Just Say No to Abuse Declaring War on Terrorism. No, working on a set is not exactly glamorous. Extras Background performers, or extras, while instrumental in creating a realistic atmosphere onscreen, are relegated like cattle to a large holding area for hours at a time when not on-set. These performers are paid the least of all working actors for an opportunity to walk from one side of the screen to the other in order to create the impression of activity. Then, it's back to the holding area.
Extras are basically directable set dressing.
However, working as a background performer is an excellent way to learn how movies and TV shows are made. Those who pay attention gain a lot of valuable information, such as who does what job and how they fit into the production, how experienced actors work in front of a camera, how directors use and direct actors in a scene, and many other nuggets that will give you an edge in your career. A day player is treated as a professional working actor who should be able to hold his or her own with a star. I've heard numerous people recall the scene from Meet the Parents , in which the gate attendant forced Ben Stiller to wait for his row to be called before he could board the plane. She more than held her own in that scene and probably received much professional attention for her work.