If you've ever thought about appearing in an ad or a film, you've probably come across the terms background extras and featured extras. Many people don't know exactly what each means, and especially how much they pay.
The difference between the two isn't about looks or talent. It's about what you do in front of the camera and what role your presence plays in the production.
This guide explains everything you need to know — simple and to the point.
What is a background extra
Being a background extra means you appear in the background. You're part of the set — not because you don't count, but because your role is to create authenticity and life around the main action.
Concrete examples of background extras
- People walking down the street behind the lead actors
- Customers sitting at tables in a restaurant being filmed
- Employees working in the background of an office
- Spectators in the stands at a filmed sports event
- Passengers on a bus or train in an ad
You have no lines. You don't interact directly with the camera. You're there to make the scene look real.
How much background extras earn: from 200 RON per shoot day. Payment is made after the shoot day, according to the terms of the contract. A shoot day usually means 8–12 hours of availability on location. If the shoot exceeds 12 hours, the overtime is paid separately, calculated per hour over the cap — the exact amount is specified in the contract signed before the shoot.
What is a featured extra
Being a featured extra means you have a more visible or more specific role compared to a background extra. You're not necessarily an actor with lines, but your presence is more important in the frame — whether you perform a specific action, are filmed closer, or are on screen longer.
Concrete examples of featured extras
- The person who appears in close-up in the ad, without speaking, but with a clear reaction
- The person who performs a specific action — drinks coffee, opens a door, signs a document
- The dancer or athlete who performs a predefined movement
- The person with a specific ethnic look or visual feature explicitly called for by the brief
- The child who appears at the centre of the ad, guided by the director step by step
How much featured extras earn: between 500 and 1,500 RON per day, sometimes more, depending on the project, client and the duration of the broadcast rights. International projects or campaigns with long-term broadcast pay significantly more. As with background extras, if the shoot exceeds 12 hours, overtime is paid separately — the amount is set in the contract signed before the shoot.
Background vs. featured — in short
Background extras
- You appear in the background
- No lines, no specific actions
- Suitable for anyone, regardless of experience
- Earnings: from 200 RON / day
Featured extras
- You appear more visibly, sometimes in close-up
- You may have an action, a reaction or a specific look required
- Requires more availability and sometimes a specific skill
- Earnings: 500 – 1,500 RON / day or more
What image rights are and why they matter
Whether you're a background or featured extra, you'll sign a contract that includes image rights. This means the producer has the right to use your image in the filmed materials, for a period and on the media specified in the contract.
What to watch in the contract
- Broadcast period — 1 year, 2 years, unlimited
- Territory — Romania only, Europe, worldwide
- Broadcast media — TV, online, outdoor, all media
The wider and longer the broadcast, the higher the fee. An ad broadcast for a year on all media in Romania pays differently from a spot broadcast online for 3 months.
Which type of extra suits you
You don't decide which category you fall into — that's decided by the client's brief and how well your profile matches what the production is looking for. But you can understand in advance what to expect.
Background extra work suits you if
- You're starting out and want to understand how a shoot day works
- You don't have experience in front of the camera and prefer to start without pressure
- You want extra income without a complex commitment
Featured extra work suits you if
- You have a specific skill — dance, sport, an ethnic look or a required age / physical feature
- You're comfortable in front of the camera and can follow precise instructions
- You want to be more visible in the production and earn more per day
Frequently asked questions
Can I do featured extra work without experience?
Yes, if your profile matches what the client is looking for. Previous experience helps, but isn't mandatory. What counts more is naturalness, availability and the specific skill required by the project.
Can I appear in ads for several brands?
Yes, with one important condition: some contracts include exclusivity clauses for a product category. For example, if you appeared in a beer ad, you may be restricted from a competing brand for a while. Always read the contract before you sign.
When do I get paid?
It depends on the type of extra. Background extras are paid after the shoot, on the day. Featured extras are usually paid 30–60 days after the shoot date, according to the terms of the contract. The exact deadline is specified in the document you sign before or on the day of the shoot.
What happens if I'm filmed but don't appear in the final ad?
You're paid for the shoot day, regardless of whether you appear in the final version of the ad or not. The final cut is the client's decision and doesn't affect your fee.
Conclusion
Background and featured extras are two different types of participation in a video production. Both are paid, both are accessible, and both can be a first step into a completely new experience.
If you want to be part of our productions — ads, music videos or films — the first step is free registration in our database.
Sign up online or come directly to our office in Bucharest, 31 Gheorghe Manu Street.
