Sunday, February 19, 2012

Starry Star Eyes ~ Part Two



After my weekly stint as an extra on She’s Out Of My League I wasn’t sure I’d ever want to do extra work again; the work was grueling. Each take would take like a dozen or more times to complete. Set, camera, action. Reset, camera, action. If it weren’t for the other terrific extras that I met and the fun I made on my own, I’d have pulled out my freaken hair.

It also didn’t help that when I packed for that first day at the airport, I actually PACKED my suitcase like I was going on a REAL trip and my suitcase was heavy as all get out, so picking it UP and placing it onto the conveyor belt was excruciating on my back. I was SMART the next few days, however, and left my luggage EMPTY. You learn tricks after a few days and become a pro after a week.

I also saw a Diva up close and personal. Alice Eve, who played Molly, was a real gem. She was late EVERY day, could barely remember her lines and even had someone get her purse when she left it at the other end of the set. Guess walking wasn’t in her contract. It was quite an eye-opener.

Last year I was called for extra work for the movie One For The Money starring Katherine Heigl, which was filmed partly in the little town of Ambridge, Pennsylvania. I agreed because I wasn’t doing anything the day they needed me and it was a nice hot sunny day.

I must admit, the difference between working with someone like Eve and Heigl was like night and day. And I mean that in the most complimentary way to Katherine! She did arrive in a black Suburban-type vehicle but she KNEW her lines and we didn’t have to re-set a bazillion times so it went much smoother and scenes were cut and wrapped a lot quicker.

There was even one time, after we completed a scene, where Katherine got everyone’s attention and THANKED us! Yes, she actually said thank you. That was such a pleasant surprise and it showed me her integrity and class.

 There was a scene that I did in the movie where I had to walk in front of the bail bondsman’s office and Katherine had to enter it. As I was walking, Katherine passed me, and bumped into my purse. I haven’t seen the movie yet, so I don’t know if the scene made it or was cut. I just thought it was pretty neat that I was THAT close to her. After all, I always liked her on Grey’s Anatomy and here she was within inches of me. As extras, we are instructed NOT to bother the actors. Now, if they approach us, that’s a different story, but I didn’t have any approach me. I kept to myself and followed the rules, other than making friends with other extras. 


I got a call to do extra work in Tom Cruise’s film, One Shot, but I declined. I just wasn’t up for it. It would’ve been a few weeks worth of work and I would have had to commit to at least twelve hour days. A few days here or there isn’t so bad, but weeks on end—I can’t do that, I have too much going on in my life.

There are a lot of people who actually do extra work for a living. I’m not that into it. I just enjoy the occasional job. I find it entertaining and I like watching a film in action (no pun). If you’re ever interested in extra work, find your local film office. I’m pretty sure each major city has one, like Pittsburgh’s and they have casting call notices and updates on what movies are being filmed in the city.

 There are also casting companies where you can submit your picture and contact information and they will call you if they need extras. Don’t fall for the scam that you have to pay for these services. I have never paid a dime and have done two films so far.

You might never get an Oscar a speaking part, but you do get to watch the workings of a film up close, meet new people and have some fun, plus get paid. Yes, they PAY you. It’s only minimum wage, but hey, if you’re just sitting home, what the heck!


 

10 comments:

  1. Nice! I suppose there's a reason I've never heard of Alice Eve but I can't say I'm sorry. And I love Katherine Heigl! From way back when she was on the TV series Roswell! If I didn't have a full time gig I think extra work would be interesting.

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    1. Bubbe, I had never heard of Alice Eve before that movie either.

      Katherine Heigl is PRETTIER in person!

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  2. What a faaaaaaaaaaabulously interesting post, Pamela!

    Even though I've done acting myself, most of my work was in theater, so this is was VERY cool to read.

    " There was a scene that I did in the movie where I had to walk in front of the bail bondsman’s office and Katherine had to enter it. As I was walking, Katherine passed me, and bumped into my purse. I haven’t seen the movie yet, so I don’t know if the scene made it or was cut."

    Oooooo....how exciting!!!! I will look for that movie in FYE and if I find it I'll buy it, just to see YOU!!!!

    And thank you for sharing this....

    "There are also casting companies where you can submit your picture and contact information and they will call you if they need extras. Don’t fall for the scam that you have to pay for these services. I have never paid a dime and have done two films so far."

    You are soooooo right because there are a lot of these lame agencies out there that do that. And if someone does go through a 'legitimate' agency, no money should ever cross hands until you get a job and then they take a % commission.

    Again, FAB post, dear lady!

    Have a super week, you movie star, you!

    X

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    1. Ron, funny, I haven't watched either movie yet! Although, One For The Money just came out. My son went to see it this past weekend and said he didn't see me, but he was with his girlfriend ;-)

      There are A LOT of scam (lame) agencies out there. I've always said IF you're good/pretty (whatever) then YOU won't have to pay a DIME, THEY will pay YOU! Too bad a lot of people are snookered into believing they have to pay, then they DO! I guess the "stars" in their eyes blind them to reality.

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  3. I so love hearing your tales of this line of work - I'm as starstruck reading your posts as I can only imagine one would be on set! What amazing adventures! Thank you for sharing these with us, and you know? Integrity and class... All you, Darling. All you! XOXO

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    1. Annie, it was fun. I hope to do more. Pittsburgh is actually a good city for movie-making. Batman was filmed here last year. It comes out this July and I can't wait to see it!

      Integrity and class... All you, Darling. All you!

      Thank you, Annie! You are SO sweet!

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  4. I am so looking forward to seeing this movie, I am a HUGE Stephanie Plum/Janet Evanovich fan, but now, I'm even more excited because you were in it...that's so cool!

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    1. Jo, I haven't read her books but heard they were really good, so I need to put them on my list (my it's getting long--good thing I love to read!).

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  5. Wow, a Stephanie Plum VIRGIN? You are in for a real treat! They are HILARIOUS! (Read them in order, though, it's better that way)

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    1. Jo, thanks for the recommendation! I'm always on the lookout for good books. Like I said, I'll put them on my list and I'll let you know what I think when I get to reading them! ;-)

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