Search results
Stunt Person - A specially trained performer who performs stunts on camera. Supporting Actor/Actress - A speaking role that is less than that of a lead actor, but larger than a bit part. Understudy - A performer hired to do a role only if the featured actor is unable to perform; used primarily in theatre. Crew.
- Backstage Resources
Backstage offers many other resources beyond listing casting...
- Best Cities for Actors
Atlanta is making a name for itself as the new place to be...
- Getting Started in The Business
So you want to be an actor? Welcome to the business! This...
- Backstage Resources
- Series Regular Or Lead Actor
- Supporting Actor
- Recurring Role
- Day Player
- Bit Part
- Guest Star
- Background Actor
- Body Double
- Stunt Double
In a TV show, the series regular roleis one of the main characters, appearing in nearly every episode. In a film, the lead is one of the main charactersthat the narrative centers around. 1. Example:Frasier Crane (Kelsey Grammer) in “Frasier” is a series regular. Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) is the lead in “Mean Girls.”
Supporting actors perform at a level below that of lead actors, but are still critical to a film’s storyline. They might be a close friend, family member, romantic partner, or even antagonist. 1. Example:Adam Driver was a supporting actor in his role as Detective Flip Zimmerman in “BlacKkKlansman,” which featured John David Washington in the lead r...
A recurring role is a TV character who appears in multiple episodes—anywhere between two episodes and several seasons. The part is more intricately woven into the show plotline than a guest star role. 1. Example: Jerry’s arch-nemesis Newman (Wayne Knight) is a recurring character on “Seinfeld,” appearing in 44 of the show’s total 173 episodes.
A day player, also called a co-star, is an actor hired on a short-term contract who is only on set for a day or two. Situated somewhere in the liminal space between background actors (who don’t have lines) and main characters (who have many lines and are in multiple episodes), day players only have a few lines. As casting director Ilene Stargerwrit...
A bit part is a role with direct interaction with principal actors and up to five lines of dialogue, known as the under-five in the U.S. Bit part actors are sometimes listed in the credits due to their brief yet poignant appearances in the production. If you make a good enough impression, like Christian James Pinter did, you might even get a bigger...
Guest stars usually have multiple scenes and lines, and sometimes even a story arc. A guest star might also be a celebrity cameo. 1. Example: Christina Applegate guest starsin two episodes of “Friends” as Amy Green, Rachel’s sister, who takes her niece to get her ears pierced without obtaining the go-ahead from her parents.
Background actors, sometimes called extras or atmosphere actors, are usually seen in the background of a scene to provide a sense of realism and ambiance. They do not have any lines. 1. Example:People in the background in a street shot or students in the background in a school scene.
A body doublestands in for a primary actor’s shots. To appear as the same character, the body double’s face is covered, and they wear clothing, accessories, or wigs to appear as the actor they’re meant to represent. 1. Example:Isla Fisher used a body double for her nude scenes as Gloria Cleary in “Wedding Crashers.”
A stunt doubleis a specific type of double who performs stunts in dangerous and complicated scenes. They are specially trained performers who fill in for regular actors to keep them from injury. 1. Example:Stunt double Tanoai Reed fills in for many of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s stunts, including in “The Scorpion King” and the “Fast & Furious” fran...
Apr 3, 2023 · Background Actor. Background Actors appear in non-speaking roles, often in the background of scenes, and perform in a variety of categories, like jurors in Law & Order, football players in All American, starship crew in Star Trek: Picard, and firefighters in 9-1-1. Background Actors bring life to movies and TV shows to help them look and feel ...
Extra (acting) A background actor or extra is a performer in a film, television show, stage, musical, opera, or ballet production who appears in a nonspeaking or nonsinging (silent) capacity, usually in the background (for example, in an audience or busy street scene). War films and epic films often employ background actors in large numbers ...
Jul 7, 2013 · FILM. Lead (Star): The actor appears in most scenes in a role that is central to the story and without which the film would not exist. His/her name is often in the on-screen credits at the beginning of the film, in addition to appearing in the complete end credits. Principal: In film, this term refers to a speaking role, without getting too ...
- Kathryn Browning
Background actors, often known as extras, are the unsung heroes of film. They’re tasked with filling out the world of the film to make it feel lived-in and authentic. Without them, scenes would feel empty and unconvincing, so they play a crucial role in creating a believable setting. These actors provide the necessary backdrop that main ...
People also ask
What is a character actor?
Is an actor a lead character?
What is an example of a 'that guy' actor?
Who is a Lead Actor in a movie?
What is a background actor?
What are the different types of actors?
A character actor may play a variety of characters in their career, often referred to as a "chameleon", or may be known for playing the same type of roles. Character actor roles are more substantial than bit parts or non-speaking extras. The term is used primarily to describe television and film actors, as opposed to theater actors. [9]
