Background performers who populate scenes without dialogue – also refers to atmospheric effects like fog, haze, or smoke that add depth and mood to shots.
What is Atmosphere?
Atmosphere has two meanings in film: background actors (extras) who populate scenes without dialogue, and atmospheric effects such as fog, haze, or smoke, which create depth and mood.
Atmosphere as People
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Atmosphere | US term for extras |
| Background | Background actors |
| Extras | Supporting actors without dialogue |
| Supporting Artist | UK term |
| Komparse | German term |
Typical Uses (Extras)
| Scenario | Example |
|---|---|
| Street Scene | Pedestrians, traffic |
| Restaurant | Diners at tables |
| Office | Working colleagues |
| Party | Partygoers |
| Stadium | Audience |
Coordination
| Role | Task |
|---|---|
| Background Coordinator | Casting, logistics |
| 2nd AD | Set management |
| AD PAs | Wrangling |
| Costume | Dressing |
| Makeup | Basic makeup |
Atmosphere as Effect
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Haze | Light mist, makes light visible |
| Fog | Dense fog |
| Smoke | Smoke for drama |
| Steam | Steam for industrial sets |
| Dust | Dust for atmosphere |
Why Atmospheric Effects?
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Light Rays | Visible through particles |
| Depth | Separates foreground/background |
| Mood | Emotional enhancement |
| Realism | Air is rarely clear |
Atmospheric Equipment
| Device | Effect |
|---|---|
| Hazer | Fine, even haze |
| Fog Machine | Dense ground fog |
| Smoke Machine | Visible smoke |
| Cracker | Atmospheric haze |
| Steam Generator | Real steam |
Safety with Effects
| Aspect | Measure |
|---|---|
| Ventilation | Sufficient air circulation |
| Allergies | Inform crew |
| Smoke Detectors | Deactivate if necessary (with fire department) |
| Breaks | In dense fog |
Extra Management
| Phase | Activity |
|---|---|
| Casting | Background agency, open call |
| Fitting | Costume fitting |
| Call Time | Often earlier than main cast |
| Holding | Waiting area on set |
| Action | Positioning, movement |
| Wrap | Return costumes, payment |
Costs (approx.)
Extras
| Region | Day Rate |
|---|---|
| Germany | €80–150 |
| USA (Union) | $180–300 |
| UK | £100–180 |
Atmospheric Effects
| Equipment | Rental/Day |
|---|---|
| Hazer | €50–150 |
| Fog Machine | €80–200 |
| Fluid | €20–50 |
Challenges (Extras)
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Continuity | Fixed positions, photos |
| Looking at Camera | Briefing, AD control |
| Timing | Clear instructions |
| Motivation | Long days, commitment |
Challenges (Effects)
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Uniformity | Multiple devices, positioning |
| Wind | Protect set or utilize |
| Too Much | Less is often more |
| Fire Alarms | Coordination needed |
Today
Atmosphere – whether human or atmospheric – is essential for believable film worlds. Digital crowds and CGI fog complement, but do not replace, the authenticity of real extras and physical effects on screen.
More in the lexikon