Art of Setting Background

Required for upgrade to Additional Assistant Director – Background Coordinator.

As of January 1, 2025, this course is required for AAD-BKCs and 3rd ADs to list on the Weekly Availability List in the AAD-BKC category.

DURATION: 1 day (8 hours)

FORMATS OFFERED: In-person only

Description

This introductory course teaches participants how to set background players efficiently and respectfully. The day begins with a brief discussion on best practices for managing and taking care of background performers on set, followed by hands-on practice directing background performers in front of a video camera. Participants will be asked to set background, act as background performers, and read/act in scenes.

By the end of the day, you will have learned:

• Valuable tips for setting good background performers
• How to set background for various types of scenes
• What it’s like to be a background performer and receive direction
• What it’s like to be an actor in a scene with background performers
• How to be creative on the spot using movement, props and the environment
• How weather can affect the setting of background performers

Please note that UBCP rules and background performer paperwork will not be covered in this course. Those topics are covered in the Additional Assistant Director - Background Coordinator course.

Supplemental Information

Participants are required to bring:

• A writing utensil and paper
• Three hand props (nothing valuable) that are appropriate for an airport, office, or hotel lobby
• Weather-appropriate clothing (some time will be spent outside)
• A sense of adventure*

*Please be aware that you will be asked to participate in all aspects of this class, including setting background, acting as background players, and reading/acting in scenes.

Course Materials

• The student manual will be provided online via a Dropbox link. Printed copies will not be provided.
• Printed sides for the in-class background setting exercises will be provided during class.

Technical Requirements

• A computer is not needed for class; however, participants will need a computer with an internet connection to access the student manual. Printed copies of the manual will not be provided.

Registration

Invitations are emailed to Members based on a priority system (subject to change):

• Wave 1: Associate Members close to upgrading to the AAD-BKC category (based on days worked), and Full Members in the 3rd AD and AAD-BKC categories.
• Wave 2: All remaining Associate Members.

 

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