I’ve made no secret of my desire to get in on the extras game. It’s always looked so cool; get your mug on telly and pick up a couple of quid at the same time(?) What’s not to love?
Since I went freelance with my writing then, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to put myself out there for working as an extra. I’m always looking to supplement my income in whichever way I can.
As things stand, I’m not allowed to tell too much about the film I’ve just featured in, but it was a lot of fun, and I’d definitely be up for doing it again.
So how did it crush my spirit?
First of all, this wasn’t the first time I’d applied for such a thing. My dejection wasn’t because of a lack of responses however. I was actually surprised to get as many responses back as I did. The problem was in the nature of the responses.
1st attempt at superstardom
I’d had the idea of doing some acting/extras work during the first lockdown, and registered a profile (complete with head shot) on an online agency. As luck would have it, there were some roles for a safety training video that needed filling nearby. After a couple of days I got an email asking me to audition!
The role was for a rough-looking Russian gangster type (yeah, I’m not sure what kind of safety training this film was about either). I’d always assumed I looked more heroic than villainous, but I already had my eyes on the fee I’d receive, so I gave the Zoom audition a go.
I’d been so caught up in my disbelief of being cast as a ‘rough-looking’ character though, that I forgot I couldn’t do a decent Russian accent for my life. Cue my audition then, as I trotted around my loft sounding like some sort of French Robocop, while two bemused (but very polite) crew members watched on.
Needless to say, I didn’t land that one.
2nd attempt at superstardom
My hopes were buoyed though by an email a few weeks later though. It read “Robbie, you’re in the running for a role! The casting professional can see you playing this part and has personally invited you to apply”.
Now, you can imagine what I was thinking: ‘they’ve only got my headshot to go off, but I did read that Daniel Craig was stepping down as Bond soon. What exciting role could it be that just one look at my picture was enough for them to decide that I’d be perfect for it?’.
Take a look at the email screenshot and find out.
Father bleedin’ Christmas!
I’m 39! And I was 38 when I got this bloody email.
Still. Money’s money, and I would have accepted if Covid-19 hadn’t put paid to every UK shopping centre’s Santa plans. I’d already gone ‘method’ by trying to recreate his portly frame over lockdown after all.
3rd attempt at superstardom
News spread of a feature film being shot in my hometown. Wahoo! Needless to say, I was on it like Santa up a chimney, so I applied right away.
They were looking for day players to take on small speaking roles. A few weren’t really suitable, but I’d spotted “Junior Minister – Male, 25-40”, and “IT Guy – Male, 20-30” as two that I could conceivably be in the running for. I sent off my headshot again and crossed my fingers.
A couple of days passed and hallelujah! I’d been picked for a video audition. Now which role would they want me to try for? I’m the right age for the junior minister, but I reckon I could easily pass for a 30-year-old IT guy too.
Here’s the one they saw me as –
“A weathered old timer“!
For fu…*bites tongue*
I swallowed my pride as I needed the cash, and filmed an audition tape. I can only assume that my youthful vim and vigour was too noticeable on tape though as I didn’t get the part.
4th attempt at superstardom
Despite all those setbacks, I was still hopeful when I read that the movie I’d auditioned for were still in need of extras. I dutifully filled out the form, attached a NEW headshot (in which I looked a bit fresher, I thought), and a full-body shot too.
BAM! I was in this time, and was even wanted on set the very next morning to play…
…dishevelled trawlerman #2.
After so many times, I guess it’s time to admit that perhaps people see me in a different way than I see myself.
I reckon I can certainly rule out being one of those adult actors who manage to play teens in high-school dramas at least.
I went along to this one and had a great time. I’ll even be credited and be on IMDb! I was warned about having to hang around for hours without anything to do between scenes, but anyone who knows me will realise that this was actually a massive plus point for me!
Man, if there’s two things I love, it’s hanging around and having nothing to do. In many ways being an extra is my dream job.
If anybody needs a supporting artist in the Lincolnshire area, get in touch!
Guess I should’ve listened to my kids before applying for those youthful roles. Here’s 6 ways that kids make you feel old.
Looking for other ways to make a couple of quid? Check out this list of work-from-home careers.
Is working as an extra perhaps a bit too quiet for your big gob? It’s easy to start your own online radio station instead.