Oh that Al, using all those "big words"
Actually I still use the words 'Extra' or 'background' or also 'deep background' because I don't automatically assume non-movie people would know all the abbreviations.
Like when I'm talking to a crowd of people I know are NOT in the biz, I don't say 'gaffer' unless I follow up with a brief explanation of what that position does. But sometimes I mess with the 'folks' and say "Oh that's the person who GAFFS" and leave it at that ... (leaving them even MORE confused LOL)
But the term Background Performer is used MOST by the strict union types, since SAG, AFTRA, DGA, etc. all very strictly define "Principal Performer" and "Background Performer" via contracts. Who they are, what they are allowed to do, how much they get paid, etc.
But I still am careful of how loose I am with industry Abbreviations. I don't use D.P. (director of photography) alone as much (uh there are just too many guys who surf for PORN who assume it's the 'other' DP).
I don't use A.D. unless I'm saying First AD, Second AD, because some folks will still think I'm saying
Accidental
Discharge (some folks use Negligent Discharge, same thing).
Again, depends on the SET you're standing on. If you're surrounded by industry pros, they should KNOW what you're talking about. If you're addressing a bunch of set visitors who don't work in the industry, then I expand my lexicon
