Extra (acting) facts for kids
A background actor, also sometimes called an extra, is a person who appears in movies, TV shows, plays, or even operas and ballets. Their job is to be in the background of a scene, making it look busy and real, but they usually don't have any speaking lines. Think of them as part of the scenery that comes to life!
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What Do Background Actors Do?
Background actors help make a scene look real and lively. Imagine a busy street, a crowded concert, or a big battle. Without background actors, these scenes would look empty and fake. They create the "atmosphere" that makes a story believable.
Where Do They Appear?
Background actors work in many different types of productions:
- Movies and TV Shows: You'll see them in crowd scenes, walking down streets, sitting in restaurants, or cheering in stadiums. They help fill out the world of the story.
- Stage Productions: In plays, musicals, operas, and ballets, background actors are often called "supernumeraries" or "supers." They might be part of a large chorus, a crowd in a town square, or soldiers in a battle scene.
- Music Videos and Commercials: Sometimes, background actors are needed to add energy or realism to music videos or advertisements.
Why Are They Important?
Even though they don't speak, background actors are very important. They help the main actors feel like they are in a real place. They also make the audience believe what they are seeing. For example, a scene set in a busy market would not feel real if there were no people walking around in the background.
Different Names for Background Actors
The term "extra" is commonly used by the public, but people working in the film and TV industry often use other names.
On Set
On a movie or TV set, background actors are usually called:
- "Junior artists"
- "Atmosphere"
- "Background talent"
- "Background performers"
- "Background artists"
- "Background cast members"
- Or simply "background"
In Live Performances
In live stage shows like plays or musicals, they are often called "supernumeraries" or "supers." In opera and ballet, they might be called "extras" or "supers."
How Many Background Actors Are Used?
Some productions need only a few background actors, while others need hundreds or even thousands!
- Epic Films: Movies about historical events or big battles, like ancient wars, often use many background actors. These films can have a "cast of thousands" to show huge armies or large cities.
- Grand Operas: Large opera productions also use many background actors. They help create spectacular scenes with big crowds or elaborate dances.
Becoming a Background Actor
Being a background actor can be a fun way to see how movies and TV shows are made. It's a chance to be part of the magic of storytelling, even without speaking lines. Many famous actors started their careers as background actors before getting bigger roles.
See also
In Spanish: Extra para niños
