A day player, by definition, is an actor that appears in one or two scenes, speaking a few lines in an episode that is usually filmed across a day or two.
Contractually obligated to film to a strict schedule, day players are usually characters like baristas, police officers or members of the general public.
There can be confusion about the differences between a day player, a co-star and a background actor. In this article we’ll cover what those differences are, the responsibilities of a day player, and why they matter early on and throughout an actor’s career.
Key Insights
- A day player, is an actor contractually hired for the day, appearing in a scene or two with a few lines, typically playing baristas, police officers or members of the general public.
- They can appear across streaming series, procedural dramas, sitcoms and feature films.
- Popular TV shows like Law & Order have been known for hiring actors like Adam Driver, Timothée Chalamet and Zoe Saldaña as day players early in their careers.
What a Day Player Actor Actually Is
The definition of a day player role is an actor that is hired on the basis of appearing in one scene, and speaking a few lines. As day players have a limited story impact, contractually they only film for a day or two, to keep productions on schedule and within budget.
A co-star is a similar term, used to describe the same responsibilities; an actor that appears as a situational character, with a terminology specific contract. A background actor appears in the background, doing some type of business that is used to fill in the scene’s environment, without having an effect on the plot.
A guest star, however, with a meatier part, will have an emotional arc that will play out in multiple episodes, filmed within a few days or across several weeks.
What Day Player Roles Typically Look Like
Even as a smaller speaking role with limited scenes, a day player might interrupt a conversation between two principal actors, or give directions to the guest star in a scene. Common roles are police officers, baristas, or members of the community, with names like Woman with Coffee or Hospital Staff. As characters we might interact with in our everyday lives, these roles add dimension outside of the principal cast.
The performance level expected from a day player is to do as directed, handle the energy, and be professional on set at all times.
How Actors Book Day Player Roles
Most day player roles are cast by self tape, and depending on the project, entail a recall round. Actors that move into this level of work, over a period of time, have either started out as background actors or have been submitted by their representation.
Casting directors will submit actors for smaller speaking roles, with the expectation that their performance is consistent and committed. In network television or streaming services, these roles are hard to come by. Actors that think a role is too small or unimportant are missing out on the opportunity to benefit from the experience.
Day players are an essential part of storytelling in television and film, or they wouldn’t exist. Even if the lines are fewer in number, an actor that applies the same level of energy, preparation and dedication, is likely planting seeds for further opportunities.
How Much Day Player Actors Get Paid
Day player work is subject to SAG-AFTRA minimums and non-union rates of compensation. Under the Basic Theatrical and Television Agreement for major studio projects with budgets over $2 million, the rate is up to $1,246 per day.
However, day player minimum scale significantly depends on the project type and budget. Non-union day player rates are completely unregulated, therefore rates can fall anywhere between $200 to $300 per 10-hour day.
If you are a part of the SAG-AFTRA union, compensation can also include residuals, which are paid automatically. Day players hired for a daily contract are eligible for residuals, which covers the reuse of any project beyond its initial release.
This is the standard across television for reruns or syndication and streaming, also known as “New Media.” Feature films offer residuals for secondary markets, for when a film moves from theaters to at-home viewing.
What Casting Directors Look for in Day Player Performances
An actor that conveys professionalism and reliability is generally able to perform the duties of a day player. These roles can act as a sort of test for how an actor behaves on set, and whether or not they can efficiently execute their responsibilities.
Casting directors look for actors with a natural delivery, strong listening skills, and in some cases, fast memorization skills. This is due to the necessity of being able to take direction quickly, without over playing or over delivering, on a busy set.
Although it can be tempting to dig a little too deeply into the background of Waiter Carrying A Tray, a casting director is just looking for a simple, pared-back performance. But don’t despair, this might be the beginning of an evaluation process that could lead to bigger responsibilities in much more substantial roles in the future.
Why Day Player Roles Matter in an Acting Career
Day player work is a career-building step, as having credits on your resume helps expand your reach and castability. Working on a Netflix production, like The Diplomat, can provide the right hook for a casting director. Day player work can indicate an actor’s ability to book, so don’t count it out.
Being on set as a day player, you also get to see the whole production in action, the rehearsals, the camera set up, how each shot is planned and what you have to do, and when. In this meticulous and sometimes chaotic environment, a day player can be offered a glimpse into the big machine, and the chance to learn through observation.
Smaller roles don’t mean smaller careers. Some of your favorite actors have started out in day player roles or in uncredited background roles. Matt Damon and Ben Affleck were in Field of Dreams as Uncredited Baseball Extras, Viola Davis appeared as an extra in The Substance of Fire and Renée Zellweger was Girl in Blue Pick-Up Truck before she became Bridget Jones.
Conclusion
If you want to start working in film or television in day player roles, look for breakdowns on Casting Networks. Get your media together, update your profile, look into representation, or start taking on-camera classes. Even if you’re transitioning from theater work, start building a portfolio that casting directors will take notice of.
Actors in consideration for these roles are usually vetted by companies like Netflix, so no matter how small or insignificant you might mistakenly believe your role to be, it’s a big deal!
Somewhere, someone has thought about you and whether or not they should entrust you with the character. It takes a village, so whether you’re Man on Bicycle or Person with Blue Hair, you are a villager, contributing to the work.
When you get to set, you might find you’re Number #40 on the call sheet, a rung on the metaphorical ladder for your career, but take each step, one at a time, and eventually you’ll get to number #1.
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