What Is an Action Extra in Film and TV? An Honest Guide for New Zealand

You've got a sporting background. Maybe you've trained in martial arts, played rugby at a serious level, spent years in the gym, or come up through competitive dance. You've always been curious about the film and TV industry — but you didn't think there was a role for someone like you.

There is. It's called an action extra — and it's one of the most physical, exciting, and in-demand background roles in the New Zealand screen industry.

Here's an honest breakdown of what the role involves, what you need to bring, and whether it could be your way in

So, What Is an Action Extra?

An action extra is a background performer who appears in scenes that involve physical activity, choreographed movement, or action sequences.

Where a standard extra might sit at a café table or walk through a market, an action extra is in the middle of a fight scene, a crowd brawl, a chase sequence, a training montage, a sports match, or any other moment on screen that requires real physical capability and precise body control.

You're still a background performer — you're not the focus of the scene, and you're not performing stunts in the technical sense. But you are working directly alongside the stunt team and under the supervision of the stunt coordinator, executing choreographed movement that needs to look real, feel dangerous, and be performed safely.

It's a step up from standard extra work — and for many people, it's the first real step toward a deeper career in the action side of the screen industry.

What Kind of Background Do You Need?

At NZAT, our action extras typically come from one of two places: a strong sporting or physical background, or at least beginner-level stunt training.

If any of the following applies to you, you could be a strong candidate:

• Martial arts — any discipline, any level. The discipline, body awareness, and ability to take and give controlled hits is directly transferable.

• Boxing or combat sports — same principle. Controlled aggression, timing, and physical confidence under pressure are exactly what action sequences need.

• Rugby or football — physicality, spatial awareness, and the ability to work in chaotic group situations.

• Athletics or gymnastics — body control, coordination, and the ability to move precisely and repeatably.

• Circus arts — acrobatics, aerial work, tumbling. Highly valued on action sets.

• Dance — particularly if you have a background in contemporary, hip hop, or any high-energy style. Choreography is choreography, and dancers pick up action sequences fast.

• Gym and fitness training — if you have a strong, capable body and understand how to move it with control, that foundation matters.

You don't need to be elite. You don't need a black belt or a professional sporting career. What you need is a genuine physical foundation, the ability to follow choreographed direction precisely, and the discipline to repeat the same movement safely, take after take.

What Does Working with the Stunt Team Look Like?

This is what makes action extra work different from anything else in background performance; you're not in holding, and you're not just filling a space. You are a working part of the action unit.

On set, you'll report directly to the stunt coordinator — the person responsible for designing and overseeing every piece of physical action in the production. They and their team will choreograph the sequence, walk you through it step by step, and rehearse it with you until it's safe and looks right on camera.

You'll work closely with the stunt performers — trained professionals who handle the most technically demanding elements of the action. As an action extra, you'll be around them, supporting the sequence they're leading, filling out the world of the action in a way that makes it feel real and large-scale.

It's worth knowing that not every production will have a stunt coordinator on set.

Some hire action extras directly without a stunt department attached. In those situations, NZAT puts forward talent who have stunt training and — just as importantly — a strong sense of safety. If a production starts pushing for something that feels beyond what was agreed or what is safe, we need our talent to recognise that, speak up, and report back to us. You are never obligated to do something you weren't briefed on or that puts you at risk. Knowing where that line is, and having the confidence to hold it, is part of what makes a professional action extra.

What Does a Typical Day Look Like?

You'll be more physically active than any other background role. Expect to rehearse sequences repeatedly, perform takes multiple times, and work your body across a full shooting day. Come prepared physically — rest well the night before, eat properly, and stay hydrated on set.

The hours are long. A standard filming day is 10–12 hours. Call times are confirmed the night before. Flexibility and punctuality are non-negotiable.

You'll be briefed thoroughly on safety. Before any physical sequence is filmed, the stunt coordinator will walk the full team through what's happening, what everyone's role is, and what the safety protocols are. Pay attention. Ask questions if something is unclear.

Continuity applies. If your action sequence spans multiple filming days, your appearance, clothing, and physical performance need to remain consistent. Production will brief you on what's required.

