I was in trouble with "Extra Land" after the backup plan crashed and burned. I became a background actor - no experience required. I played from creepy nuns to Hasidic Jews to John Early (although from the back, bald shaved into my mind). This is a cheap movie school. I watched the production process up close and took a lot of notes. Well, there is no particular order, here are the 13 commandments I have for being a background actor. Before trying to put on my extra shoes, study them wisely.
Never talk to the main actor That is, unless they speak to you first. Well, the Bob Wiley-Adjacent type of production can't bother the actors being prepared. That is, it is not uncommon for the principal to talk to other people. The interaction I cherish most? Before the Strand Books in Nishimura "action", Amanda Peet turned to me and made a strange noise instead of bur. I assume this is part of the Amanda process. (I'll always be happy to accept Amanda Peet Burp for the record. She's a great fool in the best way.) As far as talking to other backgrounds is concerned, that's allowed. But be careful. Some people tend toward Travis Bickle more than Bob Wiley.
Please don't talk while the camera is scrolling! You are paid without paying. Any conversation is pantomime. If you mumble as part of the crowd, it is considered "Omni" (the abbreviation for "Omni") and won't win your everyday player status and paid upgrades. The background elevates it to the speech part is extremely rare, but it happens. It is memorable that firm background actor Donnie Wahlberg is when background actors are given boundaries Blue Blood.
You are a number, not a name. When checking in, you will be assigned a number. This is impersonal, but it is not personal. This numerical system maintains sequence under high pressure and time-sensitive conditions. However, Pete Holmes blesses his heart, telling us on the Brooklyn voice stage that he wants a humane way. Pete is a squad. After the filming, it was no surprise that I immediately forgot my phone number, but there was a number I wouldn't forget anytime soon. More than 13 hours, Leftovers The crew knew me as "69."
be patient. Since you may be waiting a lot, bring a phone charger and read a lot. for QuanticoThe Flying Series, I spent most of the time being held in the church, where I listened to the whole season one series. Priyanka Chopra was welcomed by me and my accomplices when I was finally ordered to settle (just next to the New York Public Library in Midtown Manhattan). She smiled widely, stretched out her arms as if we were lost, well, Monkkins.
Avoid bread. Generally, avoid calories. Camera likes thin, even for often blurred backgrounds. Of course, avoiding craft service sheets is easier said than done, especially in Adam Sandler's shooting. Sandman is a cookie connoisseur who loves ice cream, just like he likes to say, “Timothée Sha-La-Mayyyy!”
Kissing the beautiful girl's sleep goodbye. Call time is usually at dawn, at least early this week. Thursday and Friday usually start afterwards. I have a report time at 4:45 am The wonderful Mrs. Maisel. For period works, production requires you to brighten your wardrobe, hair and make-up in the early days.
Don't make a late plan. Because you will never know when your day will end. Usually, the days are about 12 hours. The program tends to be shorter. Law and Order: SVU TV can be made during their sleep. More artworks with a healthy budget Maisel There are some epic days. One of mine Maisel I went for 16 hours in a few days; the other one was over 18 years old. If production is only one second above 16 seconds, then the Showing Actors Association (SAG) members hit Golden Time, which means additional salary. (I received three golden hours in my 18-hour day.) Not surprisingly, golden hours are not easy to obtain. If the producers think it is a possibility, they will try to complete the day with a non-union background that doesn’t have golden time.
Bad hairstyles can happen. Period works Irish Can style your hair to fit the time. SAG members receive small salaries for this. Sometimes, production requirements require more than hairstyles. I was selected as John's early bald doubles. No, I don't want to get bald. I don't have the grand silver dome of John Slattery, but I have hair and I don't want to mess with it. After some promises made in the show, it was no surprise that I didn't get-I reluctantly got bald. "You're doing noble work!" Early on told me passionately about my hair and makeup trailer.
Don't take the bathroom for granted. Relieving yourself can be tedious when you are on site. Production almost always has a “honey van” (used for production speaking in portable restrooms). But sometimes you have to work like Matthew McConaughey The real detective Find these mobile protected areas. As for relief, subway shooting can be particularly difficult. When I was a subway passenger clownWe did not give a tilt break, so some backgrounds reportedly relaxed themselves between cars. After a few years, after investigation and many sagging complaints, I received an extra day's salary clown Because, hold it.
Preparation to know nothing. Almost everything is based on the need, including the name of the actual performance. As we all know, production uses pseudonyms. Also, the background script or "side" and schedule ("fault") was not given that day. (You may be able to find the crash that is nailed to the wall, but for whatever reason, the crew doesn't seem to like the background). PAs are usually very cozy, so they are not familiar with the show. When at the location, production provides a background for the bus setting, which we often do not tell the destination. We are going to where we are going to react or not respond.
The danger of taking a nap. If you want to sleep during some waiting periods, expect it to be uncomfortable on the floor or elsewhere. Overnight A vast cityI tried to sleep on a mobile subway that was used as a "satellite hold". In the brutal three days Billions Shooting (15+ hours), a colleague found a lobby sofa in a nearby hotel instead of enduring a three-hour commute. (She was eventually thrown away.)
Avoid stunts. After gaining recognition from the academy, they may feel good, but don't expect to perform with stunt characters, making self-proclaimed "Cowboys". With one exception, in my experience, they Despicable girl- Level group. A stunt actor New Amsterdam Pointed to Pantomime with me, but refused.
Be professional, even if you don't like one. You are compensated. Punctual. Follow the instructions. Don't look at the camera unless of course you have to use it directly. Wear clean lingerie to accessories. Wardrobe prefers men wearing sweatshirts. If you are offering your own wardrobe, make sure it is free of pollution, wrinkles and soft colors. You are the background and you should keep that. Finally, you might consider placing your toothbrush and toothpaste so any pantomime will clean.
Jon Hart is the unfortunate author, I'm free Improper sequel Men against the ball: A normal man and his extraordinary sports adventure.