Surprise Check In the Mail
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
Eugene, Oregon
May 15, 2021 12:22pm CST
I have written before about my "hobby" of acting as an extra in films or TV shows filmed in Portland, Oregon. There was one, back in 2018, Season 2 of American Vandal, where I ended up being "featured" instead of and extra. It was a big production, with lots of extras, crew members, chauffeurs (to get to the set) and plenty of people from Hollywood.
By some fluke, I had to adlib a line or two since I was asked a question in a scene where I was handing out samples in a grocery store. They liked what I said, which made me a "featured" actor and earned an extra $500.
As so often happens, though, that scene was cut from the final production and only my back was seen, no lines. But, I got the money.
What really surprised me was this $56.00 check from Sag-Aftra this week. I am not a union member, but that contact they had me sign was a good thing. Apparently , the show is on some streaming channel, and so everyone gets paid a little more (residuals) when it is watched. What a great idea!
There is more news ahead about this hobby, but I will post is later.
That image is much bigger than the check! 
19 people like this
18 responses
@popciclecold (40215)
• United States
15 May 21
@JamesHxstatic I am sure you do. I know I would.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
16 May 21
@JamesHxstatic If they ever ask you to refer a "refined" southern lady, lol, as an extra in eastern NC, give me a heads up. 
4 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
15 May 21
I got the extras pay as well, so made about $650 for that one day. I wish it would happen often.
5 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
15 May 21
My daughter lives there, so the hundred mile drive is worth it. I can visit her too.
3 people like this
@CarolDM (203396)
• Nashville, Tennessee
15 May 21
@JamesHxstatic That sounds like a win-win situation. Enjoy!
2 people like this
@allen0187 (59647)
• Philippines
16 May 21
That extra $56 will go a long way. Especially if you are getting something from it every time it is watched.
Looking forward to reading more posts about this 'hobby' of your James.
2 people like this
@allen0187 (59647)
• Philippines
18 May 21
@JamesHxstatic anytime is a good time to receive extra cash.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
17 May 21
I am not clear about that "how often" part, but it would be great anytime.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
16 May 21
Congrats on your paid hobby! My son in law has been an extra in a couple of shows. One was a movie and this one was a series on HBO.
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
17 May 21
Thank you, @1creekgirl! I started doing these things about 6 years ago and always enjoy it.
2 people like this
@1creekgirl (44560)
• United States
18 May 21
@JamesHxstatic Sounds like a fun way to make some extra cash.
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
15 May 21
Yes, it was. I had no idea that I was eligible for residuals.
3 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
15 May 21
It was really nice. I hope it happens again,
3 people like this
@LotusEyes (2707)
• India
15 May 21
@JamesHxstatic Of course, such surprises will come again
2 people like this
@popciclecold (40215)
• United States
15 May 21
That sounds exciting, a lot of people would love a job like that .
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
15 May 21
It is always fun and I meet a lot of nice people too.
2 people like this
@popciclecold (40215)
• United States
15 May 21
@JamesHxstatic I imagine you do. Enjoy.
2 people like this
! Living where I do, lots of friends have tried to get in as extras . . . getting any sort of speaking role is rare - being featured would be huge for them. Let the residuals pour in @much2say (57760)
• Los Angeles, California
22 May 21
@JamesHxstatic Too competitive in L.A. - everybody wants to be in on it!!
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
15 May 21
There are lots of extras in the Portland area too. I have done maybe 15 things over the last few years. It would be tough in LA.
2 people like this
@changjiangzhibin89 (17239)
• China
16 May 21
It is a really fun hobby ! You have the makings of an actor.
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
17 May 21
Thank you! I am being considered for something else this week. I hope to get it.
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
15 May 21
Yes, I had no idea it was even there.
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
17 May 21
Yes, but I wish the scene had shown. I got a lot of compliments for the way I responded.
1 person likes this
@Kouponkaren (5497)
• United States
17 Jun 21
I live an hour from Atlanta GA and have often thought it would be fun to be an extra. I never looked into it though. Sounds like you are having fun.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
21 Jun 21
Right Karen, it is a lot of fun and last week I got another check for $263 before taxes for the same thing. That was the only time that I got featured. I wonder how long the checks will keep coming.
1 person likes this
@Kouponkaren (5497)
• United States
22 Jun 21
@JamesHxstatic Aw, I want to do this too. Is there a nationwide company that puts out calls for extras? Since I live near Atlanta, maybe something is available near me?
@porwest (112780)
• United States
18 May 21
That seems like a very fun hobby, and you never know if something like that can lead to a more lucrative payout. I have an album out and have for some years and I keep waiting to get that call to have one of my songs featured in a TV commercial. I am still waiting. lol
@florelway (23339)
• Cagayan De Oro, Philippines
23 May 21
That's a good surprise. It's like a royalty fee.
@VoiceofTruth7 (1210)
• United States
23 May 21
Extra cash is always good especially during covid times where people are out of work and financial resources.
