Behind the Scenes of Extra Work in Hollywood: A Unique Journey

From bringing vintage cars to acting alongside some of the biggest stars in the industry, being an extra in Hollywood is a unique and exciting journey. In this article, we dive into the experiences of an extra who has worked on over 50 movies and TV series in Atlanta, sharing fascinating stories from behind the scenes.

Experiences as an Extra in Hollywood

In the past 2 1/2 years, I have been an extra for over 50 movies and TV series in Atlanta, ranging from blockbuster films like
Avengers: Endgame to hit TV shows like
Stranger Things. Some of the memorable projects include
Stranger Things,
The Walking Dead,
Ozark, and of course,
Avengers: Endgame.

As an extra, I have had the privilege of bringing vintage cars, frequently used in films set in the 1970s and 1980s. My first extra gig was on
Stranger Things TV series. I parked my 1970's car at the Hawkins Government Lab while portraying a lab tech. In
Avengers: Endgame, I appeared alongside stars such as Tony Stark, Thor, Loki, the Hulk, and Robert Redford as an employee running from the Hulk. This scene was filmed over two days, and it definitely made my friends envious.

Another recent experience I had was in an upcoming movie (NDA in effect). In one of the scenes, I crouched under an overpass with a couple of other extras as comet fragments hit the Earth. They used a variety of filming techniques, including blowing up bags of sod as comet fragments and damaging cars with sledgehammers and blow torches. It was an exciting and memorable experience.

The Unexpected Path to Being in a Movie

While not typically seeking a role in a movie, I took an unexpected turn and got my dog into a movie. It all started when I showed up at a casting call for both dogs and background actors. Despite the dog not being cast, I was. Because of my height, I was selected to play an elf in a movie based on theCharlie’s Angels franchise. This turned out to be a five-day adventure in the 'North Pole', where I lived the role of a Christmas elf.

This was the first time in my life being the same height as an average 11-year-old suited me well. I spent five days working at the ‘North Pole’ and looked like one of Santa’s elves, complete with candy-hued hair and pointed ears. The costume, makeup, and hair department were elaborate, and we worked long hours, which resulted in overtime pay. Although I was not visible in the final scenes, the experience was very fun and worthwhile, especially for a Christmas enthusiast. The movie, released in November, added to the holiday spirit and was well-organized.

Conclusion

Being an extra in Hollywood is more than just a job; it's an adventure filled with unique experiences and unforgettable moments. Whether it's driving vintage cars in '70s-set films or acting alongside iconic stars, every experience adds to the excitement of being part of the movie making process.

Through these experiences, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes world of movie making and the hard work and dedication that goes into crafting a film. Whether you dream of stardom or just enjoy the thrill of being part of an incredible story, being an extra in Hollywood can be a truly transformative experience.