Film and acting buffs relish the rush of working as movie extras in Michigan
Ursula Watson, Detroit News staff writer
They are the restaurant patrons shooting disapproving glances from a nearby table as two major actors engage in an intense conversation or the stream of bodies walking dispassionately around stars locked in a soulful kiss on a street.
These nameless faces are extras -- or as they're called in the film world, background. They are the furniture that populates scenes in films and TV shows.
Despite Gov. Snyder's proposal to cap the film tax incentives at $25 million — the state now offers tax rebates of up to 42 percent to films shot in Michigan — at least six films are scheduled to be shot in Michigan, including George Clooney's "Ides of March," which is in production. And, so far, the big-budget film "Oz," to star James Franco
and Mila Kunis, has yet to announce it is pulling out of the state. That means there are still a few jobs left for extras.
The paradoxical life of an extra can be exciting or boring, fulfilling or downright thankless. Some extra jobs pay minimum wage. Many don't pay anything at all. Still, extras say, each job is an opportunity to expand one's acting resume.
"It is busy work while you are training to become an actor," said Olga Denysenko, director of the theatrical division at Productions Plus — The Talent Shop in Bingham Farms, which works primarily with actors. "Being an extra is a great way to gain experience, learn your way around a set."
Five local extras who have been wedging their feet into the door of the local film industry share advice and the good and bad memories of working on film and TV projects shot in Michigan. They also sound off on Gov. Rick Snyder's proposal.
Tips on being an extra
•Never bring a camera on set or ask for an autograph.
•Don't just drop in on casting agencies. Call first or visit their websites and Facebook pages for information on their process.
•Don't bother the main actors or production. Remember your place on set. Remain professional.
•Don't get on an ego trip. Not following directions because you think you're going to be a big star will get you kicked off a film.
•Do what you're told. Basically be seen and not heard.
•Have a good attitude; it can make or break your relationship with the production and the agency that is representing you.
•Don't turn down unpaid work when you are new to the business. "It's all a learning process. Each set is different. The protocol is different," says extra Eric Tuchelske.
•Always arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to the set.
•Your hair and makeup should be ready. No mineral-based makeup because it makes skin look greasy and oily on camera. Remember to keep it clean and natural.
•Learn set terminology. For example, an extra is commonly referred to as a background. Those with speaking or major parts are called principals.
•Get out on audition. "Don't be afraid of the people you are auditioning for because they are not glaring at you; they want to cast the part," says Maggie Smith.
•Remember that being an extra on a movie set can help you learn how a set works, but it doesn't mean that you have the ability to act. You need to be trained.
Eric Tuchelske
Age: 47
City: Dearborn Heights
Occupation: Writer and producer
Recent credits: "This Must Be the Place, "LOL," "Real Steel," "Machine Gun Preacher," "The Double," "A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas" and "Red Dawn" (2012)
Highlights : The student film "The Balcony" (2008) was one of the best experiences Tuchelske says he's had on set. "Everything was very personal, and the director knew everyone's name. There weren't ego trips."
Lowlights: Nothing is set in stone. You may be called in or off at the last minute. One night, while it was a balmy 98 degrees, they were filming a wintery midnight mass scene for "A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas." Yet Tuchelske and other extras were dressed in sweaters and such.
About proposed cap on film tax incentive : Tuchelske says Gov. Rick Snyder's proposal would put more people in the unemployment line.
Kirstie Munoz
Age: 21
City: Clio
Occupation: Waitress
Credits: "Deadly Karma" (2011) and "Real Steel" (2012)
Highlights: "It's a support system, where you can make connections as an extra or actress."
Lowlights: "Being an extra on some independent films, they can be a lot less organized and you don't get paid, (you don't get) food. It's tedious."
Proposed cap on film tax incentive : "Maybe the movies will still come here with a small incentive. The truth is I am just happy to have work when I can get it, (and) it is nice to have work close to home while it is here."
Maggie Smith
Age: 14
City: Bloomfield Hills
Occupation: Eighth-grader
Credits: "Lee Martin's Midnight Hour" on TV, "Friend Zone"
Highlights: "I like the adrenaline rush that you get when you are acting."
Lowlights: "I waited for three hours on a porch during the summer, and it was hot. And at night there were mosquitoes that almost ate me alive."
Proposed cap on film tax incentive : "I would hate to see the incentive go away," says Maggie's mom, Martha Smith. "I think of all the folks who have been laid off in Michigan who have skills that are fairly easily transferred to the film industry."
Tim Allen
Age: 37
City: Oak Park
Occupation: Roofing and construction
Credits: "Hawaii Five-0" (not shot in Michigan), "Detroit 1-8-7," "The Double" and "LOL."
Highlights: "There's always a friend to make. You sometimes see the same people on various films. It's like a family reunion."
Lowlights: "The film industry is glamorous if you're the star. Like on a big film like 'Real Steel,' it was common that a scene needed 1,000 extras. At times, we were stuck in a rain and wind storm. When you're out in the elements, there's nothing you can do. That's the nature of the game."
About proposed cap on film tax incentive :
"All of Michigan benefits from having these productions here. People come from other states and local areas, houses and businesses are secured and or rented and shown on worldwide productions. Props, gear and cars are rented, hotel rooms, food and beverage, restaurants and bars are visited. Money is being spent every day, anywhere there is a production."
Yvette Hodge
Age: 30s
City: Detroit
Occupation: Former mammographer
Credits: Local TV commercials, "May-December Winds," "Scream 4" and "Red Dawn"
Highlights: "I was a refugee (on 'Red Dawn'). We had to run away from shooting guns, like AK-47s. You had to act like you were running for your life. They didn't have to tell us to act; we were running for real."
Lowlights : While surrounded by mosquitoes on the set of one feature film for 14 hours, she says, "They fed us some salty box lunch" with salty sandwiches. "The bread didn't seem fresh."
About proposed cap on film tax incentive : "I will strongly consider relocation out of state where there are greater opportunities for me to flourish."
What's filming in Michigan
"The Ides of March," a feature film starring George Clooney, Ryan Gosling, Marisa Tomei, Paul Giamatti and Philip Seymour Hoffman. For information on becoming an extra, e-mail: loMExtras@gmail.com.
"Margarine Wars," a feature film starring Doris Roberts and Robert Loggia. Filming is scheduled to start in May. Visit www.margarinewars.com for information.
Photo caption: Though some extra jobs pay minimum wage and many don't pay anything at all, some extras say each job is an opportunity to expand their acting resume. (David Coates / The Detroit News)
