If a project is a non-union production, producers do not have to pay, feed, house, or give actors breaks. You are essentially a freelance, and there is no authority to contact if something goes wrong. That said, your agent, manager, can negotiate a contract to make sure those benefits are tied to your job.

What is union and non-union actors?

Union projects often hold a conflict, where an actor is legally bound not to accept work in a competing product. A non-union commercial is usually a buyout, and can be used consistently for a set amount of time.

Do non-union actors get paid?

Non-Union Background Actors

Background actors who are not members of an entertainment union typically earn minimum wage for the state in which they perform. As of 2020 in California, Backstage indicates that nonunion background actor jobs pay between $100 and $200 for a 10-12 hour day.