Resort Mascot / Character Performer , you will bring our resort mascot to life by creating fun ... background check, drug test, and provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States. • ...

Westgate Resorts

Character

River Ranch, FL

As a Resort Mascot / Character Performer , you will bring our resort mascot to life by creating fun ... background check, drug test, and provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States. • ...

Westgate Resorts

Character

River Ranch, FL

$18/hr

As a Resort Mascot / Character Performer , you will bring our resort mascot to life by creating fun ... Required to pass a background check, drug test, and provide proof of eligibility to work in the ...

Charming Events STL

Character Actor

Edwardsville, IL

$10/hr

Must be able to pass a background check * Have previous acting or singing experience * Have ... Character Actor positions often receive tips from clients, in addition to your hourly pay * 10% ...

Charming Events STL

Character Actor

Edwardsville, IL · On-site

$10/hr

Must be able to pass a background check * Have previous acting or singing experience * Have ... Character Actor positions often receive tips from clients, in addition to your hourly pay * 10% ...

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Costume Character

Tempe, AZ · On-site

$15.15/hr

What you'll bring to the team Costume Character - Legoland Discovery Center Arizona Got the magic ... Background Screening, as a condition of the offer. Thank you for sharing our global commitment to ...

ANAKEESTA

Atmosphere Character Performer

Gatlinburg, TN

$18.75/hr

Atmosphere Character Performer Job Summary Anakeesta is seeking energetic and animated Entertainers ... Ability to pass a background check if 18+ Perks of Working With Us * Free admission for employees ...

Merlin Entertainments

Costume Character

Tempe, AZ

$15.15/hr

Costume Character - Legoland Discovery Center Arizona Got the magic to create unforgettable, joy ... Background Screening, as a condition of the offer. Thank you for sharing our global commitment to ...

teamLFG

3D Character Art Lead

$153K - $230K/yr

Do you have a passion for how 3D character art enhances gameplay clarity, supporting players in ... may include criminal background checks for some roles) and will need to process personal ...

LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

Costume Character

Tempe, AZ

$15.15/hr

What you'll bring to the team Costume Character - Legoland Discovery Center Arizona Got the magic ... Background Screening, as a condition of the offer. Thank you for sharing our global commitment to ...

The Wishing Hour Co

Be Seen First

Children's Party Character Performer

Red Bank, NJ · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Able to pass a background check * Comfortable wearing character costumes (generally Small or Medium) Preferred Qualifications (Not required, but a plus!) * Acting, theatre, musical theatre, improv ...

The Wishing Hour Co

Be Seen First

Children's Party Character Performer

Red Bank, NJ · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Able to pass a background check * Comfortable wearing character costumes (generally Small or Medium) Preferred Qualifications (Not required, but a plus!) * Acting, theatre, musical theatre, improv ...

The Wishing Hour Co

Be Seen First

Children's Party Character Performer

Red Bank, NJ · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Able to pass a background check * Comfortable wearing character costumes (generally Small or Medium) Preferred Qualifications (Not required, but a plus!) * Acting, theatre, musical theatre, improv ...

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All JobsBackground Character Jobs

Background Character information

See salary details

$10

$19

$37

How much do background character jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for background character in the United States is $19.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $24.28 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Background Character, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Background Character (also known as an extra), you need reliability, punctuality, and the ability to follow directions, with most positions requiring no formal qualifications but sometimes needing casting registration or basic acting workshops. Familiarity with on-set procedures and basic understanding of call sheets or wardrobe requirements are helpful. Adaptability, professionalism, and the ability to blend seamlessly into scenes without drawing focus are essential soft skills. These qualities ensure smooth productions, support the storytelling process, and contribute to a positive working environment on set.

How do I get into background acting?

To become a background actor, you can register with casting agencies or online casting platforms that specialize in background work. It helps to have a flexible schedule, a recent photograph, and sometimes a resume or experience in acting or related fields. Auditions or submissions are often required to be considered for roles on film or television sets.

Do you get paid to be a background character?

Background characters in film, television, or theater are typically paid for their work, often at standard industry rates or union minimums. Payment depends on the production, the role's duration, and whether the performer is a union member, such as SAG-AFTRA. Some background work may be unpaid if it is part of a volunteer or student project, but professional productions generally compensate background actors.

How do I become a background character?

To become a background character, you can look for casting calls or audition opportunities through talent agencies or casting websites. No formal acting training is required, but having a flexible schedule and understanding set etiquette can improve your chances. Building a portfolio or headshot may also help you get noticed by casting directors.

How much does a background character get paid?

Background characters in film and television typically earn hourly wages ranging from minimum wage up to $20 or more, depending on the location, production budget, and union status. Non-union background actors often earn less, while union members may receive higher rates and additional benefits. Payment can also vary based on the complexity of scenes and the duration of work.

What are background characters?

Background characters, also known as extras, are performers who appear in non-speaking roles in film, television, or stage productions. They help create realistic settings by populating scenes such as streets, restaurants, or crowds, without drawing attention away from the main action. Although they typically do not have lines, their presence is essential to making scenes feel authentic and lively. Background characters often work under the direction of the assistant director and must follow instructions precisely to maintain continuity.

