Hia New :D I hope you are well. Next week is going to be my first time being on set as a background performer. I was wondering if you had any tips or general "New knowledge" for a first timer (Sorry for asking on Anon. I haven't told many people yet :P)
Hi! Omg congrats. So happy for you. I’m hanging in there with 2 annoying flare ups but doing well otherwise!
Some things off the top of my head:
STAY HYDRATED. Pack those little additive packs if you can, like coco water or something else you find tolerable. I usually bring my own big fat water bottle to refill throughout the day.
SUNSCREEN IF OUTDOOR SHOOT
Take a banana from crafty. Put it in your bag for later in the shoot when you need a boost. Hom nom nom
Bring something to do during down time in holding. I would often bring a book to read or a notebook to scribble in (especially helpful if I had a depressive mood swing, to be able to write it all down with a time stamp for later tracking). I usually bring my iPad to zone out to music on or rewatch Transformers or J-pop music videos. Things that boost my mood. But if you’re worried the set might not be safe for personal electronics (unfortunately theft does happen :( ) then leave it at home
Make sure you take time to get up and stretch often. Take deep breaths.
Pace yourself with crafty snacks because it’s easy to get so bored that all you wanna do is eat
There’s usually a medic but I like to pack my own painkillers, herbal muscle relaxants, ginger tea packs, peppermints etc, just in case I feel icky
I recommend packing floss picks, a toothbrush, etc, to freshen up after lunch/snacking. Also, extra deodorant is important for very long and sweaty days.
If your other BG actors didn’t take care of their hygiene, my trick is to put a little bit of diluted essential oil in my nose. I’m super sensitive to icky smells and long days on set can equal BO and bad breath from other people, oopsies. SUPER difficult when we have to be close together.
If you can, pack a little grooming kit. I always have tweezers, nail clippers, and a nail file. Never know when a random chin hair or nail breakage will happen. Also of course, a small makeup bag for touch ups.
If they don’t tell you anything specific for makeup, assume a natural look (do the thing where it doesn’t look like you’re wearing makeup)
Be careful about nail polish. You might get away with it for specific looks but a lot of the time the makeup dept will get pissy and make you clean it off
Don’t be afraid to sneak a little personal style into the 3 looks you bring to set. If they don’t pick it, no biggy, but if they like what you bring, then you might get lucky and get a featured shot! Or at least asspats from the crew for looking cool xD
Talk to the AD like you’re old buddies and try to make their day less chaotic if possible. Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification or make tiny suggestions if you feel it will help (ex. “When Lizzie gets to that tree, do you want me to already be heading toward Tony?” or (”Do you want us wiping camera or passing behind it?”) They have so much on their mind and it’s hard to always keep track of what they’ve set up for BG action, so being on top of your marks and timing and asking these little questions can make them sooo happy and you just might get a union voucher for the day (if you’re not already union).
When pantomiming, just mouth a whole story to your scene partner. It’ll look great and real in the bg. Depending on the scene I would tell my partner about how great cheese ramen is, or I’d gossip about some rando I made up.
Don’t be afraid to stand your ground or speak up. Situations will vary but Ex. if you’re doing one kind of BG but then the AD tries to put you in an almost nude scene or something you didn’t previously agree to/are uncomfortable with, ask if there’s a pay bump. If not, or if you’re just not cool with it, say that you have not cleared this with your agent, and since this was randomly asked of you, you’re not consenting to it. If they get nasty with you, speak to either your agent, your booking service, or find a contact within the production company to speak about it with. Emphasize that you were made uncomfortable on a professional set. (Remember when Westworld got in big trouble for having bg actors do fully nude simulated sex scenes and battle scenes with REAL WEAPONS? Yeah, my friends worked that show and it was bad. Report that shit when you see it)
^This also goes for if you have issues with other background actors or crew members. I’ve had to report gross guys and it sucks but they can’t be working on sets doing that to people so, merp. I’ve also reported another actor for going on a transphobic rant in front of everyone. Nope, not on set you don’t!
Be careful about the big stars. I’ve been lucky enough to work on sets with really big ones who were chill but some sets are super strict and you can get in trouble for talking to a star. My friend worked on a Nicki Minaj video where all the BG were told “if you look her in the eye, we send you home.” And then she watched as it happened to an 8 year old actress on the set. It’s a bit much, but... yeah
Make a designated box or folder for your vouchers. When you get paid, staple your paystub to the voucher. Makes it easier to keep track of which jobs you got paid for and makes taxes easier later too!
Paycheck seems late? Look on your voucher for a payroll number and give them a call. Communicate with other bg actors on that shoot if possible too.
IN THE ERA OF COVID PRODUCTIONS PLEASE REPORT VIOLATIONS! SAFETY FIRST
HAVE FUN YOU’RE ON TV BITCH
