Okay, now I am Having Fun.

alveraz said:
Those gigs were commercials. And the connections helped me with several writing and production gigs, I should have elaborated. I only did acting for a year or so, but those connections were valuable. Helped me connect with several producers which led to additional writing assignments.
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Alveraz

Oh, you're a writer and not an actor. I envy your ability to write scripts, especially dialogue. I love reading and acting it out but it takes a special skill to write it well. I don't write scripts as you may have guessed. Other than telling a potential screen writing student that "i have heard to pick up screen writers bible", I don't profess which steps and connections work best for that type of work.
 
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No worries, but I stand by my original statements regarding BG work. I'm right on all counts :) Take care and good luck to you.
 
Crap, look what I started. Urination for distance contest? Film in the making? "Where the Yellow Stream Flows"? "Going the Distance"? "The Whizz"?

Now look what you made me say.
 
Hey Doc,

Congrats man. I was roped into being a background extra for an episode of Psychic Investigators. We were short a few people so myself (a PA) and our producer and some other non-essential crew members ended up being background talent.

Needless to say, I again remembered why I work behind the camera and not in front of it. But really - cool stuff.
 
Michele Seidman said:
No, no you're not...and I quote from the mouths of casting directors while thumbing through agency books of actors head shots...casting for a project...and seeing an 'extra' in the book...

..."don't they do extra work for us"...followed by a list of actors names who did stage, and indie film instead of those who did background work.


Your connections did not lead to more acting work and still you think your advice is the best thing for an actor to do? talk about going for distance...and stepping on toes on purpose.

You are not correct on it being a great way for an actor to advance.
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Sorry, but I just had to respond to this thread.

I did BG for well over a year and it was a freaking BLAST. Whether BG actors are "real" actors or not, all I can say is they work damn harder than "real actors" most of the time. And try making a movie or tv show without them.

Try doing an all-nighter on a freezing cold dead of winter shoot wearing a short sleeve shirt because you're filming a summer night scene. The "real" actors could go to their trailer and warm up between scenes. We had to gather around a heater about ten to a heater. Did that on more than one occassion in fact. If anyone told me during that I wasn't an actor I would probably have decked 'em.

Some people may be getting older and having not achieved the level of success they had hoped may make themselves feel a little better putting down hard working BG ACTORS. I can tell you this, I seriously doubt anyone that would have the nerve to tell a BG ACTOR they aren't a real actor will probably ever make it big. Successful actors appreciate everyone on the set who is helping to make a good film or show.

And lastly, sorry, but 'hitting a mark' and being chased around 'all day long' by hair and wardrobe just really isn't that tough. You should thank God in heaven if you've had the opportunity to do that.

I guess you must have touched a nerve. Sorry.
 
rkat55 said:
Sorry, but I just had to respond to this thread.

I did BG for well over a year and it was a freaking BLAST. Whether BG actors are "real" actors or not, all I can say is they work damn harder than "real actors" most of the time. And try making a movie or tv show without them.

Try doing an all-nighter on a freezing cold dead of winter shoot wearing a short sleeve shirt because you're filming a summer night scene. The "real" actors could go to their trailer and warm up between scenes. We had to gather around a heater about ten to a heater. Did that on more than one occassion in fact. If anyone told me during that I wasn't an actor I would probably have decked 'em.

Some people may be getting older and having not achieved the level of success they had hoped may make themselves feel a little better putting down hard working BG ACTORS. I can tell you this, I seriously doubt anyone that would have the nerve to tell a BG ACTOR they aren't a real actor will probably ever make it big. Successful actors appreciate everyone on the set who is helping to make a good film or show.

And lastly, sorry, but 'hitting a mark' and being chased around 'all day long' by hair and wardrobe just really isn't that tough. You should thank God in heaven if you've had the opportunity to do that.

I guess you must have touched a nerve. Sorry.
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rkat55

You are wrong on a few points but I will try to say it nicely. Most I trained are now in California and NYC making livings as working actors.

