Person in front of camera embodying a character — pro, extra, or non-professional. Screen presence beats training every time.
Anyone standing in front of your camera embodying a character is an actor—regardless of whether they're an Oscar winner or an amateur from the neighborhood. On set, you're not interested in their certificate, but in their presence on screen. A good actor performs under pressure, maintains continuity, takes direction, and delivers the same energy level in take 23 as in take 1. That's the professional reality, not the theory.
The range is enormous. You have the lead actors—your main characters who make up the bulk of the shoot and around whom you often plan your lighting setup, camera movements, and timing. They are your anchors in the rhythm of the day. Then there are the supporting roles, scene partners who aren't on set daily but must hit their moments precisely. And finally, extras—background filler, the visual density of a scene. Some are highly professional in their category (yes, there are specialized professional extras), others are true amateurs you hire for an afternoon.
From a DoP's standpoint: An actor with stage experience often brings different rhythms than a documentary talent. One needs broad lighting and space to move, the other performs better in close-ups. Your job is to anticipate this when lighting and positioning the camera—not to realize in the edit that the lighting doesn't match the movement patterns. Casting decisions are lighting decisions. A nervous, introverted actor often needs a different quality of light than someone who naturally works broadly.
Important: Modern production distinguishes between actors (with training) and non-professionals, but both are performers. Often, non-professionals deliver more authentic moments precisely because of their lack of technique—they can't fake it, can't technically reproduce it. This sometimes makes them harder to manage (continuity, number of takes), but also valuable for certain projects. Documentary-hybrid approaches tap into this exact area.
On set, you treat actors as professional partners in your creative process—regardless of their experience. Clear communication about lighting, camera movement, and expected emotional arcs helps them work better. And they help you make better images.
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Modern productions are increasingly using technical aids to enable actors to perform complex scenes. During car chases, external drivers take over control via special rigs, while the actors focus on their performance. Flying scenes are realized through sophisticated pulley systems where actors are guided by technicians in harnesses.