In film and television, actors are the people who portray characters, performing dialogue, movement, and emotion to bring stories to life. They work within a collaborative production system that includes directors, writers, crew, and producers, and their visible performances often shape audience connection to a project. This guide explains what actors do, how they are cast, the main types of roles and credits, key unions and agreements, and how billing and onscreen credit work in practice.
What actors do in productions
Actors interpret scripts, embody characters, and create performances that communicate story, theme, and emotion. They rehearse with directors and other cast members, take direction, and adapt their work to technical constraints such as camera angles, editing, and scheduling. Performances may be shot on set or recorded for animation, voiceover, or motion capture, and actors often help create backstory and motivation that deepen a character. Their work shapes audience perception and can define a project’s success over time.
How casting works
Sources of talent
Casting teams find actors through talent agents, managers, casting directors, open calls, submissions, and self-submitted reels. Union and non-union performers may be considered depending on budget and jurisdiction. Digital submissions, demo reels, headshots, and previous credits are common tools used to assess suitability. Chemistry tests and screen tests help determine whether performers can work together convincingly within the production’s visual and tonal needs.
Auditions and callbacks
Auditions give casting teams a first look at how performers interpret material, often involving scripted scenes or cold readings. Callbacks refine the field and may include improvisation, scene work, or technical tests. Final selections consider availability, budget fit, and how well an actor’s strengths serve the story. Negotiations then address fees, schedules, usage rights, and residuals.
Key roles and credits
Credits communicate the size and nature of an actor’s contribution. Lead actors carry primary characters and often appear in main marketing and episode titles. Co-leads and major supporting actors play roles that are central to the plot, while supporting actors add depth to the world. Guest stars appear in limited episodes, and recurring roles extend across multiple installments. Cameos and extras provide background authenticity but typically receive less prominence. Billing order and capitalization in credits generally reflect hierarchy and prominence, though specifics vary by medium and agreement.
Credit hierarchy and billing
Billing conveys how audiences perceive importance and can affect future opportunities. In episodic television, major cast members are listed by series and episode; in features, top-billed actors usually appear before the title or in a distinct main block. Order within blocks often follows prominence, with established names typically positioned earlier. On promotional materials, size of name and placement influence visibility, which can shape audience expectations and long-term career momentum.
| Credit category | Typical hierarchy | How it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Lead actor | First in cast list and main marketing | Carries primary character(s) |
| Supporting actor | Below lead, above guest or co-star | Significant plot role, often award-eligible |
| Guest star | Below supporting or co-star | Limited episodes or scenes |
| Co-star (extra) | Bottom of billed cast | Background or non dialogue role |
Unions and agreements
Unions set baseline standards for pay, hours, and working conditions. In the United States, performers commonly work under SAG-AFTRA agreements in film and television, which detail rates, residuals, and health benefits. Equity oversees theatre in many regions, and IATSE covers crew roles. Independent contractors, non-union projects, and international productions follow different rules. Contracts define usage, territory, duration, credit, and payment terms, and they protect both performers and producers by clarifying expectations and obligations.
How performers build careers
Many actors combine training, coaching, and ongoing study with networking and representation to secure roles. Headshots, reels, and updated resumes help showcase range and type. Consistent professionalism on set and in submissions builds trust with casting and crew. Maintaining relationships with agents and managers, diversifying skills (such as voiceover or movement), and committing to long-term development can increase opportunities across film, series, advertising, and theatre over time.
Terminology and common situations
Common terms include lead, co-lead, supporting actor, guest star, recurring, series regular, and extra. A series regular appears in most episodes of a show and is usually under contract for a season or more, whereas a recurring role may appear across multiple seasons at variable frequency. Cameo refers to a brief appearance by a known figure, and bit or background performer describes non dialogue roles. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify expectations, billing, and career paths.
Credits, residuals, and visibility
Credits affect how audiences and decision-makers recognize performers. Residuals provide ongoing income when content is reused on streaming, syndication, or home video, with formulas that depend on role type, medium, and market. Top billing can influence visibility and future casting, while consistent presence in popular series may build long-term audience recognition. Clear contracts and accurate records help ensure that compensation and usage rights remain transparent and enforceable over time.