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Join us for Episode 19 of Background Banter featuring the incredibly talented Eric Johnson 🎬⁠
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Eric has worked exclusively in the film and television industry for over 30 years. His recent credits include AMERICAN GODS, VIKINGS, THE KNICK, and as JACK HYDE in the billion dollar FIFTY SHADES OF GREY franchise. ⁠
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His extensive career as an actor includes lead roles in over 75 different productions but he is also a talent as a screenwriter & director.⁠
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Eric is currently producing and starring in the film OZMANTHUS he co-wrote along side director, producer Lisa Soper (SABRINA, PRETTY LITTLE LIARS: ORIGINAL SIN). Along with partners 1 Department, the film is scheduled for completion SUMMER 2026.⁠
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This is a conversation you won’t want to miss!⁠
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🎟 Background Banter members can register using the link sent via email.⁠
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Got a question for Eric? Drop it in the comments below 👇

Happy Mother’s Day to the BW community! 💐 There’s no better time to celebrate by watching a few mother-focused films.⁠
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Broad Trip premiered March 8th on Roku and stars the fantastic Sophia Bush. This fun comedy follows a mother-daughter duo as they take on an unforgettable bachelorette trip. 🎉⁠
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My Mother Stole My Life was filmed during Background Works’ debut year in 2024 and later premiered that same year on Lifetime. 📺✨⁠
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#happymothersday #motherhood #spring #mothersday #films #filmproduction

Continuity is a film term you’ll hear all the time in this industry, and when it comes to background work, it’s super important.⁠
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There are two ways to think about continuity:⁠
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First, anytime you’re working as a background actor, it’s important to stay consistent with your outfit, movements, and actions. If you’re walking in a scene, holding a prop, or crossing at a certain moment, you need to repeat it the exact same way each take.⁠
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Second, there’s something called a continuity role. This means you’re booked as background to play the same role across multiple shoot days. In this case, you’ll usually be asked to bring back the same wardrobe, keep your hair styled the same way, and maintain the same overall look.⁠
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#films #acting #movies #filmproduction #setlife

Broad Trip is coming to Roku TOMORROW, just in time for Mother’s Day 🎬✨⁠
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This comedy features over 150 talented Background Work performers.⁠
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Were you part of the production? We’d love to hear about your experience on set! Let us know how it was in the comments below 👇

One of the easiest paths to joining ACTRA is by becoming an Additional Background Performer (AABP). To qualify, you must work a certain number of days on ACTRA productions as a background actor within a year. For the exact requirements, you can reach out to your local ACTRA representative.⁠
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Once you earn AABP status, you’re entitled to higher pay, and other union benefits.⁠

Please note that AABP is only recognized in smaller, more regional markets, like Ottawa, and therefore we recommend reaching out to your local rep if you have any questions.
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#films #acting #movies #filmmaker #filmproduction

Are you an actor wondering if now is the right time to get an agent? Ilona Smyth and Hamza Haq chat about the questions you want to ask, and the type of agent you want to look for.⁠
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Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel or by logging into your BW account.

Background Banter Ep. 18 is happening THIS WEDNESDAY. Background Work members can RSVP now via the emailed link. Join live to ask your questions in real time!⁠
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More about Dennis: Raised between Berlin and North America, he comes from a competitive athletic background - nationally ranked kickboxing, ten years of football, and time in the armed forces. He still trains daily and brings that same discipline (and a bit of stubbornness) into his work.⁠
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He broke out as Ian Matthews in Workin’ Moms (2017) and has since appeared in Feel the Beat, No Escape Room, and the reboot pilot of The Greatest American Hero opposite Hannah Simone. He also starred in Montana Mavericks opposite Katherine McNamara, appeared in The Changeling (2023) alongside LaKeith Stanfield, and in Juliet & Romeo as Lord Paris. Additional credits include Single Bells alongside Ayesha Curry and Matthew Daddario.⁠
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Alongside acting, he runs his production company, Half a Plan, focused on sharp, character-driven stories. His first feature, Half a Star, is a contained dark comedy currently in post production with a late 2026 / early 2027 release. On deck are The Ferryman’s Coin and Tunnel 57.⁠
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Usually operating on caffeine and half a plan, Dennis now works in front of and behind the camera - somewhere along the way, it just seemed easier not to choose.⁠

After you apply to a project on Background Work, there may be a bit of a wait while the casting team reviews applicants and assigns roles.⁠
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If you’re selected, you’ll be notified by email and through your BW notifications. You’ll then need to accept or decline the offer to confirm your availability.⁠
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Let us know if you have any questions about this process in the comments below!

After you apply to a project on Background Work, there may be a bit of a wait while the casting team reviews applicants and assigns roles.⁠
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If you’re selected, you’ll be notified by email and through your BW notifications. You’ll then need to accept or decline the offer to confirm your availability.⁠
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Let us know if you have any questions about this process in the comments below!

Wise words from Hamza Haq on what life is actually like as a working actor. Want more insights from Hamza? Check out the full episode on our YouTube channel or log into your Background Work account.

For first-time background performers, the experience can be a bit different from other types of work. You’ll receive a start time (call time) from the casting team, but not an end time (wrap time).⁠
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We recommend planning for at least an 8-hour day, though 12 hours or more isn’t uncommon. Filming days involve a lot of moving parts and last-minute changes, so flexibility is key. Stay adaptable, and you’ll have a great time on set!

For first-time background performers, the experience can be a bit different from other types of work. You’ll receive a start time (call time) from the casting team, but not an end time (wrap time).⁠
⁠
We recommend planning for at least an 8-hour day, though 12 hours or more isn’t uncommon. Filming days involve a lot of moving parts and last-minute changes, so flexibility is key. Stay adaptable, and you’ll have a great time on set!

ACTRA is a term you’ll hear often once you begin working in the film industry. When you set up your BW profile, you’ll be asked to indicate your union status. Here’s a quick overview of what ACTRA is all about. ⁠
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On Background Work, most projects are ACTRA productions, though we do occasionally post non-union opportunities as well!⁠
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#acting #actorslife #films #movies #filmproduction

True Justice: Eye for an Eye premieres on Hallmark Channel May 23! 🎬⁠
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This is the second installment in the series, with a third already on the way.⁠
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Filmed in Ottawa and Smiths Falls last year, it features over 100 background performers… so keep an eye out and see if you can spot yourself! 👀