Preparing Your Child for Their First Day on Set: A Guide for Parents

Your child just scored their first background role through Background Work—how exciting! For many parents, stepping into the film industry with a child can feel a bit overwhelming at first, as you navigate all of the moving parts and get used to the fast paced flow of it all.

But don’t worry! Background acting for kids can be a fantastic experience, and with a little preparation, the process becomes a whole lot easier.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know to ensure a smooth, fun first day on set. From understanding what background acting entails to packing the right essentials and knowing how payment works, we’ve got you covered. 

Setting Expectations

Even if your child is eager to get on screen, it’s a good idea to spend a few minutes preparing them for what’s ahead. Their expectations might not fully match the reality of being a background actor, especially since this is likely their first “job”.

What Does a Background Actor Do?

A background actor, or ‘extra,’ helps create a realistic atmosphere on screen. They’re the ‘student in the hallway,’ the ‘kid at the park,’ or the ‘passenger on a bus’—all there to make scenes feel genuine. Explaining this in simple terms can help kids understand what’s expected of them. Try saying, ‘You’re there to make the scene feel real, like you’re just part of everyday life in the movie.’ 

It’s also helpful to remind them that, in screen acting,less is more. Encourage them to keep reactions subtle—background actors are often advised to tone down their expressions to ensure that they are seamlessly blending into the scene.

• Standard Background: These are everyday background actors often used in crowd scenes as passersby, patrons, or general extras.
• Continuity Background: This role requires the same actor to appear over multiple days in the same production, playing the same character to maintain consistency.
• Photocast Background: For these roles, we provide production with several options, and they make the final choice. These roles are often more featured, with additional screen time and close-ups.

A Day on Set: What It’s Really Like

We want to set realistic expectations: long waits are common, with bursts of excitement when your child gets the chance to step in front of the camera. A typical day involves arriving, checking in, waiting, and then being called to set. Be ready for the possibility of spending time in a ‘holding area’ while they wait for their turn, however productions aim to film children’s scenes as efficiently as possible to minimise waiting.

Now, here’s an important detail for parents to note: under ACTRA’s Independent Production Agreement (IPA), children under 12 may work only eight hours plus an hour for lunch. For commercials (covered under ACTRA’s National Commercial Agreement), the limit applies to children aged 15 and under. If you’re curious about the exact legal limits, it’s best to consult the or contact a local ACTRA representative.

Preparing Together Before Set Day

Accepting the role is just the first step—here are three key ways to prepare before heading to set.

Reviewing the Call Sheet

The call sheet we provide has all of the info that you need including shooting location, call time, and wardrobe requirements. It will either be the same as the graphic above or a slightly different variation, but with the same information.

This document typically arrives 12-24 hours before filming because we have to wait for production to finalise these details after the previous night’s wrap—sometimes it’s still in flux, adding to the thrill (and occasional chaos) of movie-making. 

We do our best to provide preliminary info as soon as we can, so that you have time to prep before receiving the finalised info. Reviewing the call sheet with your child can give them a sense of the day’s flow and prevent surprises. 

Bring Identification and Social Insurance Number

For payment processing, the production will need a valid form of ID and your child’s Social Insurance Number (SIN). It’s easy to overlook, so double-check that you have these ready. 

Occasionally, production may request missing information after the shoot. If you receive an email asking for secure information and aren’t sure of its validity, feel free to reach out to our team for confirmation. 

Discuss Set Etiquette for Kids

Good behaviour on set is essential. Go over the basics with your child, like staying quiet while filming, listening carefully to directions, and respecting the crew. A quick ‘quiet listening’ practice and some simple cues can help them build confidence. A fun tip? Practice phrases like ‘Action!’ and ‘Cut!’ at home so they become familiar with these commands in a playful way.

Packing Essentials for a Smooth Set Day

You’ve got the call time, location, and wardrobe details—now it’s time to get your set bag ready!

Creating a Set Bag

Putting together a well-thought-out set bag tailored to your child’s needs can help the day go more smoothly. Involve your child in the process so they know what’s packed and feel ready. Here are some items to consider:

• Comfortable, backup clothing- especially useful if there are specific wardrobe requirements or if the film’s season differs from the current weather.
• Snacks and drinks- while sets often provide snacks, it’s wise to pack some low-sugar options like fruit or granola bars for steady energy.
• Quiet activities- Since there’s often waiting time, bring along colouring books, a tablet, or a favourite toy to keep them entertained.
• Comfort items- If your child feels a bit nervous, bring along something comforting to help them feel at ease—just make sure it can be easily put away when it’s time to film.

Wardrobe Tips

If there are wardrobe guidelines on the call sheet, follow them closely. Avoid logos unless specified, and go for simple colours and patterns, which blend easily into scenes. Bringing a backup outfit is always a smart move; production days can be unpredictable, so options help reduce stress.

We also recommend packing both indoor and outdoor clothing options to prepare for a variety of scenes. If filming is on a particularly chilly, sunny, or rainy day, pack extra layers, sunscreen, an umbrella, or anything else to keep your child comfortable.

Managing First-Day Nerves

Even seasoned pros feel a little nervous before stepping in front of the camera, so if your child experiences this, they’re not alone. 

Acknowledging and Normalising Nerves

For a child, walking onto a busy set filled with cameras, crew, and equipment can feel overwhelming. Reassure them that feeling nervous is completely normal—even top actors get the jitters! 

Relaxation Techniques for Kids

If your child feels nervous, simple techniques like taking a few slow, deep breaths can help them relax. You can also encourage them to focus on something they find comforting or talk through what to expect on set to help ease their worries.

Focusing on Fun

Remind your child that they’re there to enjoy the experience. Yes, it’s work, but it’s also a unique chance to explore the world of film, see how movies are made, and make new friends.

Payment and Legalities

At the end of the work day, you’ll need to take care of the paperwork to process payment. If it’s your first time, here’s what you need to know.

How Much Will My Child Be Paid?

Payment for child background actors generally depends on the production and specific role. The minimum pay typically aligns with the local minimum wage. Once the work is completed, payment is usually mailed via check within 2-3 weeks, though some productions may issue payments via e-transfer or cash, depending on the project. It’s important to remember that income tax is generally not deducted at the source, so be sure to plan ahead.

We also want to clarify that ALL projects posted to Background Work adhere to this minimum pay standard. If you do not receive payment within 3 weeks, please reach out to our help desk, and we’ll direct you to the production accountant, as we do not process payments ourselves.

See you on set!

With the right preparation, your child’s first day on set can be a positive and enriching experience. Beyond the excitement of being part of a production, background acting teaches valuable lessons in responsibility, patience, and adaptability. 

It’s also a great way to introduce them to the workings of the film industry, providing firsthand exposure to life on set. Whether it becomes a stepping stone to a career in acting or simply a unique adventure, the skills and experiences they gain can have a lasting impact!