1) Standing around in the cold for a summer shot bites the big one for BG BUT you don't have to eat ice the whole time to keep steam from coming out of your mouth when you deliver lines.

2) BG are getting replaced with CGI ten times faster than actors because large crowd scenes cost too much money and Fan magazines don't sell with pictures of BG's but pictures of Actors!

3) Don't work as hard? While BG sit in a tent or holding area the actor is being sent to one department after another. Between takes when BG's stand around and talk the actors work on lines or get chased by departments who need to fix something on the actor or for the actor. While BG's go out and party after shooting the actor goes back to the hotel and tries to prep for the next days lines and close ups. While BG's read books or play football between takes the actor focuses on the character and scene.

Don't get me wrong....BG ARE needed...and BG do make a scene look much better...and I PREFER real BG to CGI,
 
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Hm. I'm not sure, but I think I love you Michele. The cold hard truth is what hits you in the face when you learn you have a chance in Hell of becoming an actor if you consistently take extra roles. It's that same feeling for a director when you learn you can't go back and get a shot that you know would make the scene look a lot better.

Most of the time my BG aren't even actors they're people that had nothing better to do and decided to come on and check out the production but in no way are they "actors". They may be a film student or a theater major (learning) but for the most part they aren't actors UNLESS they're theater actors and even they don't bother a lot. Young actors may do it but even they don't do it often. I don't know how it works in other places but that's the reality here in Chi-town. I'm not saying an actor can't move up but many times it just doesn't work that way. You have to come to a point you say NO MORE background role. I've had talent say "I won't do background I have to have a line." Some say they'll work for free but they have to have some lines, period.

-Nate
 
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Michele Seidman said:
rkat55

You are wrong on a few points but I will try to say it nicely because I DO say this to BG's all the time because I AM the one who teaches them how to get out of BG to be ON camera talent. Most I trained listened and many are now in California and NYC making livings as working actors and not BG!

1) Standing around in the cold for a summer shot bites the big one for BG BUT you don't have to eat ice the whole time to keep steam from coming out of your mouth when you deliver lines. Try keeping ice in your mouth while you freeze and get back to me.

2) BG are getting replaced with CGI ten times faster than actors because large crowd scenes cost too much money and Fan magazines don't sell with pictures of BG's but pictures of Actors!

3) Don't work as hard? Excuse me! While BG sit in a tent or holding area the actor is being sent to one department after another. Between takes when BG's stand around and talk the actors work on lines or get chased by departments who need to fix something on the actor or for the actor. While BG's go out and party after shooting the actor goes back to the hotel and tries to prep for the next days lines and close ups. While BG's read books or play football between takes the actor focuses on the character and scene.

Don't get me wrong....BG ARE needed...and BG do make a scene look much better...and I PREFER real BG to CGI, but the cold hard facts are what they are and I did not write them or make them up. I am simply the person sharing that information.

Want to shoot the messenger...go ahead...but my students take the info and learn how to use it to meet their goals instead of make me in to the bad guy for telling them what the 'above the line' do think of BG. I see them on set telling BG they are background actors and when there are no BG around...actor is not the term most often used. The truth hurts but now you are free of an illusion.

I also did NOT make up the term moving scenery or background cattle...the producers and crews did. Producers, casting, directors, agents...they ALL say BG are NOT actors...again...I did not make it up. I simply told what most refuse to say because it is very competitive and they prefer you don't know. Then you don't have a fighting chance of moving out of the BG pay scale. I also know BG who like it and do it all the time because they like it. They have no intention of ever being actors and they don't call themselves actors either. They are proud extras who are adored on set because they are not trying to back door themselves to speaking roles. They show up on time and work hard and get along well. I have friends who do it all the time.

and PS...don't try to slam me on age and levels. I had fame and walked away from it by choice more than 25 years ago...partly to teach others how to avoid the crap. I give the real information most will never tell you and you try slamming me. Really nice....really nice...

