#TVExtras #BackgroundActors #TVProduction #BehindTheScenes
Have you ever wondered what extras in a TV show actually do in the background? Do they talk to each other or mouth words silently? Let’s dive into the world of TV production and find out!
## What Do Extras Do in the Background?
Being an extra in a TV show is not as easy as it may seem. While they may not have speaking roles, extras play a crucial role in creating a realistic and immersive environment for the main characters. Here are some common tasks that extras perform in the background:
1. **Walking and Moving**: Extras are often tasked with walking around the set to make the scene look more natural. They may walk in groups or individually, depending on the director’s instructions.
2. **Interacting with Props**: Extras may be asked to interact with props such as books, phones, or food to make the scene more dynamic.
3. **Background Conversations**: Extras may engage in simulated conversations with each other to create a sense of activity and liveliness in the background.
4. **Mouthing Words**: In some cases, extras may be asked to mouth words silently to give the impression of a conversation without actually making any noise.
## Rules and Guidelines for Extras
While extras have some freedom to improvise and add their own flair to the scene, there are certain rules and guidelines that they must follow to ensure a smooth production process. Here are some dos and don’ts for extras in a TV show:
### Dos
– **Follow Directions**: Listen carefully to the director’s instructions and do your best to execute them accurately.
– **Stay in Character**: Even if you don’t have a speaking role, try to stay in character and react appropriately to the scene unfolding around you.
– **Be Professional**: Show up on time, be respectful to the cast and crew, and maintain a positive attitude throughout the shoot.
### Don’ts
– **Speak Audibly**: Avoid speaking audibly in the background, as it may interfere with the main dialogue being recorded.
– **Distract the Main Actors**: While it’s important to act naturally, avoid doing anything that could distract the main actors or draw attention away from the scene.
– **Overact**: While it’s important to be engaged and expressive, overacting can be just as distracting as underacting. Find the right balance for your role.
## Behind the Scenes: Extras in Action
If you’ve ever watched a TV show and noticed the extras in the background, you know how much they contribute to the overall atmosphere of the scene. Next time you watch your favorite show, pay attention to the extras and see if you can spot them walking, talking, or simply adding to the background noise.
In conclusion, extras in a TV show play an important role in bringing a scene to life. Whether they’re walking, talking, or simply mouthing words in the background, extras help create a sense of reality and immersion that makes the show more engaging for viewers. So next time you watch a TV show, remember to appreciate the hard work and dedication of the extras who help make the magic happen behind the scenes.🎬
So, do extras in a TV show talk in the background or mouth words silently? The answer is… it depends! Extras have a range of tasks and responsibilities on set, from walking and moving to interacting with props and engaging in background conversations. While they may not have speaking roles, extras play a vital role in creating a realistic and dynamic environment for the main characters to shine. Now that you know more about the world of TV extras, keep an eye out for them the next time you watch your favorite show! Who knows, you might even spot a familiar face in the background. 😉
You just mouth all the words and show reaction. Anytime you watch a bar or club scene it is silent while filming. No music, no talking. That’s why when you see people dancing they are many times out of rhythm. And you do take, after take, after take. And then do it again from the other persons perspective
Had friends be extras in top gun movie. They told me they were given a piece of paper with task they had to complete. Walk here, look here, talk to this person, sip drink, walk over here. They said they were allowed to talk about whatever just pretend your actually there. So it was a bunch of navy guys talking about navy things. Or they could mouthed “peas and carrots over and over”
Another fun fact, I was in a scene that took place in a club. The actors were speaking so, everyone got a sample of the music before “action” and then everyone had to dance, bob, ECT. To silence. Extras also practiced speaking over the loudness and mimed it during the takes.
I was an extra in No Reservations. The scene I was in was only lasted for a minute and the director just let us mumble.
This reminds me of The Rehearsal episode from Nathan Fielder where he hires a bunch of extra to be at a party. But because of the rates you pay extras, they aren’t allowed to speak so it’s just a bunch of people being quiet acting like they’re having conversations.
There are a couple of phrases you can mouth to make it look like you’re having a conversation. Walla Walla is the only one I remember.
Edit: I typed thr instead of the my bad
I don’t know but this immediately made me think of Gloria and Phil doing that commercial in modern family lol. Gloria pretending to be on the phone using her hand.
Haha I’ve always wanted to know this. i always imagine myself as an extra and how awkward it must feel too just sit across from someone pretending to speak to each other lol
Like the other guy said, its just mouthing the words. Adding this: The mics are super sensitive, so even if the background is like a guy sweeping or Jackhammering, he is doing it in the air, and you wont see stuff touching the ground. It’s a pain to edit out background noise, so they try to keep it slient.
Can’t speak for all shows, but I imagine they are similar. My info is from someone who was an extra on Frasier back in the 90’s
The stars microphones are sensitive. If your job is to have a conversation in the background, you are told to mouth the words and act like you are, not to really make any sound. And if your job is to look like you are in a conversation, that’s all you can do. You can only make movements to look like you are, not something that will draw attention from the intended shot.