What Is a Film & TV Extra Background and Could You Be One?
- NZAT
- Jul 30
- 6 min read
Ever watched a busy café scene in a New Zealand drama and wondered who are all those people in the background? That's the world of the film and TV extra background, and it's one of the most accessible entry points into the screen industry in Aotearoa.
No acting degree. No headshots from a professional photographer. No industry connections. Just you, showing up, doing your part — and being part of something that ends up on screen.
This article breaks down exactly what the role involves, what productions actually need, what you can expect to earn, and honestly whether it's for you.
So, What Is an Extra?
An extra, also called a background artist, is a performer who appears in the background of a scene to make the world of a film or TV show feel real and alive.
Think about it: a courtroom needs a public gallery full of people. A market scene needs shoppers. A concert needs a crowd. A hospital hallway needs nurses, visitors, patients. None of those people just appear by magic; they're extras, and productions need lots of them.
There are two tiers:
Standard Extra — you're part of the general background. Walking past, sitting at a table, browsing a store. You're not singled out, but you're essential to making the scene feel believable.
Featured Extra — the camera spends a little more time near you. You might be closer to the main action, react to something happening in the scene, or be picked by the director on the day because your look fits the moment. It's still background work, but you're more visible.
Neither role involves speaking lines. Neither requires you to "act" in the traditional sense. What you do need is the ability to follow direction, stay focused, and bring natural, believable energy to whatever environment you're placed in.
Why Productions Can't Do Without Extras
Here's something the general public rarely thinks about: a set without extras looks fake, fast.
Watch any film or TV scene set in a public space with the extras removed and you'll immediately notice — the world feels hollow. Empty. Wrong. Background performers are the difference between a scene that pulls you in and one that accidentally reminds you you're watching a production.
Productions; whether it's a local New Zealand drama, a feature film, or an international production shooting here, need background performers in almost every scene that takes place in a public or shared space. That means consistent, ongoing demand for people of:
All ages from children (with guardian present) to seniors in their 80s and beyond
All ethnicities New Zealand productions increasingly reflect the real diversity of Aotearoa, and that means casting directors are actively seeking Māori, Pasifika, Asian, South Asian, Middle Eastern, European, and all other backgrounds
All body types and looks — real life doesn't look like a magazine, and neither should a good production
If you've ever felt like the screen industry "isn't for people like me", this is the role that challenges that idea directly.
What Does a Typical Day Actually Look Like?
Let's be real with you, because we think you deserve that.
The hours can be long. A standard shooting day is often 10–12 hours. You might be called to set at 6am. You might wrap at 8pm. Film sets run on their own schedule, and that schedule is driven by light, locations, and the director's vision, not convenience. Call time is not given until the night prior shooting.
A lot of it is waiting. Between scenes being set up, lighting being adjusted, and takes being repeated, extras spend a significant portion of the day in a holding area. You'll want to bring a book, headphones, something to keep yourself occupied. You cannot be on your phone while actually on set or in a scene.
You'll need to be reliable. If you commit to a booking, you show up. Productions are spending thousands of dollars a day, sometimes tens of thousands. A no-show creates real problems. If you have a genuine emergency, you contact your agent immediately.
Continuity matters. If a scene is filmed over two days, you may need to return wearing the same clothes, same hair, same accessories. Production will usually brief you on this, but it's something to be aware of.
You may need your own wardrobe. For many background roles, you'll be asked to bring clothing that fits a specific era, environment, or character type. Business attire, casual wear, period costume; production will let you know in advance.
Practical Things to Know Before You Apply
Do I need experience?
No. Extra work is one of the few genuine entry points into the screen industry that requires no prior experience. What matters is reliability, professionalism, and the ability to take direction.
Do I need a car?
Helpful, but not always essential. That said, some locations are not accessible by public transport. If you don't drive, be upfront about it, this affects which bookings you'll be suitable for. Don't apply for roles in remote locations if you have no way to get there. Productions don't have time to arrange transport for everyone.
Do I need to be available full-time?
No. Many extras work around other jobs, study, or family commitments. However, bookings often come at short notice, and the more flexible you are, the more work you'll get. If your availability is very limited, it's better to be honest about that upfront.
Can I bring my children?
Child extras are used regularly, but they require a parent or guardian on set at all times, and there are specific rules and regulations around working hours for minors in New Zealand. If you're interested in registering your child, mention this when you apply.
What should I look like?
Yourself. Honestly. Productions need people who look like real New Zealanders, because that's what they're trying to portray. Natural, everyday appearances are what casting directors are looking for in background work.
What Can I Expect to Earn?
Pay for extra work in New Zealand varies depending on the production, the union agreements in place, and whether you are a standard or featured extra.
As a general guide:
Standard Extra: Roughly gross rate $300-350 per day
Featured Extra: Slightly higher rate than standard extra, typically negotiated through your agent based on your visibility and the nature of the role
Talents are getting paid when production pays the agency. Can take 1-2 months.
You will also typically receive meal breaks (breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner depending on the length of the day) provided by production.
Is This the Right Role for You?
Ask yourself honestly:
Are you reliable and professional?
Can you handle long days with patience and a good attitude?
Are you flexible with your schedule?
Do you understand this is background work; you won't be the focus, and that's okay?
Do you genuinely want to be part of the film and TV industry, even starting from the ground up?
If yes to most of those, this could be a great fit.
If you're looking for fame overnight, speaking roles on day one, or a flexible side job you can drop whenever something else comes up, this probably isn't the right entry point yet.
Why Register With NZAT?
NZ ActionTalent (NZAT) represents performers across a wide range of screen industry roles, including standard and featured extras. When you register with us:
We submit you for productions that match your profile
We handle your bookings, rates, and paperwork
You get access to a network of productions shooting across New Zealand
You're represented professionally, which means productions take your booking seriously
We're actively looking for new talent — especially people who are new to the industry. If you're already represented by another agency, we're not the right fit. But if you're starting fresh and want to give this a go, we'd love to hear from you.
We welcome people of all ages, all ethnicities, all looks and backgrounds. The more diverse our talent pool, the better we can serve the productions that need real, varied, authentic New Zealanders on screen.
Ready to Take the First Step?
If this sounds like something you want to explore, the next step is simple: register your interest with NZAT.
Send us your details, upload a recent photo, location and tell us a bit about yourself. We'll be in touch.
Share this with someone you know who'd be perfect for this — a friend who's always been curious about the industry, a family member with a great look, someone who's retired and has time to fill. Background work is for everyone. It just takes someone to point the way.
NZAT — New Zealand Acting Talent. Representing performers across Aotearoa.
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