Department Requirements

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

Payroll department.

Please review Payroll & Residency Documents for a list of employment requirements.

Costume department.

When working as a background artist you are required to supply your own wardrobe. Always bring three full outfits of the requested wardrobe including outerwear, footwear and accessories.

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

Arrive dressed in your first change of wardrobe and bring your two other changes pressed and hanging in a wardrobe bag. Never bring your wardrobe rolled up and stuffed in a duffel bag or knapsack. Please ensure the wardrobe you bring is clean. The Costume Designer will choose which of your outfits works best for the scene we are shooting.

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
 

Sometimes the Costume department may give you something to wear. Please remember that you are responsible for this wardrobe at all times. Do not leave their wardrobe 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.

Please do not change your appearance once the Costume department has approved your look for the scene. 

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. 

- 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.

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.

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

Props department.

Extras 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.

Sometimes 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. 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 drivers license with you on set at all times. If you are interested in working with your vehicle, please ensure your vehicle's details are listed on your profile. This includes the year, colour, make and model of your vehicle.