EXTRAS V- "Wilder ! Funnier ! More Action than Before !"

    It is difficult for me to write anything with out some attempt at humor, but this edition of the “Saga of Extras” will be more editorial than entertainment. After today’s offering the saga will continue probably less frequently as the SHOW goes on. I did want those not familiar with the process of film making to get a glimpse of what goes on and hopeful garner some support for our cause.
    Like any business movie production companies are all different and treat their employees differently and we extras are their employees although they do not directly hire us but depend on a local Casting Agency to provide “Background Talent”. The philosophy of a company along with it’s ability to provide a quality service or product is usually reflected by the attitude of it’s employees. (I know we still shop at Wal-Mart even though many of the ‘customer service’ people appear rude and lazy.)  I think anyone who meets any of the extras I know will be excited about the products we make and look forward to seeing them (but since we are only temps perhaps the way we “REPRESENT” is not important, but they must realize we are big consumers also.) Attitude in business usual works it’s way down from the top to the bottom, the three industries I know best are the U.S. Army- Good Colonels lead good Captains who lead Good Soldiers.  The Medical field- I know many good Doctors whose practices have been hurt by surly Nurses. And Food Service- People will go back to a place with average food and good service before they will do the opposite.


    Although I have not been in the movie business a long time, I have been in “Bidnezz” a long time. In just a few months I have seen production companies represent both ends of the spectrum. During a recent Big Movie Shoot I consistently saw and heard extras being treated like dogs, spending to many hours without food or water, receiving poor medical attention and being submitted to a dehumanizing approach from “production”. There was a lack of common courtesy and a very superior air from most of the people in charge. Some days there were several hundred extras and good people skills are imperative in those situations for continuity and control. Many of the extras were young and many were inexperienced first timers. It must not be forgotten that most of us did not grow-up on movie pop corn nor were we born at “Universal Studios”.  This is NOT Hollywood we are only number three. I am currently using Facebook as my primary mode of internet communication and weeks before the “Wrap” I saw numerous posts from people angry, sad, disappointed and hurt by the way they were treated and saw others treated. Many people will never try it again and while it is not a job for everyone, many people have been burned and the Talent pool is now shallower.
    I have a friend who has years of experience as an extra, years as a "crew" person and a "Stunt Man" He recently told me "I think I am finished being treated like a second class citizen and like I am stupid"
Many specific examples could be shared , however the point is even though "Extras are just paint and wallpaper", "They are props that eat" and most recently "Well, She is just another dumb Louisiana extra," we are necessary to the process. I should have gotten a clue, having worked at a meat processing plant, that I was just "dumb" when they sent us to the "Holding" pen and I did not run.
     I DO WANT TO MAKE IT CLEAR THE THE CASTING PEOPLE HAVE FOUGHT FOR US AND SPOKEN UP AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY TO RIGHT SOME WRONGS, I AM NOT SURE THE HOLLYWOOD PEOPLE APPRECIATE THEM AS MUCH AS THEY SHOULD EITHER.