Getting involved in a movie production encompasses a broad range of roles, from non-speaking background work to securing a principal acting position. Aspiring performers must understand the distinct tracks within the industry and prepare the necessary professional materials. Developing the required skills and business acumen is a continuous process that dictates the level of access and opportunity within film and television production.
Understanding the Different Roles and Paths
The two primary categories of on-screen performers are the Principal Actor and the Background Artist. Principal Actors are cast in roles with spoken dialogue or those central to the plot. This work requires formal auditions, specialized training, and often legal representation from an agent, demanding significant investment in craft and networking.
The Background Artist, commonly referred to as an extra, takes on non-speaking roles used to populate scenes and create atmosphere. Entry is generally more accessible, often relying on specialized agencies like Central Casting or direct submissions. While background work provides firsthand experience and the opportunity to earn union vouchers, it is typically not a path to securing principal roles.
Building Your Essential Toolkit
Aspiring performers must assemble a set of mandatory professional materials before submitting for on-camera work. The headshot is the most important marketing tool, requiring professional photography that captures the actor’s current appearance and personality. Actors should possess a variety of headshots, including commercial (bright, friendly) and theatrical (dramatic, serious) looks, to accurately convey their casting type.
The acting résumé details training, special skills, and professional experience, formatted specifically for the industry. Experience should be listed by project title, role type, and production company. For principal roles, a demo reel or high-quality self-taped scenes are required to showcase acting ability. Initial reel footage can be created by filming scenes from plays or existing screenplays, demonstrating the performer’s ability to handle dialogue and emotional range.
Getting the Proper Training and Experience
A serious pursuit of acting requires consistent development of the craft through formal and informal training. Acting classes are foundational, providing structured environments for scene study, cold reading practice, and character development under experienced coaches. Specialized workshops, such as those focused on improvisation or on-camera technique, help refine performance skills for film sets.
Gaining practical experience outside of paid work is necessary for building confidence and securing initial reel footage. Student films and independent short projects offer opportunities to work with a crew and learn technical filmmaking aspects. Participation in local theater productions allows performers to practice sustaining a character and develop stage presence, which translates to on-camera work.
Utilizing Casting Platforms and Resources
Finding and applying for roles happens through online services that connect performers with casting directors. Platforms like Actors Access are widely used for film and television projects, often linking directly to the submission systems utilized by agents and managers. Performers must create detailed, professional profiles on these sites, uploading their headshots, résumés, and video reels.
Other resources cater to different industry segments. Casting Networks is frequently used for commercial and industrial projects, and Backstage lists opportunities ranging from theater to indie films. Actively managing these profiles involves consistently searching for roles that match the performer’s type and submitting applications. Quickly and accurately self-submitting requires diligence and an understanding of the specific requirements listed in the casting breakdown.
Securing Representation
Securing professional representation is a necessary step for actors seeking roles in major studio or union projects.
Agents
An Agent primarily focuses on securing employment by submitting the actor for roles, negotiating contracts, and managing auditions. Agents are legally licensed to procure work, often operating under union franchise agreements like those with SAG-AFTRA.
Managers
A Manager focuses on the actor’s long-term career strategy, development, and overall business decisions, such as advising on training and marketing materials. Managers typically have smaller rosters than agents and may take on developing talent who need more guidance.
Before approaching either, an actor must have a polished toolkit—professional headshots, a credited résumé, and a quality demo reel. Submissions should follow the representative’s specific guidelines, often involving a brief cover letter and a link to the actor’s professional profile.
Professional Conduct On Set
Maintaining professionalism on set is necessary for securing repeat work and building a positive reputation. Punctuality is required; performers must arrive at their designated call time, ready to work and having reviewed their call sheet. Actors should understand basic set terminology, such as finding their “mark,” the exact position taped on the floor for proper lighting and camera focus.
During filming, silence is expected when the camera is “rolling” or the director calls “Action.” Performers should remain in their designated holding area until called to set by the Assistant Director. Following instructions precisely and maintaining a collaborative attitude demonstrates reliability, which is highly valued in the industry.