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Critic's Corner
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BOOK
REVIEW: James, author of "Undo the Deed," a time travel novel, is also a writer of song lyrics, and radio scripts. He was awarded the 1999 Golden Mike Award for Best Entertainment Reporting. "Extra Extra!" is his second book. James is also a veteran movie and TV extra with 100 plus shoots to his credit. "As the song goes, ‘everybody comes to Hollywood.' And being an extra is the easiest way to become a part of it, especially if you're looking to launch an acting career. But what exactly does it take to be an extra—and what does it take out of you?" James' memoir doesn't give you comprehensive listings on where to find work as an extra in the movies or television, he's left that chore to other books. His "Extra Extra!" does tell you the truth about what happens once you get into the film industry. He delves into the nitty-gritty of what it's like to be an extra and does so with his sardonic, glamour-debunking anecdotes and on- set pointers. "I'm an extra. You know what I'm talking about. One of the few, the proud . . . the people that wander around in the background in your favorite TV shows and movies. Technically, we're known as ‘atmosphere' or ‘background artists.' Personally, I rather think ‘human furniture' is a more accurate term. They put ‘upholstery' (read: clothes) on us that matches the rest of their set, we weigh a lot less than davenports and they can move us around without a dolly." James goes on to say that extras have no names, but after you've done this work for a while that doesn't bother you as long as they get your name right on the check. "Ah, yes, money," James adds, "I'd rather make minimum wage being on TV than by flipping burgers. Somehow people don't think of you as a loser when you can't make enough money to support yourself, but you're on TV. ‘Yeah, I couldn't pay my rent this month, but my episode of ER comes on tonight. Dude, I was right behind Noah Wyle! You can totally see me!'" Suddenly, Adam-Michael James is a star. NOT! James isn't saying there's anything wrong with being an extra or background artist. "Somebody's got to do it. I mean, scenes in restaurants and train stations and such would look awfully funny with no other customers besides the main characters. That's where this paradox comes in. I quickly learned that extras become victims of the show biz trickle-down theory—the director's (anger) gets passed down to the assistant director to the second assistant director to the production assistant to . . . well, you get the idea. . . . The first people blamed for noise on the set are the extras. It's not just about being the low man on the totem pole. It's about being the dirt that holds up the totem pole. . . . Yet, without us, the totem pole would just be lying on the ground, wouldn't it? Therein lies the paradox. The entertainment industry would collapse without extras. Don't ever tell them that, but it's the biggest secret in the biz." I thought about that last quote, and James is right. After reading this book, I began watching movies and TV shows with new eyes. I saw exactly what he means as I recently saw the same man pass the camera's eye several times in different clothing. They do use extras as James points out more than once in the same scene. Extras are everywhere, leaning against lamp posts in street scenes, standing next to the stars in railway stations, airports, and in restaurants to name a few sites. How to become an extra in TV or movies is detailed right down to whether or not you should join an actor's union. He gives the benefits and the disadvantages of this action. In addition, you'll learn about Call Times, how to be prepared for everything that can happen on a shoot, the importance of following directions and not bringing attention to yourself. The latter is a major "no-no." Being an extra is hard work. What looks easy on the screen may come after hours spent repeating a scene many times and not being allowed to sit between takes or answer nature's call. Prepare yourself to get soaked in cold rain, sweat in unbearable temperatures, and learn what happens if the camera catches you looking cross-eyed in a scene. Some of this is laugh out loud funny. However, the angst also shows as James becomes a real professional at being a piece of human furniture. As the TV and movie industry moves out into other areas besides Hollywood and New York, more and more Extras will be needed. People in far away places like Atlanta, Dallas, and Tulsa will soon find themselves in an unfamiliar occupation . . . being an Extra; a piece of human furniture. Before you answer that casting call, read "Extra Extra! Who knows, you may soon find yourself standing next to Julia Roberts or Brad Pitt. The author's borderline jaded commentaries are tempered with a love of the entertainment industry that should be required reading for every show biz newcomer. Copyright Patricia Ann Jones Save Up to 30% on this book at Amazon.com Jones is a published writer and book reviewer for Tulsa World newspaper. To comment on this review you may email pattij777@aol.com |
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