So as a background actor there is a range of on-camera visibility — from zero to recognizable.
In early May I go to Park Slope in Brooklyn.
Call time is 7pm.
I debate going at all as I don't usually do night shoots. But I'm told, "It's only one scene. It'll probably wrap early."
It doesn't.
I arrive around 6:45pm to learn they haven't finished shooting scenes from the day.
We don't get on set until midnight.
Then there are endless cut, reset, and action commands.
I get home around 2am.
But hey, becoming a star requires flexibility. Hollywood doesn't have normal working hours.
This was for a new TV series on Hulu called Everything's Trash. It premiered July 13 to very good reviews.
Yesterday I go back and fast-forward through the seven episodes that are now streaming hoping to find me.
I don't.
I decide to try again.
This time I fast-forward more slowly. Scene by scene.
And then, at the very end of episode three, I find me.
So exciting. I now have a real chance at being discovered.
Hahaha. Love it. A star is born.
ReplyDeleteLife as an extra will never be described as nourishment for the soul. Tv shoots rarely go off predictably. Try to request sitcoms.
ReplyDeleteReminds me of my brother Paul’s 1st time on TV. He called to tell me he was going to be on one of the daily soap operas. He was all excited and wanted to make sure I didn’t miss it. The day of the appearance arrived and I was sitting in my parents living room with my wife waiting for the program to start. We didn’t know when or what part of the show he would appear, so we watched with our eyes glued to the set. The show was 30 minutes long and at I believe was the 29th minute mark, Paul walked through the back of the scene and was gone. It lasted for a blink of the eye. After the show ended Paul called to see if we saw him. It was the start of what would turn into a live long acting career.
ReplyDeletelove this story...what's your name...only came up as anonymous.
ReplyDeleteWe’re late bloomers, right Lyn? One never knows.
ReplyDelete