These pretzels are making me thirsty!

My apologies if I'm posting this in the wrong place. It was either here, or in Shameless Self promotion, and that one didn't really seem to make as much sense as it did to post it here. I'm sorry if I chose the wrong one.

So I registered to be an extra in STAND yesterday afternoon, and they've already sent an e-mail asking me if I want to be an Attendee in a scene they're shooting at 8:00 this morning, as well as a Restaurant Patron, Club Person, and Concert Attendee in scenes that are scheduled for later this week. I've never participated in any sort of film since my wee little shaver 8mm days, so I really don't know what to expect. These are all non-paying of course, and that's cool, but I'm just a bit leery that it's a scam, and if I show up to Alabama Casting Services, I'm worried they'll try and make me pay some kind of bullshit fee or something, and then tell me "We'll be in touch."

Does anyone here know anything about this production (They're allegedly filming here in Huntsville) or possibly know how reputable ACS might be? I'd really like to be involved in this, no matter how shitty it might wind up being, but I don't want to waste my time if it isn't legit.

Should I show up bright and early with bells on, or just stay home and get my full 8-10 hours of beauty sleep?

Holy shit, Dross! Who'da thunk it, eh?

Well... I just sent my reply to ACS and told them I can be available for all the scenes they've asked me to be in. They didn't specify where I'm supposed to go this morning, though, and I addressed that in my message. I've decided to just stay up and see if they send me another e-mail telling me exactly where I need to be before 8:00. What the hell, I've got nothing better to do.

You might want to register yourself if it's something that would interest you, Dross. That is, if you're unemployed like me.

Looks like I'm gonna be brewing some coffee here soon.

Here's the FB page for STAND. I didn't really know a damn thing about it until just now. Looks like a really low/no budget local production, but that doesn't really concern me. I'll still wait up and see what they have to tell me... if anything. I have no idea if this is based on a real band or not.

Here's the rather lengthy synopsis:

This is the story of three friends, also band members, Mike Shackleford, Cedric Randle and Anthony Bryant also known as "True City." They were the hottest up and coming rap group in the country. They did shows at every major venue in town, in the surrounding
cities and were all over the radio. However there was a difference about them, they were Christians, so their group was a Christian rap group and they did music that reflected their beliefs.

In the meantime, they all had challenges going on in their lives. Mike was married with a wife and daughter and needed to make ends meet to take care of his family. He worked at a local grocery store where his hours were always cut back so it was never enough. Cedric wanted to help his sick mother pay her doctor bills. He was an auto mechanic who got paid pretty well but his mother's hospital bills were piling up everyday. Anthony wanted to help his little brother Don go to college. Don had scholarships but going to Oakland University cost a lot of money. With all these money issues, the guys were faced with a huge challenge. They were offered a recording contract with a five figure signing bonus with a well known major record company but the deal required them to record music that would compromise their beliefs. The record executive that offered them the deal, was someone from the neighborhood that they had known a while growing up. He was like a big brother to them and always told them when he made it; he would come back and get them. He made the "life" appear lavish by taking them shopping, going out to eat at fancy restaurants and meeting important people, all the while they had big a decision to make. All they had to do was show up for a major contest and perform the songs given to them. Doing that, would make them a lock for the largest payday of their lives. Do they take this deal and get the money necessary to take care of their families, or do they take a STAND!


ETA - I was really hoping this was gonna be a horror film with the way the title looks. Could this be the first film about a Christian Rap band to exist? I'm drawing a blank if there's already one out there.

Damn! These guys are really on the ball. They already sent me two responses to my initial message within an hour or so. The first one informing me of the location of the shoot this morning, and a second one to remind me of the three additional shooting locations/dates they want me for. All I had to do was respond with a "Got it." as per instructions. I gotta admit, even though this is just an "extra" gig, I'm pretty fucking jazzed about it.

They also supplied me with a list of rules for on set decorum:

A few things to remember:
Always show up to SET atleast 20 minutes before your call time.
NEVER look into the camera while cameras are rolling.
NEVER leave Extras Holding without notifying the Production Assistant or Extras Casting Director first!
Only leave Extras Holding for restroom breaks or emergencies.
Always be natural and calm. Try not to appear nervous or anxious.
NEVER talk on set. You should "MIME" your words.
NEVER ask the actors for pictures or autographs while on set.
Do NOT bring cameras or camera phones on set.
Always pay attention to what the Director is saying.
NEVER talk to the Director unless he/she talks to you first or you are unclear about what you are suppose to do.
Keep going until the Director yells "CUT".
While not on set, keep talking and laughter low and to a minimum.
Expect a LOT of down time! Pleaae bring a book, crossword puzzle, or something to keep you busy while not on set.
Always prepare for the full day if booked to work! Do not schedule anything directly before or directly after project filming times.
Always remember to remain professional!



These past two days have been pretty fucking sweet. Yesterday I got a brand new Fender, and now this.

It'll be a long day on no sleep, but I can hack it.

ETA - As it turns out, the first shoot I have to be at is this Saturday, so I'm actually going to get some sleep after all.

I'm gonna bring The China Study and Dominion with me. Maybe I'll finally finish reading them now with all that down time, and no XBOX in sight to tempt me to do otherwise.

Those are all great PK. I really appreciate you sharing them with me.

That's exactly the way I've been approaching it. I'm there to merely occupy an empty little spot in the background, and nothing more. The only thing I've been doing in the way of physically preparing for it is to just practice the miming, with my main focus on keeping any gesticulation to a bare minimum, and of course, to never utter a sound. The miming already feels really natural to me at this point. As for the hobnobbing, I've never been an autograph seeker/schmoozer, so keeping to myself during all the down time will be easy. I really appreciate all your helpful advice and support, Troy, and I wish you the very best of luck with Don't Be Afraid of the Dark, sir. I can't wait to get a chance to see it!

Fabfunk!?!


BTW - Are extras allowed to eat food that the catering service provides, or do they have to bring their own?


Sweet, Diva! Let me know what scenes to look for you in. I'll watch B.I.G. and STAND as a double feature.

I've never been involved in a professional production before, so I just assumed that all first time extras have to work for free. I certainly wouldn't mind getting a little scratch for my time and effort, but I'm still cool about doing it without a paycheck. At least I'll be getting a tiny bit of experience in the business. Hopefully I'll have a good rep with ACS after this and be allowed to participate in bigger projects down the road, but I'm realistic about it. I realize this could be a one and done deal.

Good to know. I'll bring my own lunch to the first location just in case.

Thanks!

That does have a sinister air of Carpenter's Apocalypse Trilogy to it.

Thanks!