How To Become a Background Extra in Atlanta: Local Guide to Getting Started

Atlanta has become one of the busiest film and TV hubs in the country, which means constant demand for background actors (extras). Whether you live in the city, are here for school, or just visiting for a while, you can often find real opportunities to be on set.

This guide walks you through how to be an extra in Atlanta, what to expect, and how to do it safely and professionally.

What Does It Mean To Be an Extra in Atlanta?

A background extra (or “background artist”) is someone who appears in the background of a film, TV show, commercial, or music video. In Atlanta, that might mean:

• Walking through Midtown sidewalks in a TV drama
• Sitting in a crowd shot at a Mercedes-Benz Stadium scene
• Playing a student in a high school scene filmed in a local DeKalb or Fulton County school
• Appearing as a diner in a restaurant scene shot in Buckhead or Inman Park

Extras usually don’t have speaking lines, but they help make scenes look real and busy. It’s typically entry-level work in the industry and a way to experience a professional set up close.

Step 1: Understand the Basics of Background Work in Atlanta

Before you start signing up, it helps to know how the Atlanta background world typically works.

Common features of extra work in Atlanta:

• Most jobs are non-union. Many background roles in Georgia do not require SAG-AFTRA membership.
• Pay is usually hourly or a flat “day rate.” There may be extra pay for night shoots, overtime, or “bumps” (like using your car, special skills, or costumes).
• Work is on-call and inconsistent. Some weeks you might work several days, other weeks nothing. Do not treat it like guaranteed full-time income.
• Shoots can be long. It’s common to be on set 8–12 hours or more, often early mornings or late nights.
• You are hired per project or per day. Background casting is usually handled by casting companies, not by the film studio directly.

If you live in Atlanta, this can be easier because you’re close to key studio areas such as Trilith Studios (Fayetteville), Tyler Perry Studios (southwest Atlanta), and various locations around Midtown, Downtown, and the Westside.

Step 2: Get Basic Photos and Info Ready

You do not need professional headshots to work as an extra in Atlanta.

Most local background casting companies ask for:

• Clear, recent photos
  • One simple face shot (no heavy filters, sunglasses, or hats)
  • One full-body shot
  • Photos in natural light against a plain background work well
• Basic measurements
  • Height, weight
  • Clothing sizes (shirt, pants, dress, jacket, shoe)
• Appearance details
  • Hair color, hair length, facial hair
  • Visible tattoos or piercings
• Contact info
  • Cell phone number
  • Email address
  • City where you live (e.g., “Atlanta, GA” or nearby suburbs like Decatur, Marietta, College Park)
• Availability
  • Whether you’re generally free weekdays, weekends, overnights, etc.

📌 Tip: Save this information in a note on your phone so you can quickly copy/paste it into casting forms and emails.

Step 3: Find Legit Background Casting Calls in Atlanta

In Atlanta, background casting is usually done through local casting agencies that specialize in extras. They post calls for:

• Feature films shooting in and around Atlanta and metro counties
• Streaming series and network TV shows based in Georgia
• Commercials and music videos filming in local neighborhoods

Common Ways People Find Casting Calls

• Official casting company websites
• Email lists or registration forms you complete once, then remain in their database
• Social media pages run by casting offices (especially popular in Atlanta)
• Local acting Facebook groups focused on Atlanta or Georgia film & TV

When searching online, use terms like:

• “Atlanta background casting”
• “Extras casting in Atlanta”
• “Georgia film extras”

Focus on companies and contacts that regularly cast for productions in Georgia, and be cautious about anyone asking you for upfront payment just to submit.

Step 4: Register With Atlanta-Area Background Casting Offices

Many Atlanta background casting companies will let you register in their database online. This usually involves:

1. Filling out a form with your contact info, physical details, and union status (if applicable)
2. Uploading photos
3. Sometimes, creating a simple profile you can update later

Some companies will invite you to open calls or in-person sign-up sessions in the Atlanta area from time to time.

📌 Important: Background casting in Atlanta is typically free to join. Be cautious of anyone insisting you must pay a registration or photo fee just to be considered for basic background work.

Step 5: Submitting for Specific Roles

Once you’re in casting databases or following them online, you’ll see posts like:

• “Seeking background extras, ages 18–30, any ethnicity, to play college students. Filming in Downtown Atlanta, weekday in February.”
• “Seeking upscale restaurant patrons, ages 25–60, filming in Buckhead, must have upscale wardrobe.”
• “Seeking people with pickup trucks for a rural scene near Conyers.”

You’ll usually be asked to submit:

• Your name
• Phone number
• Age range and height/weight
• Recent photos
• Your availability for the shoot date(s)
• Sometimes your location (e.g., “Based in Atlanta,” “Live in Marietta,” etc.)

Follow instructions exactly (subject line wording, info format, specific questions). Atlanta casting offices often receive hundreds of emails and will skip incomplete submissions.

