I worked on set the other day as non-union background. For that scene it was one of the leads having a record release party and when he enter the room he would kiss me hello as if I was an old friend. It wasn't in the script. He just did it every take. I didn't think much of it except that I knew I would definitely be seen. The next day one of my friends told me that I should be entitled to more money as a featured extra for that one kiss and that I should contact SAG. Does my friend have any idea what he's a talking about? Should I have said something before I left? I hear so many different things from other actors and many don't know what they are talking about. I appreciate any advice. Thanks!

Unfortunately, for film and TV there are no guarantees of an increase or bump in pay, if you have no lines. For commercials it's a different story. If you have no lines but are featured and/or very recognizable, you will get the bump.

Im convinced that featured extra is a term casting directors came up with to entice people who would not normally do extra work into doing it.

Featured extra on a commercial does not pay any more than background, but if you are recognizable WITH the product, you will get bumped up to principle.

So would you write this kind of role as "featured" on your resume?

quote:

Originally posted by leafygreens:
So would you write this kind of role as "featured" on your resume?

You wouldn't put it on your resume at all. Only put it on if you were in fact a principal, and signed a principal contract for principal pay.

I might put it on my resume if I didn't have other stuff. You gotta start somewhere. Most people start out with "light" credits and build them up. Training should always be featured on the resume if you dont have credits.

I hope you do get bumped up on the commercial. Good luck.

The one caveat to doing commercials is that whether it's a principal role or not, you don't normally list your commercials individually on your resume. Under your commercial category it is usually listed as No Current Conflicts, Conflicts Available Upon Request or List Available Upon Request.

In case you are interested, here is a resume formats thread that lists resources where you can view some sample resumes.
http://bbs.backstage.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/8011031/m/24410001

As far as should you have said anything at the time of the shoot, usually not. Wait until the commercial airs to see if you even made it to the final cut. If you did and you are recognizable with the product, then you can call SAG. Fingers crossed for you!

my resume is ALL extra work, but that's what it IS!!!

Extra work does not go on a resume.

quote:

So would you write this kind of role as "featured" on your resume?

no. because extra work requires no resume.

no for acting resume because extra work is not acting.

I agree that extra/background work does not belong on acting resumes and I agree that an acting resume is an "acting" resume featuring principal roles.

But, and I know I will take flak for this, I will always disagree that "all" background work is not acting. This is because there are so many legit actors that do background work as their so-to-speak day job between principal roles. And because I've experienced the 1st ADs, both as a principal actor and background, who are looking for the actors that can cry on Q or who they have observed, after days of shooting, background actors whom they can place in front of the camera or next to the principals or stunt people and don't mind going home black 'n blue from literally throwing themselves into their role, or even bumping to a Taft-Hartley, because they know these actors are actors that are truly in the moment, are going to deliver when needed and be an asset to the project. Anyone who has worked on any major TV or films will know what I mean.

Okay, nuff said, moving on... just don't put background/extra work on your resume, unless for some reason, production does it for you. And, if you only do background work, then that's another story. You'll have a background only resume that is basically not required to do background work, anyway. But, it's a fun way to keep a record of it and see the work you've done.

I agree with mom in biz. You do act while you are doing extra work. Take a case where you are an extra in a horror movie and you have to act scared and run from the monster. If you don't act you can RUIN the shot.

When I have the joy of working as a principle it's so hard and frustrating when the extras are bored and don't do what is neccessary for the scene. It realy makes it harder when that happens. One time I had to shake the hand of a background player as I am walking into a party and I am supposed to be greeting her like I know her and she freakin tickes my hand. Each new take she would do something to try to make me laugh like cross her eyes or something. It made my job so much harder as I had to continue the scene into dilogue and what not. I didn't say anything to her. I was too shy to ask her not to try to distract me. It made my day long.

Maybe I should have asked her to stop. One take she even kissed my hand! BTW the woman lives in my neighborhood and I see her from time to time running errands. Everytime I see her I remember how awful it was to work with her.

Extra work is not acting.

If it were, it would be on the resume.

but it isnt

so it is not on the resume.