For TV's background actors, the pandemic has been good and bad news

Los Angeles Times

New COVID-19 rules have provided an unexpected benefit for background actors. "Under the new rules, TV shows are offering to keep extras on for a whole season — rather than being hired by the day — or to be part of a recurring pod of background actors they are familiar with," explains the Los Angeles Times' Anousha Skoui. "They are paid to get tested for COVID-19, sometimes multiple times, and to not work elsewhere in order to minimize the risk of infection." While background actors are now getting to work for an extended period of time -- such as for one week instead of for one day -- the new rules have limited the number of background actor opportunities. Background actors earn $178 per day or $209 per day as a stand-in. They're also paid $100 per day that the spend getting tested.