Step 6: Working On Set in Atlanta – What To Expect

If you’re selected, you’ll receive a booking message or email with:

• Call time (when to arrive – often very early)
• Filming location (could be in Downtown, in a suburb, or at a studio)
• Wardrobe instructions (what to wear or bring)
• Parking and check-in details
• Any COVID or security protocols

Typical On-Set Experience

• Check-in: You’ll sign in with background staff, show ID, and complete any required paperwork.
• Wardrobe & hair/makeup: Some days you’ll show up “camera ready” in your own clothes; other days they’ll adjust your look or give you specific costumes.
• Holding: Extras usually wait in a designated “holding area” until called to set. Bring something quiet to do.
• On-set directions: An assistant director or background PA will tell you where to stand, walk, or sit and how to react during each take.
• Meals: On longer shoots, production usually provides lunch and possibly snacks, but this can vary.
• Wrap: At the end of your scheduled time, you’ll check out so your hours can be recorded for payment.

Shoots in Atlanta can be indoors or outdoors, and weather can be hot, humid, or rainy. Plan accordingly with layers, comfortable shoes, and water when allowed.

Step 7: Getting Paid as an Extra in Atlanta

Background pay in Atlanta is usually:

• A flat day rate (for example, a standard 8–10 hour day)
• Or an hourly rate with overtime for long days

You will typically complete a tax form (such as a W-4 or W-9) and may be paid by:

• Paper check mailed to you
• Direct deposit (if the production/company offers it)
• Sometimes a digital payment method used by the payroll company

Payment time can vary. Many extras in Atlanta report being paid within a couple of weeks, but it can take longer depending on the project and payroll company.

Keep:

• Copies or photos of your voucher or time sheet
• Your call date, project name, and the name of the payroll company (if provided)

These details help if you need to contact payroll later about a missing payment.

Quick Reference: The Extra Process in Atlanta

Who Can Be an Extra in Atlanta?

Background casting in Atlanta typically seeks all ages, body types, and looks. You may see calls for:

• Kids and teens (with parent/guardian involvement)
• College-age adults (especially near Georgia State, Georgia Tech, Morehouse, Spelman, Clark Atlanta University)
• Working professionals
• Seniors
• People with specific skills (musicians, dancers, athletes, military experience)

You do not need acting experience to be an extra. You just need to:

• Follow directions
• Be patient during long shooting days
• Be on time and professional

Legal and Paperwork Basics for Extras in Atlanta

When you work as an extra, you are usually hired directly by production or through a payroll company, not as an employee of the casting office.

You can expect to fill out:

• Tax forms (so your earnings are reported properly)
• Release forms allowing the production to use your image
• Sometimes non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), especially on higher-profile shows and movies

If you’re under 18, Georgia has child labor laws that affect how long minors can work and what permits may be needed. Parents or guardians often need to be present or available.

For questions related to employment rules in Georgia, people sometimes contact:

Georgia Department of Labor – Atlanta Office
148 Andrew Young International Blvd NE
Atlanta, GA 30303
Main Phone: 404-232-3001

They can provide general information about state labor guidelines, though productions and casting offices usually walk you through what you specifically need.

Safety and Scam Awareness for Atlanta Extras

Because Atlanta has a busy film scene, scams do appear from time to time. To stay safer:

• Do not pay just to be considered for basic extra work.
• Be cautious of people promising guaranteed roles for a fee.
• Verify that the casting notice includes:
  • A legitimate company or casting office name
  • Clear project description (even if the project title is a “code name”)
  • A professional email address or submission portal
• If something feels off, walk away. Real productions expect you to be cautious and professional.

If you feel pressured or unsure, you can:

• Compare the opportunity against other Atlanta-area casting notices
• Ask locally knowledgeable people in Atlanta acting or film communities for input

How Often Can You Work as an Extra in Atlanta?

There is no fixed limit to how frequently you can be booked as an extra, but remember:

• Casting often avoids using the same faces too often on the same show.
• If you’re recognizable in one project, they may hold you for different types of roles later.
• Consistency, reliability, and good behavior on set can lead to more bookings over time.

Living in or near Atlanta (versus far-out suburbs) can make it easier to accept early morning call times and last-minute opportunities.

Practical Tips for Atlanta Extras

Some simple habits can make your experience smoother:

• Arrive early. Atlanta traffic can be unpredictable, especially around I-285, Downtown Connector, and during major events.
• Bring essentials:
  • Government-issued ID
  • Neutral clothing options if wardrobe asks for backups
  • A small bag with snacks and water if allowed
  • Phone charger or portable battery
• Dress for the weather. Atlanta can be hot, humid, or chilly depending on the season, and a lot of scenes are outdoors.
• Stay off social media about the project. Many productions in Atlanta are strict about photos and spoilers.
• Be polite and attentive. This makes a strong impression on background staff and increases your chances of being called back.

Is Being an Extra in Atlanta Right for You?

You might enjoy extra work in Atlanta if you:

• Want behind-the-scenes access to film and TV
• Have flexible availability and can handle last-minute calls
• Are okay with long days, waiting, and following directions
• Live close enough to get to sets around Atlanta and surrounding counties

For many locals, being an extra is:

• A side gig for extra income
• A way to test interest in acting or the film industry
• A memorable experience to see Atlanta on screen in a new way

By registering with Atlanta-area casting companies, keeping your information and photos current, and staying professional on set, you can steadily build a presence as a reliable background extra in the city’s growing film and TV scene.