From the Midwest to Hollywood

January 31, 2007

Extra is actually not the most accepted term for one who does extras work. Early on I learned the term “Background Artist,” from which we can derive that my current profession is “Background Artistry.” It sounds sort of like how I was a “Brand Representative” when I worked at Abercrombie and Fitch when I was 17. In any case, I like being an extra. Or Background Artist. Or…whatever.

So, two weeks ago, I went in to Central Casting and signed up to work as an extra. I filled out an I-9 form, I stood in front of the camera, and that was it. That afternoon, I called the casting line to see what they needed and the next day I was on the set. Some of the more noteworthy elements of extras work are the following:

1. Lots of free food. It’s called Craft Service, and it’s really something! Two days ago, I arrived at a set at 7:00 am and did not leave until about 7:00 pm, and they provided breakfast, lunch and dinner, along with any snacks and soda, coffee or juice I would like. Snacks include granola bars, protein bars, fruit and candy. It’s a pretty sweet deal.

2. Background artists stand right on set with the regular actors. They are getting the big bucks, of course, and I am making $7.50 an hour, but nonetheless, there they are. Last week I was an extra on The Office for a day, and Steve Carrell intercepted a frisbee that another guy and I were throwing back and forth.

3. One drawback to extras work is that hundreds of people are all calling the same casting director for the parts. Thus, I don’t think it is an exaggeration to say that each day at about 2:00, I find myself hitting redial hundreds of times in a row. In any case, usually one gets through and has work for the next day.

4. One never knows if one will be visible to the audience in the final version of the show. They film from various angles, and often one is part of a crowd, besides the fact that stuff could just plain get cut. If anyone is watching, though, it is possible that I will show up on the shows “Close to Home,” “Standoff,” “The Gilmore Girls” and “The Office.”