Friday, October 14, 2011

A Cast of Thousands!


Willing to make a few cheap bucks for pizza and beer money at Indiana University in 1986, a few of us thought it would be a great idea to try our hands as non-union “extras” in a feature film shot on location wherein we might get to see some celebrities, experience the glamour of Hollywood by proxy (if only as stadium members), and also celebrate the fact that we could be a small part of cinematic history.
Yet absolutely bored out of our minds three (?) hours later, we ended up slinking out of the crowd surreptitiously, deciding that “our characters” had opted to leave our seats in favor of hitting the imaginary hot dog stand.  After all, we could give blood on campus, get an equally small payment for lying on a table for about twenty minutes, plus also receive apple juice and a cookie!  (And talk about getting a cheap beer buzz when you’re a pint low on platelets!)
But aside from our brief stint in the movie, and one or two exceptions to the rule where an AD pleaded with me for an “extra” body (and of course some extra money), I’ve been blessed to be able to avoid a job that Industry outsiders might not quite understand, and that working crews in the Biz may not always fully appreciate. 
So here’s to the unsung Background Actor heroes; and the recognition you so richly deserve for all that you do.
Warning:  The following video contains mature language that may not be appropriate for all ages.
Disclaimer:  I had no hand in the making of this video nor am I affiliated with the creators, so please don’t sue me!
Forever cheering on the underdogs to DREAM HUGE,
~P

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