What an interesting couple of
days it has been! On Tuesday I got a
call from Extras Only to be a refugee on a TV show -– on Wednesday. (Note:
Extras must be ready at a moment’s notice.) So Wednesday, instead of my usual routine of
breakfast and sewing with Mary Jean in the morning, then Chrysalis in the
afternoon, I showed up Wednesday morning on site with three refugee-appropriate
changes of clothes (so the dressers can produce the right look.) My first look was acceptable, so I didn’t
even have to unpack my carry-on. Extras
Holding area was a big tent with tables and folding chairs. They provided coffee and tea. We
chatted. What a fascinating variety of
people do this extra work!
After a while, the hairdresser showed up and
tousled several heads. I pulled my hat
on with a few curls sticking out at the edges and she approved with a
smile. Then makeup came around with a
bottle of black powder and some cosmetic sponges. We each got our faces smudged. I had on a layer of sunblock which really
caught and held the black, and with my pale skin, I looked like a diesel
mechanic Who had run through a coal mine.
Then one of the dressers
showed up with a jar of coffee-colored powder and a pair of leather
gloves. She began smearing “Dirt” on our
clothes, carefully shaking about a tablespoon of powder onto one gloved hand,
rubbing her hands together, then rubbing her hands all over us, with special
attention to hems, knees and elbows, backsides, and shoes.
I am SO glad I wore a pair of
comfortable shoes with cushy padded insoles.
We spent a lot of time standing on cement floors in an abandoned
warehouse basement, looking cold and miserable.
Luckily, the warehouse was very cool, since the outside temperature
eventually got up to the low 90s, and we were bundled in layers of clothes with
hats, scarves, and gloves.
I can’t give any spoilers
about the episode yet. It’s for a series
on the scifi channel. I might show up in
one scene, and I’m background in another.
It was very interesting to see how these things actually get
filmed. They have stand-ins to walk through
the scene a couple of times to get the microphones, lights and staging right. Extras get
re-arranged and coached on their movements.
Cameramen and soundmen move things around. Someone starts the smoke machines. The stand-ins go through it all again. Then the actors walk through to rehearse
it. Finally, the cameras go live, the
director hollers, “Rolling,” is echoed by his assistants at various points
around the set, and a take is done.
“Cut” echoes out through the building, and various technicians discuss with
the director how it could be better.
Then again, “Rolling,” and everyone drops into character, miming chill
despair as the actors walk by. It’s important to stay in character while
avoiding the soundman with the microphone on the long pole, at the same time,
staying out of the cameraman’s way. And
never, never look at the camera. Even
when it seems logical that you would look at the passing actors, don’t do it! Remember that you are wallpaper and should
not be noticed.
And then the scene is run all
over again while it is filmed from a different angle. And again. And again.
And the actors stay in character and deliver their lines as if they have
never spoken them before. Keeping the
act fresh has got to be the gift of a
real actor!
Finally, we heard, “Cut.
Print.” And mild cheers erupted around the set.
Extras were returned to holding. Do NOT wash hands! Filming continued in the smokey, dirty
warehouse basement with all the grips, gaffers, best boys, actors, seconds,
soundmen, lighting techs, and cameramen going through the whole thing for
scenes that don’t use extras. They have my admiration for their stamina!
Then there was a break for
lunch. Actors and directors get fed
first, then crew, then extras get the leftovers. The food was fabulous! I had steamed baby zucchini, grilled salmon,
a chopped tomato and cucumber salad in basalmic vinegar dressing, and a slice
of carrot cake. There was also grilled
tofu, a ravioli in cream sauce, halibut
baked in a lemon-butter sauce, tossed green salad, and any number of
other things I don’t remember. All set
out like a buffet at a high-end restaurant.
Other extras assured me that this was exceptional treatment. Often, extras get a box lunch with sandwich,
chips, and applesauce. Sometimes, they
get nothing. All the experienced extras
brought a bottle of water and a couple of granola bars, just in case.
Our tent got warmer and
warmer. We began wandering around to
nearby shady locations that got a breeze. Then we were called for one final
scene and after only nine hours on set, we were released. Then came the process of checking out with
proper ID so the company could get us properly paid. The darling ladies in makeup provided a
package of pre-moistened towelets so we could clean up. There were a couple of students who were planning on taking the bus home, and were
reluctant to travel looking like homeless bums.
Since we had each brought 3 changes of clothes, we all had something
clean to change into.
And so ended my first day as
an actual extra. Next time, I am taking
a deck of cards and a book. Extras are
not allowed to be raucous or make noise which might be heard on the set. No sitting around telling jokes and howling
with laughter. (Frowny face.)
I did get in one good
compliment, though. There was a young man, very buff, in a sleeveless t-shirt, displaying oiled, rippling
muscles. I sidled up to him and said,
“I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but Smith and Wesson would envy those big
guns of yours.” He laughed hugely, but
silently. What a sweet boy.
Then home to MY sweet boy,
and a hot bath. The next morning, we got
up, loaded the RV and motored down to Champoeg (pronounced, "shampooey") State Park for an overniter. This
park is splendid, and if you get a chance to visit, it’s worth a look-in. We walked two miles along the river to a
nearby store, had a cold beverage, and walked back. It was shady and delightful the whole way,
though the temperature out in the sun was rapidly climbing toward the 90s
again. We lazed around for the rest of
the afternoon, watched a lovely sunset, with barn swallows swooping from
shadows up into the sun, and back, and took our tired selves to bed. (I had
13,325 steps!)
In the middle of the night a big thunderstorm
blew through with heavy rain and almost continuous flashes and rumbles. A couple gusts of wind rocked the RV on its
jacks. I was glad to have a warm dry
bed, and felt quite sorry for the campers in their tents. I hope they got
through it all right. There are many
families camping here, with one big tent, then several satellite tents for the
kids to sleep in, Bet everyone wound up
sleeping with mom and dad.
And now, we greet a day with
heavy overcast and a fresh-washed face.
Check out is at 1PM. I wonder
what today will bring.
