Have you ever seen a film where a no-name extra is standing right beside the lead actor, or the lead actor interacts with a waitress? For example, in the first “Twilight” film, when Edward and Bella are sitting at dinner for the first time (after he rescues her from a ‘pack’ of wild/drunken frat guys…cheesy), Edward finally tells Bella he can read minds. To showcase his ability, he looks around the room and reads the minds of individuals – the camera then zooms in on each of the patrons. These diners are actually extras, well to be more specific, featured extras.
In the movie extra world, being a featured extra is like the holy grail of working in this profession. Not only does being a featured extra almost guarantee you screen time, but you typically get paid more. If you have found yourself preparing for a featured extra role, or if you just want to be prepared in case a director asks you to sit directly beside your favorite movie star, follow my tips that have been cultivated through years of working as an extra and featured extra.
Tip # 1 – Act Naturally
Perhaps one of the most important rules of being a featured extra is to act naturally. While the scope of performing as a featured extra can vary from simply reading a newspaper to crying in the corner of a drug house, the most important thing to remember is to pretend there is not a camera focusing in on you with about 50 crew members watching your every move. While this task can be daunting, the best thing to do is take a deep breath, and pretend you are all alone.
Tip #2 – Don’t Overact – Keep it Simple
I remember being on set as a stand-in and watching a featured extra perform her role – she was supposed to walk across the room, grab a magazine and sit in a chair. Seems simple enough, right? Well, no. Upon doing the first take, she seemingly sprinted to her destination, snatched up the magazine in what could only be described as truly dramatic and practically ran to the chair. Her movements were obviously cultivated out of years of working in the theater, with a little nervousness peppered in. Of course, seeing her scope of talent, the director asked a production assistant to find another extra for this role. Upon watching her upset face leave the set to return to extra’s holding, I realized what she did wrong – she overacted.
When you’re a featured extra, and your role requires movements, take a deep breath and make sure to not move too fast. Before the cameras start rolling, ask yourself would you naturally make this movement? While this tip extends on the first, it is vital to stress the important of being natural and being in full control of your movements.
Tip #3 – Don’t Get Star-Struck
As a featured extra, you will likely be positioned fairly close, if not directly beside, in front or behind, a major celebrity. While I personally have never become star-struck – even when rehearsing a scene with Bill Murray – I know for many encountering a celebrity can be an almost out-of-body experience.
One of the most important things to remember is a celebrity, while may be on the cover of every magazine, is on set doing his or her job. Just like you do your job in a cubicle or behind a cash register, she is doing hers. Remember, these people are just that – people, and while you’re on set you should treat him or her as your co-worker, and nothing more.