noticed watching star trek that lots of background characters never speak even when spoken to or when speaking would be natural, even if only to say “aye aye sir.” Once I noticed I see it happening all the time now. Really awkward.
Do actors get paid less if they don’t have lines?
- Thread starter Geek Nasty
- Start date
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Kilgore Trout
Banned
The Samurai pirate guy on black sails made it 4 seasons without uttering a single line 
The answer is yes. In order to have lines you have to be a member of the screen actors guild. Which is essentially unionized. Meaning screen credits benefits etc. If you don't speak you can be paid like day labor from Craigslist.
Killigraphy
Banned
To further clarify, you don't get paid for more or less lines.
If you have lines - you're part of SAG.
If you don't have lines - you're an extra working for somewhere near 100-300 dollars.
If you have lines - you're part of SAG.
If you don't have lines - you're an extra working for somewhere near 100-300 dollars.