BACKGROUND ARTIST'S GUIDE

As a background artist you’ll be working with a variety of production departments including Costumes, Hair, Make-Up, Props and Transportation. Please review each department’s requirements for background performers.

Payroll Department

Please review Payroll & Residency Documents for the list of requirements.

Costume Department

Background artists are required to provide their own wardrobe to wear on camera. Always bring three full outfit options of the requested wardrobe including outerwear, footwear and accessories. 

Always report to work camera ready. This means you must arrive at work dressed in your first change of wardrobe with your hair and make-up done or clean shaven, unless requested otherwise.

Please bring your two other wardrobe changes pressed and hanging in a wardrobe bag. Never bring your wardrobe rolled up and stuffed in a duffel bag or knapsack. Please always ensure the wardrobe you bring is clean. The Costume department will choose which of your outfits works best for the scenes we are shooting. Please do not change your appearance once the Costume department has approved your look for the scene.

Each production's requirements will vary slightly but please remember the following standard guidelines for wardrobe:

- No black wardrobe
- No white wardrobe
- No bright colors like red, yellow or orange etc.
- No visible logos or advertisements on wardrobe

- Always ensure the wardrobe you bring is clean

- Please do not wear any perfume or cologne to work
 

The Costume department may give you something to wear in a scene. You are responsible for this wardrobe at all times so please do not leave these items unattended. Once you’re wrapped please ensure that you have returned any items loaned to you by the Costume department prior to signing out. Please return them in the same condition that you received them.

Hair & Make-up Department

Always report to work camera ready. This means you should arrive at work dressed in the requested wardrobe with your hair and make-up done or clean shaven, unless requested otherwise.

Women, please bring your make-up kits with you to work. 

Men, please make sure you arrive clean shaven unless requested otherwise. If you’ve been asked to arrive with facial hair always bring your shaving kits with you just in case.

Please do not change your appearance once the Hair and Make-Up departments have approved your look for the scene.

Once you’re wrapped please ensure that you have returned any items loaned to you by the Hair and Make-Up departments prior to signing out. Please return them in the same condition that you received them.

Props Department

Background performers are often asked to bring their own props with them to work. As an example, if you are playing a businessman you may be asked to bring a briefcase with you. Please bring any additional hand props that you think might apply to the role you are playing.

The Prop department may give you a prop to hold or wear in a scene. This could be anything from a bowling ball to a pair of glasses. You are responsible for these props at all times so please do not leave them unattended. Once you’re wrapped please ensure that you have returned any items loaned to you by the Prop department prior to signing out. Please return them in the same condition that you received them.

If you are given a firearm to wear in a scene, never remove it from the holster unless directed to do so by an Assistant Director or the Props department. Regardless of whether it is real, rubber or a replica, never point a firearm at anyone.

Transportation Department

If you are booked to work with your vehicle on-set you will receive a rental fee. Please make sure that you arrive with at least half a tank of gas in your vehicle. Please have your valid drivers license with you at all times.

If you are interested in working with your vehicle on-set, please ensure your vehicle's details are listed on your profile. This includes the year, colour, make and model of your vehicle. You can also post photos of your vehicles in your profile.

Background Artist's Guide

Please review these other pages of the Background Artist's Guide:

Creating Your Performer Profile

Payroll & Residency Documents

Availability Inquiries & Bookings

Working On-Set

Department Requirements

Film Terminology

Frequently Asked Questions