Hollywood’s Unsung Heroes: Background Actors Demand Recognition in the Age of AI
Los Angeles recently hosted the 8th Annual Background Actors Awards, a ceremony celebrating the often-overlooked performers who populate our screens. But this year’s event was tinged with anxiety, as extras face a double threat: a challenging Hollywood landscape and the looming presence of artificial intelligence.
The “Blurry” Awards: A Plastic Oscar for Real Talent
Daniel Armella, a background actor in the crime series “High Potential,” received a plastic Oscar-shaped statuette – affectionately known as a “Blurry” – at the awards. He joked about feeling like a Leonardo DiCaprio stand-in, referencing the actor’s long wait for an Academy Award. The awards, held in parallel with Hollywood’s traditional award season since 2018, aim to give these anonymous performers the recognition they deserve.
“We’re not just props that eat, we are people who are actually there and make the scene worthwhile,” said Vincent Amaya, the event’s founder. “We are needed and without us, everything would look like crap.”
Beyond the Background: The Vital Role of Extras
Background actors perform crucial roles, portraying nurses in series like “The Pitt,” agents in “NCIS,” or serving as stand-ins for stars. They are the silent workforce that brings scenes to life, adding realism and depth to productions. The evening at the Background Actors Awards mirrored Hollywood’s glitz, though with a more relaxed dress code – sequined dresses alongside jeans and work boots.
A dozen awards were presented, including “Best First Responder Look” and “Best Background Actor Ensemble,” which this year went to the cast of “High Potential.” The jury consists of around 40 members, each with an average of 20 years of experience, tasked with evaluating on-screen performances.
The AI Threat: A “Tsunami” for Background Actors
The celebration comes at a precarious time. The industry is grappling with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, recent strikes, and a trend toward relocating productions. Adding to these challenges is the rise of artificial intelligence. The emergence of digitally created actors, like Tilly Norwood, has sparked fears of widespread job displacement.
“It arrives like a tsunami, and we are the first on the front line,” said Sherry Brown, who was recognized for her work as a stand-in on the comedy series Leanne. Some producers have reportedly offered extras higher pay in exchange for allowing their likenesses to be scanned for AI training purposes.
Brown refused such an offer, stating, “I said no, but when you do that, you don’t have the job.” She worries that a few acceptances could pave the way for widespread replacement of human extras.
Extras, like stunt performers and casting directors, are now seeking greater recognition and protection in the face of these technological advancements.
FAQ: The Future of Background Acting
Q: What is the Background Actors Awards?
A: It’s an annual ceremony recognizing the contributions of background actors, awarding them “Blurry” trophies.
Q: What are the biggest threats facing background actors today?
A: The industry is facing challenges from the pandemic, strikes, production relocation, and the rise of artificial intelligence.
Q: How is AI impacting background actors?
A: AI-generated actors are emerging, raising concerns about job displacement and the potential for studios to replace human extras with digital replicas.
Q: What are background actors doing to protect their jobs?
A: They are seeking greater recognition, advocating for protections against unauthorized use of their likenesses by AI, and raising awareness about their vital role in filmmaking.
Did you know? The Background Actors Awards began in 2018, highlighting a growing movement to acknowledge the contributions of these essential performers.
Pro Tip: Staying informed about industry trends and advocating for fair labor practices is crucial for background actors navigating this evolving landscape.
What are your thoughts on the use of AI in filmmaking? Share your opinions in the comments below!