I don't tell these things to get my rocks off or make anyone feel small...I tell them because I wish someone had bothered to tell me when I started out.

You may not like what I wrote but I am telling the information that can actually help someone get ahead IF that IS their goal. in fact...it has for many. Don't like me...fine. But don't try to back door me like that again while I try to help. I am GIVING valuable information.

oh yeah...and for the record...every film i do a lead in, i provide craft service on one of the last days of shooting myself. i get the snacks and drinks for cast, crew and BG's alike and the BG's get way better than the standard banana's and popcorn! you don't know me...now you have a little more to go on. act accordingly.

Sign me

Angry...
...enough to put my foot down and say "Don't you treat me rudely while I put my heart and soul in to helping by telling the truth while others sell a line of crap to take talents money hand over fist."
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Sorry Michele, but I'm not buying it. And maybe out in the boondocks
where you live all the "big shots" are putting down BG, but here in
Hollywood where I live they are respected by everyone except
people who haven't made it and are just looking for anything to
feed their egos.

The list is long of successful actors who did BG at one time. It has
absolutely nothing to do with it. No one is going to tell you can't
get a part if you're right for it because you did BG.

Name ONE "student" you talked out of doing BG and now they
are successful because they stopped doing BG.
 
Nathyn said:
Hm. I'm not sure, but I think I love you Michele. The cold hard truth is what hits you in the face when you learn you have a chance in Hell of becoming an actor if you consistently take extra roles. It's that same feeling for a director when you learn you can't go back and get a shot that you know would make the scene look a lot better.

Most of the time my BG aren't even actors they're people that had nothing better to do and decided to come on and check out the production but in no way are they "actors". They may be a film student or a theater major (learning) but for the most part they aren't actors UNLESS they're theater actors and even they don't bother a lot. Young actors may do it but even they don't do it often. I don't know how it works in other places but that's the reality here in Chi-town. I'm not saying an actor can't move up but many times it just doesn't work that way. You have to come to a point you say NO MORE background role. I've had talent say "I won't do background I have to have a line." Some say they'll work for free but they have to have some lines, period.

-Nate
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Of course most of your BG aren't even actors. Are you making major films?
Are you using Central Casting? I guarantee you if were you'd have professional actors working for you doing BG. You could give them lines and they'd
probably blow away your "real" actors.
 
rkat55 said:
Sorry Michele, but I'm not buying it. And maybe out in the boondocks where you live all the "big shots" are putting down BG, but here in Hollywood where I live they are respected by everyone except people who haven't made it and are just looking for anything to feed their egos.

The list is long of successful actors who did BG at one time. It has absolutely nothing to do with it. No one is going to tell you can't get a part if you're right for it because you did BG. Name ONE "student" you talked out of doing BG and now they are successful because they stopped doing BG.
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BG who are BG and NOT trying to be actors are some of the most respected folks on set. I have friends who have done it for 20 years and make decent money and enjoy being BG BUT...THEY don't call themselves actors.
 
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Central Casting History




"...the creation of Central Casting allowed them to continue operating without government interference while providing a consistent stream of background talent for their films. For background actors, Central Casting provided a road map to working as an extra in Hollywood. Background actors could register with Central and all they had to do was call a job hotline to find work rather than having to drive from studio to studio looking for their own jobs. In the 80 years since Central Casting was formed, a lot has changed. Background actors formed their own union, the Screen Extras Guild, in 1946; created their own newspaper dedicated to the Hollywood extra, The Hollywood Megaphone; and even had their own awards for stand-ins called ‘The Elmers.’ Today, the Screen Extras Guild, The Hollywood Megaphone and The Elmers no longer exist, but Central Casting is still going strong. In fact, since 1976, when Central was sold to private interests, the company has grown and flourished like never before, becoming the leading supplier of background talent
___________________________

PS...CA does a great job at what they do...incredible even...but even they don't claim to supply actors like you said in another post.
 
