Backstage Pass: My Adventures as a Film Extra

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be an extra in a film? I've had the unique experience of acting as a background extra in several Israeli movies and a few American films. Although small roles, these experiences have been both enriching and amusing. If you're interested in the behind-the-scenes look of the entertainment industry, read on to discover my adventures as an extra.

Israel: My First Non-Speaking Roles

While working as an extra in Israel, I participated in around half a dozen movies. My first experience as an extra was in 'Gei Oni', which later became a TV series. In the scene, I was wielding a shovel with the rest of the ensemble cast, though we were urged not to actually dig due to dust that could interfere with photography. This piece of advice came from the director, who asked if I had any problem working shirtless to maintain a certain character portrayal. Although he was not equipped with a makeup person, the director proceeded to shoot me without a shirt, highlighting my pale, desk-working physique to the screen.

Another film where I played a non-speaking extra was 'Valley of Strength'. In this scenario, my role involved digging the foundation for a house in the Galilee region. When Ottoman police arrived to claim the construction wasn't permitted, I remained in the scene unarrested, much to my confusion.[Watch: Gei Oni Episode 5, around 16 minutes]

American Adventures: Seattle Filming Spree

In the United States, I had the pleasure of working on several films in and around Seattle. In 2017, I was in 'Where'd You Go, Bernadette' and used my 2006 Mazda Miata during filming on Seattle's 5th Avenue. However, when the film was released, my scene was notably absent. A year later, I appeared in 'The Art of Driving in the Rain', where I served as a pedestrian in a scene shot on Alki Beach in Seattle. My 2004 Mazda MPV minivan was featured in a couple of road scenes; one on the Seattle Viaduct and the other on I-90, although the beach scene was not included in the final cut. You may catch a glimpse of my van through the rearview window of the lead actor's BMW 3.0CS as it drives on I-90.

Tv and Streaming Projects

Besides film work, I have also been part of some TV and streaming projects. One of my most memorable experiences was in the pilot for the Amazon Prime series 'The Man in the High Castle'. I appeared on screen for an approximate one-second shot during a bus depot scene. Another noteworthy role was as a brief extra in 'Grey's Anatomy'.

Through these experiences, I've gained a greater appreciation for the hard work and creativity involved in filmmaking. Being an extra may seem like a minor role, but each experience shapes my understanding of the industry and provides unforgettable memories.

For all the aspiring actors and those interested in the film industry, these accounts offer a window into the nooks and crannies of background work. Who knows? You might just get the chance to step in front of the camera as a background extra one day. Stay curious and keep following your passion for entertainment.