A Day in the Life of a Movie Extra: The "Hurry Up and Wait" Routine

Have you ever dreamt of being a movie extra, thinking that being an on-screen decoration amid celebrities and stars is an easy gig? Think again! What you might be missing is the reality of the 'hurry up and wait' oddity that characterizes many days in the life of a background extra.

The Wait Game

My experience as a background non-dress extra for the movie Off Beat, featuring Judge Reinhold, solidified my understanding of the peculiar work life of movie extras. The filming process was intense; it took a full week to shoot two short scenes with minimal action! One day, the crowd gathered in front of a bank during a robbery looking worried, and the next, we were cheering as 'Officer' Reinhold came out after apprehending the robbers and saving hostages, only to see him talking to the press and a comically clowning cop ass-over-teakettle off his horse!

These scenes appear to be brief but the actual filming took an entire week. Much of the time, we spent sitting or standing around waiting while everything was being set up for shooting. After lunch, we’d head to the location for a couple hours of work before the day's end.

The Unpredictability of Schedules

I had a morning appointment in the middle of the shooting schedule. I was finally allowed back after the AD gave me a nod. My advice? Bring a book or two, or the reading app on your phone. Also, have some games you can quietly play while waiting to go on. The instructions on how to dress are critical. You may need to wear the same outfit for a couple of days at least before a scene is reshootable!

The Reality on Set

From being in a few movies myself, I've discovered that being an extra involves a lot of waiting. Let me share an example. In a recent Jason Borne movie scene where a person got shot on stage, Jason turned up. The entire process took about 8 hours to film just one minute or so of action. Forty to one hundred people sat and did nothing for hours. If you’re thinking of filming as a background extra, you will find yourself waiting, repeatedly resetting scenes, and taking multiple angles for the same shot.

The challenges go beyond the long waits. Cell phone use is highly restricted. You must sign papers stating your intention to keep your phone free from any unauthorized use. If you’re found using your phone, your phone is taken, and all data, including contacts, is erased. This strict policy ensures your actions are clear and forgotten once the film is completed. I witnessed this happen twice during my time on set.

Conclusion and Advice

Being a movie extra is more nuanced than it might seem. While you get the chance to see your name in lights and potentially see yourself on the big screen, the reality involves a lot of time waiting and a strict adherence to rules for cell phone use. The experience can be as rough as it is rewarding.

If you’re considering becoming a movie extra, be prepared for the 'hurry up and wait' lifestyle. It's not glamorous, but there's a sense of camaraderie among those who share the experience, and sometimes, you might even get to recognize yourself in a film. Just remember to stay patient and focused on the experience.