Separate background actors/extras from regular cast on movies

Extras are now, and have always been, listed as cast. Any previous
advice that they should go anywhere else was wrong and we've not been
accepting them in "other crew" (though I suspect some have slipped
through).

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This is still a continued problem.   I understand people wanting credit, but we use hundreds of BG in a film / TV Show or whatever.  If you speak you get a screen credit (if it's SAG, not always the same for Non-Union) and could be checked by the end credit's.  If it's a star actor doing a fun cameo and it can be confirmed then that is fun.   There needs to be a solution, with the problem being you can't certify a BG person.  They are BG, which makes them "Cast" but more part of the Crew.   But since again you can't confirm this, then they either shouldn't be allowed in the "Uncredited" or set up a Background Performer section.   It really has become a little silly.   I have even seen people at comic con who are BG performers with no screen credits or a ton of "Uncredited" setting up a place for autographs.   I have worked with some and know they are BG and not a speaking cast member.    Please find a solution... I know there is another thread only started 10 years ago... so I guess we will see.

@Alansmithee007​ I don't understand the "can't confirm" bit. Do you need to see a BG actor's pay stub? Do you need to see a frame capture? There is no reason why there cannot be an end listing in Cast that says: "Background:"and then lists the names of the background actors. But many films list them as what they were doing. Were they a shoe shiner? Were they a limo driver? This idea that if you are Brad Pitt in Deadpool 2 who's face is on screen for about 5 seconds with no lines you should be credited, but if you are not a well-known actor in the same situation you should NOT be credited is sheer ego. And background actors are not crew. We are in front of the camera acting as a character as directed by the DP. 

   I have performed as a background actor many times. I have done so in Feature Films like Year One where I was personally praised by the Director Harold Ramis, and I have done so in House of Cards. Unless you end up on the cutting room floor, if you have performed and are in the film you should be credited, SAG or not SAG. 

   I have been in independent films as a major character and have been in films where I was just seen in the background but "enhanced the scene" with a facial reaction or other performance as requested by the DP or AD. Don't denigrate my performance by telling me you don't like to see so many names in the credits. In some cases that may be all a BG actor gets for their 12 hour day in costume and on set. 

Thank you @Alansmithee007 

Thank you so much for a great reply.   I'm not trying to denigrate BG performers.  I'm one who works well with BG as a AD and always treat them as the actors they are.  Having said that, there is a difference between a speaking cast member and a BG player.   This is why even if you are a SAG BG you don't receive a legal Screen Credit.   Now we are not talking about commercials here where there is a different rule about On Camera Performer and BG.   But in scripted, BG is separate then a cast member.  We use anywhere from a handful to hundreds of BG in a sc, and when I say can't confirm that is what I'm talking about.  When I say it's more like crew, I'm trying to (and if you can help that would be great) find a better term, but the job of BG is to fill the space, I have heard many times the term "Walking Prop" or "Walking Set Dressing" and I don't think that is accurate.   The reason I'm posting is trying to find a delineation between speaking cast and BG.  BG are "Crew" as they are part of the team that make the movie, is how I meant it.  But being "School Teacher" in one sc. for a 5 sec pan to the kids (cast) sitting in chairs for their Sc, is not "Cast", on that note that same "School Teacher" is going to be a "business man" in the next Sc. walking on the street.  Nor should the "Classmates / Student" should be listed as "Cast" unless they speak.   Speaking is the main delineation and can be confirmed by End Credits.

I'm suggesting a Background Performer section where all the "Uncredited" can go.  And to touch on why I say can't confirm, I have done films with 800 BG that were in costume and all for a minimum 12hr day, and that is what the job is.  I think also if BG should talk with SAG and see about this.  What are your thoughts on 800 or so BG getting a Screen Credit when they work for 10-30 seconds on film.  I'm not talking the day it takes for the job or sitting and waiting for your sc.  How should we do when you are BG in 3 separate sc's doing walk by's or handling a coffee cart 2 blocks down the street from the Sc with the dialogue?  Should that person get "Cart Vendor"?   Genuine question.

On another note, BG are supposed to directed by the AD, if a camera person, cinematographer/DP or operator usually works with a BG they are trying to fill the space to track a BG for a camera move to Cast or cover up a light, or clear the space as they are in the way of the Cast and they should be working with the AD to direct that.  That is on a union show, Non-Union is a different world, but should be run with union rules for safety and better care of Cast & Crew.  Again being BG is an important part of story telling and a great way to learn about film making and acting as you work your way to a speaking roll.   I enjoy working with BG and creating stories for behind the main scene taking place.