What to Expect when You Do Background Work

The first time you work on a set can be stressful and confusing, and chances are you’ll be surrounded by people who want to be helpfull, but have forgotten what the first time they worked background was like. Here’s what to expect, as well as a few rules to keep you out of trouble.

2. When you are booked for background work you will be given a check-in number. Remember this number, as you’ll need to give it to the PA when you arrive on set. Always be sure to check in! And always be on time!

4. When you check in, you will be given a voucher. The voucher is how you get paid. The PA will provide everyone with the information needed to fill out the voucher (production name, production company, payrate if you’re non-union, etc). It is very important you fill out your voucher accurately, completely and neatly. Don’t forget the I-9 on the back.

6. The rule of movie sets is “hurry up and wait.” This means that your day may involve long stretches of boredom punctuated by rushes to get to set. While in holding expect to have wardrobe look at what you’re wearing, and to be seen by hair and makeup (in most cases, they’ll just check you over and approve you. In some cases, they will actually do you hair and makeup).

8. If you wind up needing any wardrobe, bring your voucher with you. The wardrobe department will hold on to your voucher for the rest of the day, until the costume items are returned.

10. You can expect to be fed a meal approximately six hours after you arrive on set, as union actors must be fed every six hours or the production incurs a penalty. Sometime, the production will incur the penalty, but this is a good way to estimate when to expect lunch. Often, snacks will be provided in holding, or you’ll be told you can go to the “craft services” or “crafty” table to get snacks. If you leave holding for any reason, make sure to let the PA on hand know. If crew and background are being fed at the same time, crew always eats first – remember they have to be back at set before you, they got to work earlier than you, and they’ll leave later than you. sometimes lunch will be “walkaway” which means you’re on your own to get food. Union actors are given a fee for this. non-union usually isn’t.

12. While waiting in holding, the PA may decide to check your I-9s. This means having them sign the form and showing your appropriate ID that indicates you’re legal to work in the US. Make sure you have your ID! Otherwise you can’t work (or your check will be held until you go into the office to provide it).

14. In most cases you should expect to be on set for 12 – 13 hours (including your hour off for lunch). some days will be shorter, and some will be longer. Often no one on set has much of an idea of how long a day will go. Don’t even bother asking, you’re in it for the whole of it.

16. While on set there are some phrases you may hear that will help you understand how the day is progressing:

    • Checking the gate means that they are making sure the last shots were captured correctly. Usually, but not always, it means they’re about to move on to the next set up.

    • The martini shot refers to the last shot of the day. You get to go home soon!

    • It’s a wrap means you get to go back to holding, get into your own clothes and line up to check out.

18. Once you’re wrapped, return any items to wardrobe and get your voucher back. Then line up to be signed out. If your I-9 has not yet been checked, have your ID out and ready. The PA will sign your voucher and had you a copy. You should receive payment within two weeks.

Finally, here are a few handy rules to remember while on set. Many of them seem obvious, but in time you’ll see why they are so often repeated.

– Don’t bring your cell phone to set.

– Don’t bring cameras or take pictures on set.

– Don’t ask the stars for autographs.

– Similarly, some stars are very friendly, some need not to be disturbed for the sake of their performance. They all have different ways of working and being on set. Don’t bother them, but also don’t be entirely shocked if they do happen to talk to you. It happens. Remember you’re both professionals.

– Often on set you’ll be required to pantomime a conversation. This means no talking! Not even whispering. If you insist on whispering, realize the scene may have to get shot over and over again – making your day longer.

– Don’t stare directly at the camera or do other things to try to get noticed or be in the shot. Do what the PA, AD or director asks of you.

– Always be ready to work. Don’t grumble when it’s time to go to set

– Never ask to leave early or try to get a PA to promise you when you’ll be done. They don’t know much more than you do. Just tough it out.

– If you’re working non-union, don’t ask PA’s if they can give you a waiver. Usually you’ll know if you are waivered in advance of your arrival at set. Occassionally waivers are given out on set, but this usually has to do with a specific skill of yours that is being utilized. Be patient. Waivers will come.

– Stay alert. Set’s are chaotic, and can be dangerous. Safety first.

– Background work isn’t glamorous, but it’s an actor’s paycheck and can be fun. Try to enjoy it, and use it as an opportunity to learn more about the business you’re in.