Having enough of the right background actors for your TV show helps make your episodes feel realistic. But, it can be challenging to find a diverse range of background actors given the hectic pace of TV productions and the number of actors a TV show might need.

Casting staff have a difficult balancing act to perform from episode to episode. They need to bring in enough new actors to keep scenes realistic with fresh faces while potentially bringing back people if continuity is required.

Not to mention the headache of having to fill a spot on short notice if a background actor cancels at the last minute!

Having a reliable source of background actors can help ease some of the stress and headaches involved when staffing a TV show.

Benefits of Using a Background Casting Agency

A casting agency that specializes in background actors can help you find the variety and amount of actors needed for your TV show. They have access to a large number of people who want to be an extra on TV shows.

This type of resource is especially helpful when TV shows need a large number of a specific type of person, such as 20 brunette cheerleaders. It can also help TV shows who are looking to have a more diverse set of people in the background of their show.

Diversity is a hot topic in the TV industry. More TV shows, commercials, and films are actively trying to include actors that represent a wider variety of cultures and ethnicities. It can be challenging for a TV production to find the right mixture of individuals available that helps provide diversity in the background.

A casting agency can be a helpful alternative, providing TV shows access to a larger group of people who represent different backgrounds.

Casting agencies typically require individuals to provide specific hiring forms, such as an I-9 form (which is an employment verification form used in the United States). This process can help TV show productions ensure they’re reaching out to eligible background actors, and can help with any documentation that the TV production requires.

Getting the Most Out of Using a Casting Agency

To find the right kind of actors that you seek, you need to provide a clear, updated job description. This practice will help ensure you get queries from actors that fit the specifications you’re seeking.

You also will need to indicate if the positions are for nonunion, union, or a combination of the two. For instance, if you are a union production, then you may be required to have a certain number of union background actors for each episode of a season.

Partnering with the right background casting agency can make hiring extras a smoother process, and also provide you with actors who take their role seriously. These are actors that are more likely to show up and likely have some experience.

Having quality background actors is a plus for a TV studio, which may require a significant number of actors for the show’s ongoing production.