What does BG (Background) mean?
BG (Background) is a term used on film and television sets to refer to background actors, extras, or the general background environment in a scene. BG actors are non-speaking roles that help to create a sense of realism in scenes by populating the background, such as crowds, pedestrians, or restaurant patrons. Background actors are directed by an assistant director and are crucial for adding depth and life to a scene without drawing focus away from the main action.
Example:A scene set in a busy café uses BG actors to play customers, waitstaff, and passersby to make the setting feel authentic.
Example: In a street scene, dozens of BG actors are hired to fill the frame as pedestrians, walking behind the lead characters to simulate a bustling city.
Did you know?
In some productions, background actors are asked to mime conversations to avoid disrupting the main dialogue being recorded!
