Things Needed For Being A Background Actor
I am a background actor, or extra, in movies and TV shows in Eastern North Carolina. You will hear both terms used but background is more the norm now. Holding is reference to where background stays and eats meals while sets are being put together fo...
When you get booked for a job you have no idea how many outlets there will be to charge your phone so having a power bank is a must.
You never know if "holding" is in a building or in a tent in a field. It's not as bad as that sounds 98.5% of the time. If the second location is the place,having your own chair helps you by being a little comfortable.
It's always a good idea to have an umbrella at hand. The Davek umbrella is high wind resistant in a storm. Also you can use the umbrella to block the sun which is great for States with a lot of sun like North Carolina. Their umbrellas come in differe...
You can be outside on a set for several hours so protecting your skin is very important. Having sunscreen should always be in your bag. #ad
You don't know what is being catered for breakfast,lunch or dinner when you are "in holding". Having something to help ease your stomach will help because the mics pick up everything.
You never know if you'll get a headache,so having a small amount of Tylenol in your bag helps.
If you have allergies,you must have an allergy medication ready to use or you'll be miserable on set. You'll then miss the fun of being on a set.
It's always good to have a small first aid kit. You don't always need the on site medic(s) to give you a bandaid for a small,shallow cut. Let them keep fully stocked on their supplies.
It will get hot during the Summer obviously. Having this cooling towel is great to have. Just wet,whip and put on forehead or around your neck to cool down on those hot days on set.
You never know if they are going to have you running around a lot so having some deodorant wipes with you is a good idea. #ad
when you get to holding it's a good idea to wipe down where you are going to be sitting and eating with a clorox wipe to kill germs.
It's always good to have some antibacterial wipes on hand,no pun intended. Plus Wet Ones can cool you down on a hot day if you don't have a towel around.
When it's time to eat you aren't given sturdy flatware, so bring your own.
in order to charge you cell phone or tablet, you need a durable and reliable charging cable. That's why you need an Anker charging cable.
Do you get heartburn easily? Then you should have a pack of these in your bag in case you might need them. #ad
It never hurts to have a good book with you to read or listen to while waiting to go to set. Available on audiobook, paperback, hardcover and kindle. #ad
Keep your drink cold for hours. Trust me,it can be hours in between breaks sometimes and you don't want to come back to a warm bottle of soda,ice melted in your use to be iced coffee or any other scenario like that. Frost Buddy has a hand cooler perf...
A set of flatware connects with magnets. When you're done eating and cleaned them off, snap them back together and place them in the included carry case.
If you think a towel won't be enough to cool you down there's always a personal fan. Put it around your neck,turn it on and soon you'll feel better.
To bring your outfits to holding so wardrobe can pick out the perfect one for the scenes for the day,you need a garment bag. Nothing special but one to protect your clothes from the weather and carry up to 6 outfits at a time. #ad
If you're one of those people who need a way to get a boost of awareness naturally, you need to get a boom stick. With essential oils,they are just what you need to get you through the day. Just insert at the base of your nostril, breathe in and wait...
In the Summer heat or the Winter cold,your lips probably will get chapped at some point. That's why having some lip balm with you is a good idea. Dr Squatch has come out with a lip balm that works great.
You never know if they will want you to upgrade to hand double for an actor or actresses,so having your nails looking their best is a must. With this versatile kit,you'll be ready for that close up and bump in pay.
After lunch we all have bad breath. You can solve the problem with Breath Savers mints. You'll be ready when you hear,"Back to set." #ad
Are you tired of your chap stick melting in the heat. Finally there's a solution. Applying the same concept as insulated water bottles,the Chapie is an insulated container for your chap stick or lip balm.