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Inside the life of an extra, and how they might all get killed off by AI

The End of the Extra? How AI is Poised to Revolutionize – or Devastate – Background Acting in TV and Film

In the bustling world of Hollywood and beyond, where the spotlight shines brightest on A-list stars, an often-overlooked army of performers has long formed the backbone of cinematic realism: the extras. These background actors, sometimes called "atmosphere" or "supporting artists," populate the scenes that make movies and TV shows feel alive – the bustling crowds in a city street, the diners in a restaurant, the soldiers in a battlefield epic. For decades, they've been the unsung heroes, enduring long hours, unpredictable schedules, and modest pay for the chance to be part of the magic. But now, a technological tidal wave is crashing onto their shores: artificial intelligence. AI-generated digital extras are emerging as a cost-effective alternative, threatening to render human background actors obsolete. This shift, accelerated by recent advancements in generative AI, raises profound questions about the future of work in entertainment, the ethics of digital replication, and the very soul of storytelling on screen.

To understand the gravity of this change, consider the traditional role of extras. In films like *Titanic* or *The Lord of the Rings*, thousands of extras were employed to create immersive worlds. Peter Jackson's Middle-earth epics, for instance, relied on hordes of real people dressed as orcs and elves, their movements choreographed to perfection. Extras aren't just filler; they add authenticity, reacting organically to the action around them. Veteran extra Sarah Thompson, who has appeared in over 50 productions, including BBC dramas and Hollywood blockbusters, describes the job as a blend of endurance and artistry. "You're not just standing there," she says. "You're inhabiting a character, even if it's silent. You react to the leads, you improvise subtle gestures – it's what makes a scene breathe." For many, it's a gateway into the industry, a way to network, learn, and occasionally snag speaking roles. But the pay is often meager – in the UK, a standard day rate might hover around £100-£150, while in the US, SAG-AFTRA minimums start at about $187 for an eight-hour day. It's a gig economy within the gig economy, with no guarantees of steady work.

Enter AI, the disruptor that's already making waves. Companies like Wonder Dynamics and Runway ML are developing tools that allow filmmakers to generate hyper-realistic digital humans with a few clicks. These AI extras can be customized for appearance, clothing, and behavior, then seamlessly integrated into footage. Disney's *The Mandalorian* pioneered related technology with its "Volume" LED stage, but the real game-changer is generative AI, which can create entirely synthetic crowds. Take the 2023 film *The Creator*, a sci-fi thriller that used AI to populate dystopian landscapes with digital figures, reducing the need for large-scale casting calls. Similarly, Amazon's *The Rings of Power* employed AI enhancements for battle scenes, blending real actors with virtual ones. Proponents argue this isn't just about savings – though costs are a big factor. Hiring, transporting, feeding, and managing hundreds of extras can balloon budgets into the millions. AI eliminates those logistics, allowing for infinite reshoots without overtime pay or union negotiations.

The financial allure is undeniable. A report from the World Economic Forum estimates that AI could automate up to 300,000 jobs in the creative industries by 2030, with background acting particularly vulnerable. Studios like Warner Bros. and Netflix are investing heavily in AI startups, seeing it as a way to streamline production in an era of skyrocketing costs. "AI lets us focus resources on the storytellers who matter most – the writers, directors, and stars," says tech consultant Mark Reilly, who advises on digital production. "Background elements are just that: background. Why pay for humans when pixels can do it cheaper and faster?" This perspective echoes the broader tech-driven efficiency that's transformed industries from manufacturing to journalism. In film, AI can even "age" or diversify crowds post-production, fixing inclusivity issues without recasting.

Yet, for the humans caught in the crosshairs, this innovation feels like an existential threat. The 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, which paralyzed Hollywood for months, highlighted these fears. Actors demanded protections against AI replicating their likenesses without consent or compensation. The union secured some wins, including requirements for "informed consent" and residuals for AI-generated performances based on scanned actors. But extras, often non-union or on the fringes, worry these safeguards won't extend to them. "We're the low-hanging fruit," laments Thompson. "AI can scan a face once and reuse it forever. What happens to the day players like me?" Stories abound of extras being scanned during auditions, their digital doubles potentially populating future projects without further pay. In the UK, Equity, the performers' union, has launched campaigns warning of "digital slavery," where actors' images are exploited indefinitely.

Beyond economics, there's a cultural dimension. Human extras bring unpredictability and humanity to sets. Director James Cameron, known for his tech-forward films, has spoken about the "energy" real crowds provide, something AI might struggle to replicate authentically. "AI extras don't sneeze, they don't laugh off-script, they don't add that spark of life," argues film historian Elena Vasquez. "Cinema is about capturing human imperfection. If everything becomes too perfect, too controlled, we lose the essence." This debate mirrors earlier disruptions, like the shift from practical effects to CGI in the 1990s, which displaced many stunt performers and model makers. But AI feels different – it's not just replacing tools; it's replacing people.

Personal anecdotes underscore the human cost. Take Miguel Rivera, a Los Angeles-based extra who's supported his family through background work in shows like *Stranger Things* and *The Crown*. At 45, with a resume spanning two decades, he recalls the camaraderie on set: "You're part of a temporary family. AI can't replace that bond." Rivera was recently scanned for a Marvel project, signing away rights to his likeness for a one-time fee. "They said it was for 'reference,' but who knows? Next year, I might see myself in a crowd scene without getting paid." Such experiences fuel anxiety, especially among underrepresented groups. Women, people of color, and older actors often rely on extra work as an entry point, and AI could exacerbate inequalities if algorithms favor certain "types" based on biased data sets.

Industry insiders predict a hybrid future. Some productions might use AI for hazardous or large-scale scenes – think exploding battlefields where real extras would be at risk – while reserving humans for intimate settings. Tools like Deep Voodoo, founded by *South Park* creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, allow for ethical AI use, with actors opting in and sharing profits. But skeptics warn of a slippery slope. "Once AI becomes normalized for backgrounds, it'll creep into foreground roles," says labor economist Dr. Lila Chen. "Voice acting is already under siege from AI dubbing; visuals are next."

As AI evolves, so too must regulations. The European Union is drafting AI laws that could mandate transparency in digital creations, potentially influencing global standards. In the US, bills like the No Fakes Act aim to protect against unauthorized deepfakes. For now, though, the extras' world hangs in limbo. Thompson, ever the optimist, hopes for adaptation: "Maybe AI will create new jobs – like training models or curating digital performances. But we need to fight for our place." Rivera agrees, urging young aspirants to unionize and advocate.

Ultimately, the rise of AI extras challenges us to redefine authenticity in entertainment. Will films become soulless simulations, or will technology enhance human creativity? As screens fill with pixel-perfect crowds, the real drama unfolds off-camera, where thousands of background actors battle for survival in an industry that's always been about illusion. The question isn't just whether AI will replace extras, but what we'll lose if it does – the raw, unscripted humanity that makes stories resonate. In this brave new world, the background might fade to black, but the fight for the foreground is just beginning. (928 words)

Read the Full The Independent Article at:
[ https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/features/extras-tv-film-ai-background-actors-b2792973.html ]