If you are just starting out, 4-Show.biz can help make things a little easier. The Recruiter's Corner is a feature that allows Agents and Managers to search for talented individuals who do not have representation. You can upload pictures, audition videos, promote your play, (and more) and have it seen by the right people to get you noticed!
While you are in the process of finding representaition, you can access our resources section and become familiar with industry terms, listings, concepts, and advice to help you understand the business. . 4-Show.biz wants all actors to be "in-the-know" and we make it easy for you by providing important terminology. Here are just a few terms to get you started.
For standard and complete definitions visit www.sag.org
Screen Actor's Guild (SAG)
The Screen Actors Guild (SAG) is the union provided for actors, who meet their qualifications for membership. The guild was formed to provide regulations for productions to adhere to and also provides important benefits such as health insurance, retirement pension plans and more.
Joining SAG
There are certain requirements that must be met in order to join SAG. There are two ways to become a member of SAG. If an Actor is hired as the principal performer meaning they have a speaking role or are a principal role in a SAG project, then they are eligible to join SAG. Another way to join SAG is to work as a Background Actor for three consecutive days (being paid at the full rate) Presently, actors need to have worked on three SAG jobs as a background actor. Each time an actor works as a background actor they will earn a SAG voucher counting towards membership requirements. This information may change so it is best to contactwww.sag.org for exact rules and regulations.
Extra
Extras are the actors seen in background of films. Extras can also be referred to as “background talent” or “background atmosphere.” Background talent is used in scenes that are filmed in restaurants, shopping malls, and the beach, just to name a few. Using extras makes the scene more realistic and believable.
Featured Extra
is an Extra that is recongnizable or their face is shown. Usually Featured Extras are paid more than Extras.
Stand-In
According to the Screen Actor's Guild, a stand-in is the person used to “stand in” for another actor before they shoot the actual scene. Stand-Ins are used to help the crew set up the lighting, and help the director view camera angles and check the focus. Stand-ins are never seen on camera while the film is rolling. Generally, stand-ins look similar to the actor they are standing-in for. Once the scene is set up, the stand-in will leave and the actor will replace them. Stand-ins are often called
First Team
Principle Actors or the main actors in the scene. Usually this Talent has speaking lines, a character name, etc.
Second Team
Second Team is another term used for Extras, Featured Extras, Stand-Ins, and Photo Doubles
Photo-double
A photo double is photographed as the actor they are substituting. According to the Screen Actor's Guild, Photo-Doubles receive different pay rates than Extras.
