Generally when youre an extra there is all sorts of craziness going on around you. You get corralled like cattle or herded like sheep I suppose. Today was a shorter shoot, which was nice. The thing that stood out is how friendly and respectful all of the crew and actors were. They provided everyone with tons of food and drinks, made sure we were always kept up to date on changes, and just hung out. I noticed that the crew had really good chemistry and later found out its because they all knew each other and had moved here from Florida a while ago. Not all at once, but are all here now.
The shoot took place at an improv theater in Hollywood. The scenes we shot were repeatedly laughing at a stand up comic, (each shot had to be taken from 3 different angles with probably 4 or 5 takes from each) I played a girl waiting in line for autographs who was taking photos-it was a big stretch for me :) The director laughed and said I was a natural with a camera, which nearly made me die, but I smiled politely and simply said thanks, Ive had a little practice.
So as great as the crew, actors and most of the extras were I have to say I was really upset with some of the extras. I think being an extra is really fun, its easy and you make decent money for a few hours work-today we made $40 for not even 4 hours of work! Well, some extras who are 'actors' feel entitled or something. They come with this attitude like they're fucking Brad Pitt. And even if they were they have no right to demand things, or interupt others, make snide remarks or whatever. This is common courtesy 101 people! During one of the shots today, there was a couple sitting behind me. Craft services had put bowls of chex mix on the tables for the scene, for everyone to share. Well these two people were picking things out, biting half, putting it back, spilling shit, demanding the bowls be refilled and not sharing with all the people behind them. This wouldnt have been as much of an annoyance, I suppose, had they not already complained about having to pay for parking, showed up late, demanded to sit with each other, and made rude remarks about other extras. They acted like noone else was there but them, like noone could here them and like noone had feelings.
Argh, my point is that I do not ever think it is okay to treat others rudely in order to feel good yourself.
I did meet a super cool chick named J. She also moved here from West Palm, Florida about 5 months ago. Lives in a house with 7 others, most of which who are actors of some sort. Doesn't go out much-doesn't know many people, so we exchanged numbers and who knows maybe she'll be a new concert buddy or something.
After leaving I walked around while talking to Mr. Primitive himself, Bubba! (This name comes from a time the he, Ari, C and I went camping in NH following his advice, and after I said we could not camp next to a river outside of a bar, he had us camp on the top of a mountain in the middle of a field during a windstorm!!! My sleeping bag was soaked because something ahd leaked during the trip, so after already being cold, Ari and I spent the night fighting flying rocks only to wake up with the tent half collapsed. I can laugh about it now...actually we were laughing about it then too, as soon as I can feeling in my feet. Also, its because he teaches primitive skills, which made his choice in campsite even funnier.) He had called earlier, but I couldnt answer so I called back and we talked for over an hour! Which if you know me, you know this is rare and ridiculous, haha. Im not much of a chatter, but after living with the dude for a few months and not really talking (albeit a few texts) since leaving Maine, I was ecstatic to chat for as long as seemed fit. We filled each other in on current life, I told him about the puppy I saw on Sunset that was literally the size of my hand-and the owner didnt even use a leash(actually Isuppose its because they dont make them small enough?) He's trying to break ground on his house soon. Im moving into a house soon. Cooper's in Maine for the week, I cant imagine how that weeks gonna be (kinda jealous im not there:) He said there isnt much snow and he hasnt gone skiing as much as he had hoped, I said Big Bear had like 7 feet of snow. He's got a dog, Im surrounded by cats. We shared stories and jokes back and forth and finally after both of us had arrived 'home' and sat in the driveway for aobut 20 minutes, we decided to give final phone love and go on our way. He sounds good, and that made me smile today!
Artist of the day is Cary Brothers. Who will be performing at the Hotel Cafe soon in Hollywood.
Dont forget to smile,
J