What are some common challenges background characters face on set, and how can they prepare for them?

Background characters, also known as extras, often face challenges such as long hours, waiting periods between takes, and working in varying weather conditions. To prepare, it's helpful to bring personal items like water, snacks, and comfortable clothing for downtime, and to stay attentive for direction from assistant directors or background coordinators. Maintaining professionalism, following instructions promptly, and being adaptable to last-minute changes are key to succeeding in this role. Building a good reputation through reliability and teamwork can also lead to more opportunities for future work.

What is the difference between Background Character vs Extra?

AspectBackground CharacterExtra
CredentialsMinimal; often just a casting callMinimal; similar casting process
Work EnvironmentOn set, often with speaking lines or specific rolesOn set, usually in crowd scenes without speaking lines
Industry UsageUsed in film, TV, theater for named or semi-named rolesCommonly used in film and TV for crowd scenes
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles with some character presenceUnderstanding background roles in productions

Background Characters and Extras both work on set with minimal credentials, but Background Characters often have more defined roles or speaking parts, while Extras typically appear in crowd scenes without speaking lines. Both roles are essential for creating realistic scenes, but Background Characters may have slightly more visibility and involvement.

More about Background Character jobs
What job categories do people searching Background Character jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Background Character jobs are:
Background Character jobs near you
Infographic showing various Background Character job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,680 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Technical Artist, Character

AGBO Films LLC

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

About the Company:
Founded in 2017 by Anthony and Joe Russo, AGBO is an artist-led independent studio shaping the future of film and television. The Russo Brothers and AGBO have generated more than $7 billion at the global box office, including Avengers: Endgame. The studio's projects include Academy Award-winning Everything Everywhere All at Once, Netflix hits The Gray Man and Extraction, and Prime Video's visceral thriller The Bluff and the global Citadel franchise. Citadel Season 2 premieres in May 2026.
AGBO is currently in production with Netflix on Tygo and Mercenary, both part of the Extraction universe, as well as with Lionsgate on John Rambo, a prequel to the iconic franchise. The studio is in post-production on The Whisper Man, starring Robert De Niro, and Avengers: Doomsday, which will be released December 18, 2026. AGBO will begin shooting Avengers: Secret Wars later this year. Both upcoming Avengers films are directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and co-produced by AGBO and Marvel Studios.
In 2023, AGBO welcomed Donald Mustard-former Chief Creative Officer at Epic Games and co-creator of Fortnite-as a partner. Mustard brings a bold creative vision to AGBO: to expand what storytelling can be through immersive, interconnected worlds that span across media. We're building the future of storytelling-and we're looking for bold, creative minds to help shape it. If you're ready to help define what comes next, we'd love to meet you.
Position Summary:
AGBO is looking for a Technical Artist, Character to drive the technical quality and pipeline integrity of our characters - from high-resolution sculpts through fully rigged, characters and NPCs. You will partner closely with Character Artists, Animators, Riggers and Engineers to ensure our cast looks and moves exactly as intended.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Define and maintain workflows for mesh import, LOD generation, skinning, morph targets, and engine integration
  • Diagnose and resolve character related technical issues.
  • Author character shaders and skin subsurface scattering, hair and strange rendering, eye shaders, cloth, and layered material blending
  • Develop and maintain scripts and plugins supporting riggers and animators, including corrective shapes, space switching, and deformer optimization
  • Review and optimize skin weights, joint counts, and influence limits across hero and background character tiers
  • Configure skeletal meshes, physics assets, LOD chains, Groom assets, and control rig setups into Unreal Engine
  • Partner with animators on IK rigs, animation Blueprints, cloth and physics simulations
  • Author, maintain and troubleshoot existing character creation workflows and pipeline efficiency to ensure performance and stability
  • Interface with internal artist teams and codevelopers to maintain milestone cadences
  • Perform all other duties as assigned

Qualifications & Skills:
  • 3-5 years of professional experience as a Character TD or Character Technical Artist in games/interactive media. Experience working on and shipping AAA preferred.
  • Deep knowledge and experience working in Unreal Engine 5 - Skeletal Mesh, Control Rig, Groom, Physical Assets
  • Expert-level Maya skills - rigging, skinning, deformers, and Python/MEL scripting
  • HLSL shader authoring experience focused on skin, hair, and other character materials
  • Deep understanding of PBR texturing for character
  • Experience with facial rigging, blend shapes, and FACS-based setups
  • Ability to profile and optimize GPU skinning and character rendering costs

Additional Information:
  • This role is based in Los Angeles, CA or Raleigh, NC and only candidates located in or willing to relocate to the area will be considered.
  • Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S.

The typical base salary for this position ranges from $90,000-$110,000 annually. Actual offers will be determined based on experience. Actual offers will be determined using local market data for the identified candidate's geographic area and may vary from the stated range.
AGBO Labs LLC is committed to operating fair and unbiased recruitment procedures allowing all applicants an equal opportunity for employment, free from discrimination on the basis of religion, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, color, ethnic or national origin or any other classification as may be protected by applicable law. We aim to recruit the right people for the jobs we have to offer, and to assess applications on the basis of relevant skills, education, and experience.
AGBO participates in E-Verify - English | Spanish
The job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent to this position.

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