You cannot be on your phone while on set or in a sequence. Focus and awareness are essential in an action environment.

Practical Things to Know Before You Apply

Do I need stunt training?

Not necessarily but it helps. At NZAT, we submit action extras who either have a strong sport or physical background, or who have completed at least some beginner stunt training. If you have neither, standard extra work is a better starting point while you build your physical credentials.

If you're serious about getting into action work on set, we recommend looking into a beginner stunt workshop before applying.

A great place to start is the Fight for Camera (FFC) course run by NZ Stunt School — it's designed specifically for people who want to learn how to perform action safely and convincingly on camera. 👉 Find out more here

Is this the same as being a stunt performer?

No. Stunt performers are highly trained specialists who undergo years of dedicated training and work under direct sunt coordinator. Action extras work alongside the stunt team but do not perform the technical, high-risk elements of a sequence. Think of action extra work as the entry point — the first step toward the stunt world if that's where you want to go.

Could this lead to stunt work?

Yes — and that's one of the best things about this role. Working closely with stunt coordinators and stunt performers is the best possible introduction to that world. If you show up professional, capable, and easy to work with, you build real relationships with the people who can open those doors.

It also happens more than people realise: action extras can be bumped up to stunt performer on the day, when the coordinator sees what you're capable of and needs someone to step into a more demanding role. That's exactly why, if you're working toward a stunt career, accepting action extra roles is never a step down — it's one of the smartest moves you can make. You're on set, you're visible, and you're being watched by the right people.

Do I need a car?

Yes. Action sequences often film on location, and having your own transport is important for this role.

Will I get hurt?

Professional productions take safety extremely seriously. Every sequence is choreographed and rehearsed with safety as the first priority. That said, you are doing physical work and it's important to be honest about any injuries or physical limitations before you arrive on set. Never hide an injury to secure a booking.

What Can I Expect to Earn?

Action extra work pays more than standard extra work, reflecting the physical demands and specialised nature of the role.

As a general guide:

• Action Extra: Roughly $450 gross per day

As with all roles, talents are paid when production pays the agency. This can take 1–2 months from the shoot date. Plan accordingly.

Meal breaks are provided by production throughout the day.

Is This the Right Role for You?

Ask yourself honestly:

• Do you have a genuine sporting, physical, or movement background?

• Are you fit, capable, and able to perform physical work across a long day?

• Can you follow precise choreographic direction and repeat it consistently?

• Are you disciplined about safety and comfortable working in a controlled action environment?

• Are you interested in the action side of the screen industry — and open to where this role could lead?

If yes to most of those, action extra work could be a strong fit — and a real foot in the door toward something bigger.

If you don't yet have a physical background to draw on, start with standard extra work and build from there. There's no shame in taking the right first step.

Why Register With NZAT?

NZ Action Talent Agency (NZAT) represents performers across the full range of screen industry roles, including action extras. When you register with us:

• We assess your physical background and match you to appropriate productions

• We work with extras casting director or stunt coordinators who know our talent and trust our submissions

• We handle your bookings, rates, and paperwork

• You're represented professionally, which means productions take your availability seriously

We're actively looking for new talent — especially people who are new to the screen industry but bring real physical skills from their sporting or movement background. If you're already represented by another agency, we're not the right fit. But if you're starting fresh, we'd love to hear from you.

We welcome people of all ethnicities, all ages, and all physical backgrounds. Productions need action extras who reflect the real diversity of Aotearoa — and the screen industry needs more Māori, Pasifika, Asian, and all other backgrounds represented in these roles.

Ready to Take the First Step?

If this sounds like the role for you, get in touch with NZAT. Tell us about your physical background, send us a recent photo, your location, and a bit about yourself. We'll take it from there.

👉 Contact us on WhatsApp now or create your profile on Heycast today.

Share this with someone you train with, play sport with, or know from the gym who's always been curious about the film and TV world. Their physical skills are more valuable on a set than they probably realise.

NZAT — New Zealand Acting Talent. Representing performers across Aotearoa.