The Unseen Players in Film and Television
Supporting artists, background performers, walk-ons, extras—these are the names given to the individuals who populate the world of film and television. Their role is often overlooked, yet they are essential to the production process. These people come from all walks of life: students, retirees, semi-professionals, and even those with other careers. They are part of a unique group that exists between actors and scenery, performing a job that is both unglamorous and integral to the industry.
However, their position has become increasingly precarious due to the rise of AI-generated imagery. This shift has raised concerns among many in the industry, as the traditional role of extras faces a potential threat. Few could have predicted this turn of events back in July 2005, when the world of film and television was immortalized in one of the BBC’s most popular comedy series.
A New Era for Extras
The challenge for Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant after the success of The Office was to create a new show that could match its acclaim. Their answer was Extras, which premiered on BBC One 20 years ago this week. The show follows Andy Millman, played by Gervais, a serial “extra” who dreams of making it big while dealing with the realities of his role. The first series featured Hollywood superstars like Ben Stiller, Kate Winslet, and Samuel L. Jackson, highlighting the stark contrast between the A-listers and the supporting cast, who were often treated as disposable props.
Shaun Pye, a comedy writer and actor who played Andy’s nemesis, Greg, in Extras, recalls the pressure of following such a successful show. “I think there was just a huge expectation that it was going to be as good as The Office,” he says. Despite not achieving the same cult status as its predecessor, Extras remains a cringe-inducing yet poignant portrayal of the struggles people endure for art.
The Real-Life Experience of Extras
For many real-life extras, the experience is more nuanced than what is portrayed on screen. Alex, from Edinburgh, started his career in animation before transitioning into acting. He took on supporting artist roles to gain on-set experience. “I can wait the whole day – 10 hours – and then, if I’m performing for those last 30 minutes, it’s worth it,” he explains. For some, the job is about the opportunity to be on set, even if it means long hours and minimal recognition.
Shaun Pye agrees that the job suits certain temperaments. “It’s enormously long hours, you don’t get treated well generally – maybe there’s something exciting about being on telly.” Some extras are professional, while others are less so. On The Increasingly Poor Decisions of Todd Margaret, one extra stood out for her constant laughter, which added an unexpected charm to the scene.
The Diversity of Background Actors
Wayne Berko, CEO of Uni-versal Extras, emphasizes the diversity of the people in his casting agency. “Our background actors come from all walks of life,” he says. “Teachers, dancers, students, police, musicians, fitness instructors, nurses. We’ve got retirees, people in their eighties.” This diversity is a result of the fact that being an extra is one of the few roles on major sets that isn't fully professionalized.
Zoe, who had a small speaking part in Michael Winterbottom’s The Look of Love, shares her experience. She was managing director of a London-based software company when she stumbled onto the set through a friend. “Winterbottom likes to cast the extras as people who do the real jobs,” she says. Her experience on set gave her a glimpse into the world of film, where even a small role can be valuable.
The Threat of AI
Despite the charm of these roles, the profession is under threat. In 2023, the US film and television industry faced strikes led by the actors’ union over concerns about AI replicating a performer’s likeness. While extras may not have the same bargaining power as main actors, their future is uncertain.
Berko is cautious about working with companies developing AI-generated supporting artists. “If it’s something that would take jobs away from our people, then the answer would probably be no,” he says. However, he acknowledges that if AI can benefit both the people involved and society, it might be worth considering.
The Future of Film and Television
Ben Kent, director of research at Foundry, believes that while AI is improving, it still has limitations. “Video generation is really good if you just want to create an entirely new shot and don’t care too much about exactly what’s in it,” he says. However, he thinks that these issues will be resolved within five years.
Throughout film history, crowd scenes haven’t always used real actors. Star Wars used matchsticks for pod races, and Lord of the Rings combined costumed actors with CGI models. As AI becomes more advanced, the balance between real actors and digital alternatives may shift.
Balancing Technology and Humanity
Zoe, who continues to juggle her tech career with acting, sees the value in both real and AI-generated actors. “On the lower budget end, people will use AI-generated crowds all the time; the pinnacle of craft will still be to use real people,” she says. Shaun Pye agrees, expressing a sense of disappointment if he watches a film and suspects the background actors are generated by an algorithm.
While AI presents challenges, it also offers opportunities. Some productions may continue to use supporting artists as a hedge against AI-generated content, while others may require large numbers of faces for data collection. Even if the allure of rubbing shoulders with stars fades, the role of extras remains important in the filmmaking process.
The Enduring Legacy of Extras
Twenty years after Extras, the truth that Gervais and Merchant uncovered still resonates. Film and television are made up of many parts, some big, some small, but all contributing to the final product. As Konstantin Stanislavski once said, “There are no small parts, only small actors.” The same applies to the unseen players in the world of film and television.