Film Extras

After working about 10 days on 'Welcome To Academia' and being on the movie sets of other films I thought I would pass on to you some observations about this kind of work, the people who do it, the film companies etc. I always observe every experience I undergo and formulate some opinions (Yes, I know I waste my time and energy by thinking too much and giving too many opinions sometimes). Since I am with the extras/background actors (as they call it on the sets), it is they, as opposed to the rest of this movie shooting operation who I have a better read on.
So here is what I have found to be the personality and breeding of the typical extra who works in films. Hmmmmmmm I shall just generalize as to the type of people who play extra roles. Remember these parts are non speaking and pay roughly $100 per day, not exactly financially lucrative work. I have found these kinds of people are typical of those who do extra film shoots. * The Star Gazer- This extra loves the movies and all the stars who appear on their screens. They seek out casting companies and apply for work just so they can see their heroes at close range. Often they will gush about a particular star (who I am likely to have never heard of, given I pay little attention to movies). Some approach the star and converse (often the performer will simple nod and move on, but some are "ordinary and friendly people who chat) off the set or when paths cross in holding areas. The Star Gazer is a hero worshipper, but he or she things that stardom could have come to them too, if only they had a break to show their acting talent. I am embarrassed to see the Star Gazer fawn over the actors and actress, and the stars themselves are uncomfortable being in their presence, but the Star Gazers are almost always very nice people and pleasant to chat with.
* The Young Drama Student- These extras are studying theater at a university, or have already graduated and want to see the business at close hand while earning some spending money. They study what is happening on the set and most often are quiet, almost unseen , because they understand that a movie set is a place of business in which one must be unobtrusive. I like to talk to the Young Drama Students because they are enthusiastic that one day they will become actors or actress. Their enthusiasm is contagious. One such Young Drama Student I chatted with in the extra holding area recently mentioned she was doing an audition for a part in a play at a local theater the day after we spoke. It was the same theater where Jane did her summer teen intern session this past summer.
* The Complainer- This one is never satisfied with anything on the set. he or she doesn't like the free food that they are given (snakes, lunches, breakfast items etc.), thinks the holding area (the room or area where extras gather and sit before being called from time to time to go to the set) is too big, small, cold or hot, is not comfortable in seating, doesn't have not enough tables, has no internet computer outlets, is located too far from bathrooms and on and on and on. They are never satisfied and probably expect a private dressing room for themselves. I avoid even chatting with these characters because they breed negativity and unpleasantness for the extras who are on the set just to "have fun". Most of the other extras either avoid them or politely pretend to be listening when conversing with them.
* The Frustrated Director- There is always one of these in any extra group. The Frustrated Director thinks he or she (but it's almost always a man) can better direct the film than the professionals on set who do it every day. When placed on the set they usually try to position themselves in the best location to be seen on camera, and even move after being placed by the director or an assistant director because "I think it is better to be here". When caught complaining about the way the film is being shot or hogging the camera, the crew quickly shunts them aside and uses them in scenes only when necessary....and in remote areas of the shot. They are usually too dense to realize how they behave, and thus never change.
* The Professional Extra- These people don't do any work except their work as a movie extra. Some have agents and all frequently bother casting agencies with incessant phone calls in which they ask for more work. They appear on every movie set and are well informed about the shoots. They always have a script of the day's scenes, are first in the lunch line, first to volunteer and tell "war stories" about their past glories on sets. I like to listen to them talk endlessly about such things because I am amused by their fanaticism, and they do have information that is useful. The Professional Extra has not the ambitions of the Frustrated Director or Young Drama Student. They understand they will only be movie extras and not principal actors or actresses. Thus, they latch on to every extra part they can find and will even travel a hundred miles for an extra role, have personal resumes' posted for casting agents to read, can cite hundreds of films in which they have appeared and always pass on information about where to apply for the next film. Give them an "A" for their dedication. Casting agencies love them because they are the most dependable of all extra actors /actresses.
* Starving Extras- Ok, they aren't really starving. but this group, small in number, is always around a movie set. They are unemployed and see their extra pay as a way of holding on as they transition to a permanent job. The Starving Extra has no interest in movies or movie making, only in the check they receive for their day on the set. They are cooperative and grateful once there, but casting agencies don't like them because they can be unreliable as to reporting for work, due to the fact that they only have interest in the pay involved. I find the Starving Extra to be personable and fun to be with.
*Retired Extras- There are always many retired people who take extra work. I am one and place myself in this group as to the characteristics of the members of it. We are either not working because we got tired of it and quit or because we were eligible for retirement and stopped work. Most of the retired extras are professional types- former lawyers, bankers, engineers, teachers etc. They like the idea of being on a set a few rimes a month (they more often than not do not seek much extra work ) to socialize, meet with old friends, as a way to pass time during their retirement years, because someone "told me about this kind of work", or just simply because they find the work easy and interesting. I think I fit all the characteristics of this group and, as to all the groups I described, I most like to socialize with the Retired Extra, the Young Drama Student and The Professional Extra.
So that is a general view of the cast of characters that are in the extra actor/actress pool. Of course a person may fit on more than one of the categories or in a category that I didn't mention. I have often thought that someone should write a book or script and make a film about the extra. If nothing else they are an interesting group of people.