Cinematographer
Atmosphere – ob Menschen oder Nebel – gibt meinem Bild Leben und Tiefe. Haze macht Lichtstrahlen sichtbar, Komparsen füllen die Welt. Beides ist essentiell.
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.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Atmosphere schafft Glaubwürdigkeit. Eine leere Straße wirkt tot, mit Komparsen lebt sie. Nebel im Hintergrund trennt Ebenen und erzeugt Stimmung.
Producer
Atmosphere kostet – Komparsen müssen gecastet, kostümiert und betreut werden. Aber nichts verrät ein niedriges Budget so sehr wie leere Hintergründe.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Atmosphäre / Komparsen"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?