EXTRA EXTRA – I was an Extra in Main Street!
What I really wanted to title this entry was – “Extra! Extra! Read All About It – I was an ‘Extra’ in Main Street” but the title was too long. Yet, I’ve always wanted to say that. It’s one of those lines that only make sense when they make sense. Does that make sense? Ok, before I spin you in all kinds of crazy circles, let me “spin” my tale of my very first time being an Extra in a major Hollywood Production.
The Reliant Pictures movie, Main Street, is being filmed on location right here in The Bull City – Durham, North Carolina.
Now, as a movie buff, I had heard all about the filming nearly a month ago as it was being cast, having lined up the likes of Orlando Bloom, Andrew McCarthy, Ellen Burstyn, Patricia Clarkson, Colin Firth, and finally, Amber Tamblyn. Pretty good Cast, huh? Still, I didn’t think anything of it as far as this Blog is concerned until this past Monday when I saw the Tweet by Casting Director, Maxann Crotts-Harvey, saying that she was looking for Extras for the film. Well, of course I jumped on it! I immediately emailed her, receiving a response a short while later, “We could use you on Wednesday. I’ll be in touch!” I nearly jumped out of my seat and screamed. Ok, that might be stretching it but I certainly had a very wide grin on my face. I was going to be an Extra!
Me with Maxann Crotts and Extras on Main Street
Call time – 10:30am but we were told to be there at 10:00 to get all the paperwork, employment verification, and rigamaroll out of the way. When Call Time came, our Production Assistant, Miss Lauren, proceeded to tell us how the day was expected to go. First stop, a van ride to the wardrobe trailer to be checked by Wardrobe to help us put the right look together based on the clothing we were asked to bring. Eleven of us piled into the van (9 Extras, Lauren, and another guy) and trekked over to Wardrobe, which was conveniently parked near the one of the sets for the film.
My Extra counterparts and I got out of the van and waited for the next instruction. And waited some more. Waiting became the mantra of the day but did anyone complain? Nope. We were all having SUCH a good time just being there. And who were we all? I suppose I should give you the lowdown of who all the Extras were.
There was Nicole, a lovely young Domestic Engineer (translation: stay-at-home-Mom…but I like the term, “Domestic Engineer” better); Michelle, in the dual role of Domestic Engineer and Attorney; Marc, a glass-blower by trade; 4 actors – Catherine, Carrie, David, and Lee; another lovely young lady who had such allergies that day (and please forgive me if I don’t spell your name correctly) Yalonda; and then there was me, The REEL Box Office Buzz blogger. It was an eclectic mix of people and it seemed just the right mix for the scene in which we were set to perform.
Dressing Room No. 9 - My Dressing Room
Back to Wardrobe. It took about an hour…maybe more, maybe less…before all were changed and approved. Then, it was back to “base” where we waited some more, received additional instruction on what to expect next, and had a very delicious lunch consisting of anything from grilled chicken to several choices for salads, fruit bowl, a wide selection of delectable deserts (and they really were). But, before we could eat we had to follow set protocol – the Cast and Crew always eat before the Extras. Really…I did NOT have a problem with that. Remember, I was just happy as a pig in sh** to be there!
Lunch was over and it was time to head to the location. Oh my gosh! My BIG moment has arrived!!
Once again, we pile into the van (with a few extra Extras from the morning shoot) and head to location. Once we arrive, it becomes real. The ‘big’ lights are just out front of the building, a screen is being put in place, and there are several Crew members putting everything together while inside one of the Directors is organizing the shot, dishing out orders, and the Principal Actress for the scene…Amber Tamblyn… is getting last minute instructions. We enter the building and go directly to the “holding room” where we wait to be taken to our positions. Once everyone has been checked over one more time by Wardrobe, Hair, and Makeup, it’s time to take our positions and wait for the signal – “Background Action! Action!”
My 2.5 seconds of fame (should my scene not get cut) is me walking from the Handicap ramp through the lobby of the building literally crossing paths with one of the film’s Stars, Amber Tamblyn. If that scene doesn’t get cut, there is no doubt in my mind, I will be in it, even for a split second but I will be in it…and that thrills me to pieces!
But, if the scene does get cut, I can honestly say without a shadow of a doubt this experience was ranks right up there as one of THE BEST things I have ever done. It shares the spotlight with my Co-Hosting and
Me with Jason Gerhardt, July 2008
Producing duties of Jason Gerhardt’s charity fundraiser last summer as part of General Hospital’s Annual Fan Club Weekend. THAT was pretty darn cool too!
Still, I walked away Wednesday so thrilled that I was given this opportunity. I even told Miss Maxann that
Me with my first Non-Union Voucher. PROOF
I’d love to be considered for anything else she has coming down the pipeline. Does that mean I “want to be an actor when I grow up”? Oh no. I’m perfectly fine being behind the scenes and as a matter of fact, that’s ultimately what I strive for. But, this experience just further solidified my desire to work in the industry in some way shape or form.
I will most definitely see the film on the BIG screen. I’m secretly hoping for a trip to the Premiere (but I guess if I’m writing my “secret wish” here it’s not really a secret any more now is it?). And even if my scene makes it to the cutting room floor, I still want to purchase the DVD for my collection as a memento of my time on set.
This was waaaaay cool!
Until next time, see YOU at the movies!
Lisa 
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VERY awesome! That truly is a packed cast-I would have loved to have run into Ellen Burstyn and Colin Firth. I’m so jealous-this is one of my things to do before I die! Let me know if you hear anything else and I’ll be more than happy to tag along too!
Alex’s sister lives in Wilmington and she’s done a lot of extra work for One Tree Hill, she even got a speaking part in one episode. But yeah, she talks about how you wait and wait and wait…