Background actor on Long Island: What to know
Clare Lowell played one of the background actors touring a vineyard for the comedy “Friends From College" in September of 2016. Credit: Clare Lowell
A lot of people think they ought to be in pictures, but Ann DellaMonica has actually done it.
The Wantagh resident, 67, said she has been a hospital visitor on the Showtime series “Nurse Jackie,” an inmate in the HBO hit “Orange is the New Black” and an onlooker on the CBS drama “Blue Bloods.” And she has done it all as a background actor.
“I love movies and TV shows and enjoy being a part of the creative process,” said DellaMonica, who retired from the Nassau County Department of Social Services in 2021. “If you’re a movie and TV show lover like me, then yes, do it.”
Background actors (once called “extras”) typically register with a casting agency that supplies television shows and movies with people to fill the frame. No acting experience is required, although it can help, according to acting coach Martin Bentsen.
“Without background actors, there’d be empty courtrooms on ‘Law & Order,’ a deserted university in ‘Tell Me Lies’ and no casino patrons in ‘Hacks,’ ” Central Casting, which casts background actors, noted on its website.
After registering, Central Casting advises acting hopefuls to provide a complete profile that includes their hair and eye color; clothing sizes; and type, make, model, color and year of vehicles, if available. Photos of the actor in different looks and wardrobes are also encouraged.
Background work can involve long days and waiting, with no guarantee of onscreen time. “Sometimes you don’t even get on set,” said DellaMonica.
Clare Lowell, a retired English and education professor and Huntington resident in her 60s, said she has appeared in the background of various productions, such as the TV miniseries “Madoff,” which filmed scenes at Oheka Castle; and in a ballroom scene for the comedy-drama “Younger.”
“The shoot went so late I had to abandon my best velvet shawl that I’d used, because I had to run to Penn to catch the last train home,” she recalled.
While background actors are generally discouraged from talking to the principal performers, DellaMonica said she has had opportunities to meet the stars. “Both Edie Falco and Peter Facinelli said ‘Hi!’ to me,” she said of her time on “Nurse Jackie.”
HOW TO GET WORK
Casting agencies for background actors include:
- Central Casting, centralcasting.com.
- Grant Wilfley Casting, gwcnyc.com.
- Sylvia Fay/Lee Genick & Associates Casting, sylviafaycasting.com.
VOCABULARY
The acting industry has its own lingo, which may be confusing to a first-timer. Here are a few key phrases to know, according to Central Casting:
Rush calls: Seeking immediate work. When you respond to a rush call, you may be required to get to the set as soon as possible.
Stand-ins: Performers who take the place of principal actors for rehearsals, camera blocking and lighting set-ups.
Without time restrictions: Casting directors may not know when shoots are scheduled to begin, or the time can change before the shoot, so they need open availability on certain dates.
Holding: Area where actors wait when they are not required on set.
Crafty: The craft services table, where meals and snacks are provided.
PAY
Background actors typically are paid $100-$200 daily, depending on union status, according to Backstage, a theater, TV, film and commercial acting publication. Nonunion talent typically works 10- to 12-hour days, with additional pay for overtime.
DO'S AND DON'TS
Don't expect to be discovered on set.
Do make an impression by being early and behaving professionally.
'Need to step up regulations and testing' "Car fluff" is being deposited at Brookhaven landfill at a fast clip, but with little discussion. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie and Newsday investigative reporter Paul LaRocco have the story.
'Need to step up regulations and testing' "Car fluff" is being deposited at Brookhaven landfill at a fast clip, but with little discussion. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie and Newsday investigative reporter Paul LaRocco have the story.
