Frequently Asked Questions

A Background Performer (sometimes also called an "Extra" or "BG")  is an important part of any visual storytelling in film and television! They give a scene movement and energy, and without them the picture is flat and lifeless.

Not at all! You do not need any previous experience on a film or TV set or as an actor. 

You need to:

• Read the information we send out carefully,

• Follow instructions sent by the Background Casting team

• Show up on time and then,

• Listen to the people on set for the rest!

Yes! When you're hired for this production, you are paid an hourly rate. This rate is set by ACTRA Manitoba, and as of January 1, 2026 it is $16.25/hr for non-union background performers. Time worked does not include the meal break.

Union members are paid a different rate; for more information about ACTRA you can check out the ACTRA Manitoba website. Sometimes we are seeking people with "special skills" (for example, a professional baton twirler, a unicylist, a fire juggler... could be anything!) and then a special skills rate may apply for your day.

Overtime is paid for working past 8 hours (not including the meal break).

When you apply, you'll provide us with your AVAILABILITY. This means you're telling us which days you could work, if selected. It does not mean you will be offered work on those dates.

We will then select the performers for each date based on availability AND the scenes being filmed, and what the director has requested.

Fill out the application form (also found on the Home page); or if you have a Background Work profile, apply to the project PIHKOHOWIN.

If you're selected for work, you'll receive an email (either through the Background Work casting platform or app, if you have a profile) or via email from info@madlibcasting.com. 

• That email will have a specific date or dates, a "role", and other important notes about the commitment.

• Once you accept the work, you are CONFIRMED for that date - leave that 24 hour period completely open!

We need you to leave your booked day completely available. We can't work around any other commitments. This is because we will not know your start time until the evening before you work - it is based on when the previous day ends.

On the day you work, the director and their team will have you appear in scenes as needed. Sometimes multiple scenes! And we do not know when they'll be finished.

Sometimes you'll be working for a few hours... sometimes you'll be working much more!

You will given a link  in every booking that has information about clothing (plus hair and make-up notes).

MOST of the time you will be asked to bring your own clothing from home. There will be notes about what style or colours they'd like to see. Bring a small bag (fold things neatly - wrinkles really show!) with options and arrive wearing what you think is your best option, with the rest ready to show the Costumes team on set.

If you are cast in a specific role (for example, "Police"), you may be asked to attend a paid pre-fitting appointment and a costume will be provided. You may still be asked to bring items from home, such as boots, dark socks, undershirts, belts.

Snacks are available for all background performers while they are working, and you will get a meal if you are on set during the meal break. 

Production cannot accommodate any food allergies or intolerances, so if you have these we recommend bringing your own snacks or light meal.

The chaperone accompanying minor children will also be fed.

Every performer must fill out their own application and be booked by us in order to go to set. If you were offered work and have a friend who wants to work the same day, you can email us at info@madlibcasting.com to ask (include the full name, email and phone number of the friend). We might be able to add them, but we might not. 

And always remember - if you are coming with a friend, we can't promise that you'll start or finish work at the same time.

No, you can’t bring anyone to set with you that wasn’t OFFICIALLY BOOKED BY MadLib Casting. This includes your children - we know they are super cute and probably the most patient children on the planet, but we are hiring people for specific scenes. We might not need more people. We might already have children booked.

If you don’t have child care, then you will need to decline the booking we sent you and we'll try to book you another time.

If you do want your children to be considered for work, fill out the application for each of them - we will be booking children and families for some days!

No - we can't arrange rides or carpools, and the production is not able to provide shuttles. 

Any offer will include the CITY of filming - for example, Selkirk or Winnipeg. If you do not live in that location, you must have reliable transportation or a ride to it. Don't accept the work if you can't arrange for transportation.

Most locations in Winnipeg will be within access of public transportation.

Anyone under the age of 15 ABSOLUTELY MUST HAVE A CHAPERONE ON SET AT ALL TIMES, NO EXCEPTIONS, EVER.

Children age 16 and 17 can be left without a chaperone, but only AFTER they have been signed in and all paperwork is completed by a legal adult. If the filming area is more than 40 kms from the production office, minors age 16 or 17 will need a chaperone.

You can change chaperones during the work day if needed, but please make sure that we (and/or the crew on set) are aware that this is happening.

Note that any assigned chaperone must be at least 21 years old.

If you and your children are both booked for a day of work, be aware that your start and/or end times might be DIFFERENT.

• Children under age 12 can work a maximum of 8 hours (plus a one hour meal break)

• Children age 12 - 15 can work up to 10 hours (plus a one hour meal break)

• Children age 16 and 17 can work up to 12 hours (plus a one hour meal break)

• anyone 18+ may be asked to work more than 12 hours 

Yes, overtime applies after 8 hours. But if your minor child(ren) finish 2 hours earlier (or start later) than you do, he or she will may to be picked up (or dropped off) at set at their own start or end time.

We try to keep families together when booked, but sometimes this is beyond our control.

The Background Casting team books you for the work, but we do not manage anything about your pay. That is handled by the production office and accounting team. 

You will fill out paperwork when you arrive on set, and the office will process paycheques within 2 weeks. Cheques are usually received by you within 3 weeks of working. It's important to fill out your paperwork carefully and legibly to avoid any delays!

You will also be asked for proof of residency (things like a Notice of Assessment or utility bills, just showing your name and a Manitoba address. (No financial information needs to be included.) Children will use a parent's proof of residency. 

Note: T4s are generally not issued for this work.

Please send us an email at info@madlibcasting.com with any other questions!

We have our general website also available: madlibcasting.com.