The people you meet
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
Eugene, Oregon
June 3, 2018 11:31am CST
One of the things I really enjoy about this hobby of working as an extra for films and TV shows filmed in Oregon is the people that I meet.
Acting as a jury member for a courtroom scene, I learned that of the twelve "jurors," many had been doing this kind of work for ten years or more.
I met a woman in her late 50s the other day who retired from a small town newspaper in Washington, wanted to write a play, went to college, wrote a play and it is submitted and doing well in a new writer's production group in Ashland, Oregon (home of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival).
Julie, a woman I did a commercial with in December was there, told me she accidentally recycled her pay envelope we got that day with the $200 cash in it.
The 'juror,' who calls himself "Danger" sat next to me. He brought his ten year old Chihuahua, Amir, to the set. Amir was very low key, stayed where he was supposed to, even when is master filming and was petted by everyone.
I will write more about this guy "Danger." He has another interesting job.
Each time I go to a set, I see old friends and make new ones too.
Do you enjoy meeting new people?
15 people like this
16 responses
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
3 Jun 18
Yes, Anna and I see my daughter a bit more often as well.
@mlgen1037 (29882)
• Manila, Philippines
4 Jun 18
Hi James. Maybe I see you in some shows and films and I didnt know it is you. Awesome. hehe... Danger seems to be living with his name in a good way.
Yes, I do like meeting new people and I am happy to hear their thoughts.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
4 Jun 18
Well, not likely that you saw me (yet). We'll write about Danger tomorrow.
1 person likes this
@mlgen1037 (29882)
• Manila, Philippines
4 Jun 18
@JamesHxstatic hehehe maybe. But I will check. Looking forward to that discussion, James. 
@GardenGerty (169530)
• United States
4 Jun 18
Do I like meeting new people? Mostly, yes. What I would like to know is how you got started in this money making "hobby" as it is something I would like to do I think.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
4 Jun 18
I originally was looking on Craigslist under the heading "talent" when I got my first gig, playing a sheriff in a short film about PTSD. Here there are FB groups where casting notices are shared. You might try a search on FB under "Actors," or "Talent." Do you live where many things are filmed? Portland is very busy.
@allen0187 (59828)
• Philippines
4 Jun 18
Yes, I enjoy meeting new people.
Looking forward to reading your post about 'Danger' - with that kind of name, I bet his life is as interesting as that of an action movie!
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
4 Jun 18
Wellll.... in a different sort of way, it is.
1 person likes this
@redhotpogo (4398)
• United States
4 Jun 18
That's my dream. I don't want to be famous. I would just be happy in the background or in theater. I love that stuff. You're lucky.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
4 Jun 18
Yes, I am and I just sort of fell into it after I retired.
1 person likes this
@Starmaiden (9308)
• Canada
3 Jun 18
I enjoy meeting new people, but engaging in conversation with them is difficult. People only talk to me when they need an ear to rant in. 
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
3 Jun 18
That could get to be a pain in a hurry.
1 person likes this
@LeaPea2417 (40052)
• Toccoa, Georgia
3 Jun 18
That is interesting. I do know that they hire extras when they are filming shows & movies in Atlanta. That is a two hour drive from where I live. Do you think that a 2 hour drive is worth it , to work as an extra?
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
3 Jun 18
My drive is two hours as well, but I usually stay over with my daughter. Usually, the minimum I make is $125 for eight hours, plus OT for anything more than eight.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
3 Jun 18
It is more fun than I ever expected it to be really.
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
3 Jun 18
Always fun to overhear that kind of stuff.
1 person likes this
@TheHorse (238349)
• Walnut Creek, California
3 Jun 18
I do, though sometimes I feel rushed, overwhelmed, or just tired. Last night, we played a rock 'n roll gig at a small eating establishment. I had a good time talking to one of the workers before our first set, but by the time the show was over, I was too pooped to want to talk to anyone.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
4 Jun 18
It is difficult to be sociable when you are exhausted, I know.
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
3 Jun 18
That's for sure. They all have stories of how they got started in the extras world and what they have done.
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
3 Jun 18
I would do it but around here they do not want to pay, they just want to fill the stands, like racing stands, or the streets. I would love to play an extra but at the moment that would be impossible.
I met people all the time, chat with them sometimes a few minutes, see them a couple years later and they remember me
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
3 Jun 18
I am not surprised that you are easily remembered. You have a lot on your plate already.
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
3 Jun 18
Danger will have his own discussion since he is such an interesting guy.
@Tampa_girl7 (54720)
• United States
5 Jun 18
Yes, I do enjoy meeting new people.
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (130150)
• Israel
4 Jun 18
@JamesHxstatic
It sounds like you are having a great time and meeting lots of interesting people.
1 person likes this