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During this time I did a ton of BG work through several Extra agencies and became friends with some of the top BG agents in town. I then landed a couple small parts in TV and several films.

Brad Pitt is one of thousands that have worked their way into the limelight starting in BG work.
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on the Brad Pitt...He did 2 extra roles in his teens AFTER he had been a child actor on a soap and then he stopped doing BG and a year later was acting again.
 
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Michele Seidman said:
Central Casting History




"...the creation of Central Casting allowed them to continue operating without government interference while providing a consistent stream of background talent for their films. For background actors, Central Casting provided a road map to working as an extra in Hollywood. Background actors could register with Central and all they had to do was call a job hotline to find work rather than having to drive from studio to studio looking for their own jobs. In the 80 years since Central Casting was formed, a lot has changed. Background actors formed their own union, the Screen Extras Guild, in 1946; created their own newspaper dedicated to the Hollywood extra, The Hollywood Megaphone; and even had their own awards for stand-ins called ‘The Elmers.’ Today, the Screen Extras Guild, The Hollywood Megaphone and The Elmers no longer exist, but Central Casting is still going strong. In fact, since 1976, when Central was sold to private interests, the company has grown and flourished like never before, becoming the leading supplier of background talent
___________________________

rkat...i did a little of YOUR research for you....

read above and maybe you will see what CA says about themselves and why I call agents for actors instead of CA. Now go do some homework on the rest and talk to me when you can debate with good info and when you have gotten off your high horse long enough to notice...YOU are not going to keep slamming me and getting away with it.

I am not a frightened little girl that you can keep pushing and being nasty with. I fight back and I fight with facts and I fight hard and to the bitter end....do you really want to debate a person who has years of knowledge on you or do you want to bother to learn one or two things?

PS...CA does a great job at what they do...incredible even...but even they don't claim to supply actors like you said in another post. Why? Because actors list with agents...extras list with CA.
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Michele, I am not being nasty with you, why would you even say that? I
took issue with you putting down background actors. I think anyone reading this debate would say YOU were the one on a high horse, not me.

As far as your credits go, I'm really not too impressed, sorry. But, like I said before, I would thank God for any speaking roles you've ever had. I've only had a couple in very small indie things. As far as the rest of what you bring up, I'll stand by what I've said you haven't convinced me otherwise and I doubt you've convinced anyone else who actually knows the truth.

If anyone reading this thread is seriously scared of doing bg work because you think it will keep you from the golden prize, you can believe Michele who "walked away from fame and stardom" or you can just do it and have a great time, make some money and learn a hell of a lot about making films and tv shows. I highly recommend it.
 
Okay, everyone, your both right. Yes, you can be pigeon-holed by doing extra work, and you can springboard your career by doing extra work. When it comes down to it, Lady Luck has a big factor here, as well as talent.

Man, look what I started.
 
Doc Bernard said:
Okay, everyone, your both right. Yes, you can be pigeon-holed by doing extra work, and you can springboard your career by doing extra work. When it comes down to it, Lady Luck has a big factor here, as well as talent.

Man, look what I started.
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Thank you Doc.

Michele, after seeing you are a blues singer I forgive you for
calling BG not actors ;-) I'm a big blues fan. (But stand by
BG are actors. period.)
 
rkat said:
Thank you Doc.

Michele, after seeing you are a blues singer I forgive you for
calling BG not actors ;-) I'm a big blues fan. (But stand by
BG are actors. period.)
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rkat...

i guess i should say thanks but your posting two up from here claims i put down BG's. did you miss every time i sang praises of BG for helping make scenes look real? did you skim past my mention that i thought real BG were better than CGI? did you miss me saying i have friends who have done it for a living for 20 years?
 
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ps...as an agent i DID get some BG's up the ranks AFTER i got them to stop doing extra work and got them to do stage and indie film and show casting they were paying their dues as actors!

it took much longer to break in any new actor who had done extra work than to break in one who never did it. those are just facts...not some random opinion.
 
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