figuran

Figuran is a term used in film, television, and theatre to denote a background actor who appears on screen without speaking lines. The word is a loanword used in Turkish cinema and in several European-language productions to describe extras; in English-language contexts, the closest terms are "extra" or "background actor." In many productions, figuran roles are filled by non-speaking performers who help populate crowd scenes, street scenes, or other settings where realism requires additional people on screen.

Figurants typically perform non-narrative tasks such as standing, walking through a scene, reacting to action, or following blocking instructions from directors. They do not contribute dialogue or plot development and are generally not part of the principal cast. In some cases, figuran performances may be credited, but more often they appear only in production notes or are listed in union or casting records rather than on-screen credits.

Casting and working conditions for figuran vary by country and production. They are usually recruited through casting agencies or talent pools and are paid a daily rate that can depend on union status, location, and the scale of the production. Working hours can be long due to shoots lasting all day or overnight. Standards for privacy, safety, and compensation are governed by local labor laws and industry agreements.

See also: extra, background actor, figurant.