Diary of a Background Thespian

Hiatus is over. Hallelujah!!! Back to work. Yay!!!! In the biz, the term hiatus, is when all the TV shows go on break in between seasons. Hiatus is generally from mid-May until end of July. I hate hiatus because that means as background, we have to rely on films and because of runaway production in LA, that generally means little to no work. You must be saying to yourself, “Wait a minute, you’re in Hollywood, the capital of the film world.” That might have been true at one time, not anymore. Most films don’t shoot in LA anymore, even if they are supposed to take place in LA, they still don’t shoot here. Why you ask? The obvious, money. It’s too expensive to shoot in LA and while other countries, states and even cities have become wise and have started giving film production tax breaks such as Louisiana, North Carolina, Toronto, Budapest, Prague, New Zealand, etc, our ex-actor Governor (and probably soon to be actor again) has not seen fit to pass similar tax breaks here in the sta

I've been booked to play CLERICAL staff in the DA's office in an episode of a popular TV show. I've worked this show before but only on location. I've never been to the actual main set. Today, I'll be making the trek out to Manahattan Beach during rush hour for a days work. I arrive at the studios with literally 5 minutes to spare. Manhattan Beach is NOT close to me and of course, today, it was bumper to bumper on the dreaded 405. I hate arriving late or even close to call time. I'm an early bird. I'd prefer to sit and wait than to huff and puff my way down the parking lot carrying a garment bag (wardrobe), tote bag (reading and writing materials, makeup, hairspray, brush, etc) and my fold out chair (my comfort zone). But today is going to be one of those days especially since I've never been to this studio and with my luck the set will be all the way on the other side. I got lucky, I was told by security that the set is right outside the parking structu

It occurred to me that I've never told you about my very first background job. Here I am describing my latest greatest feats of background acting genius and I've never recounted the tale of "my first time." I must warn you, it was a very long time ago and even though I take my daily Ginko Baloba, I may be fuzzy on some of the particulars. However, you never really forget your first time at anything so I think most of my story will be intact. Okay, here goes. Let's go back, way back, back into time... The year; 1998, the location; Wall Street, NYC, call time; late evening. I was booked as a Business Executive on a Japanese commercial for Mister Donut, a chain of donut shops similar to Dunkin Donuts here in the US. I was told this was going to be a large background call, about  50 BGAs. Our wardrobe was upscale business suit with nice pumps (high heels) and briefcase and purse. We were also asked to bring a raincoat. I was so excited and since it was my first tim

One of the privileges of being a Background Actor is that you get to work on sets and in studios where some legendary movies or TV shows were filmed.  I always get goose bumps when I pass the gates at Warner Bros. or Paramount Studios. I mean think about it, some of the greats that walked through those gates; Brando, Gable, Grant, Hepburn, Bogart, the list is endless.  When I was a child growing up in NYC, I used to spend hours watching TV. I'd watch Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, Star Trek, M.A.S.H, etc. On Sunday's I was glued to the movies: South Pacific, Abbott & Costello Meet the Mummy, Gone with the Wind, Carousel, Casablanca, etc.  Those actors, those stories, those moments were magical for me as a child. Now as an adult, I revel in the moments when I can walk through a set or a stage that once housed a show or a movie that is part of this cinematic history.  I was booked as a PEDESTRIAN on a cable show that shoots at what is today called Red Studi

You are probably wondering, "What's with the picture of a cupcake?"  Well, I'll get to that in a minute. Be patient. First let me tell you about my latest booking. One of the best gigs to get when you work Background is a sitcom. They are fun and work fast, especially a successful sitcom that's been around at least 2 seasons. Generally speaking, you work less than 4 hours and get  paid the full 8 hours.  Today, I'm working a very successful CBS sitcom on the Fox Studio lot. I've been booked as the RECEPTIONIST at a hair salon. I arrive at the Fox Studios early because ever since 9-11, security at the studios have been ramped up so I don't want to be late because my belt keeps going off with the metal detectors...yes, I said metal detectors. It's like the freakin' airport. But you never know. Al Qaeda may get confused and blow up the New York City street back lot at Fox, Warner or Universal. Anyway, I make it through security and head ove

You would think that I am old enough and experienced enough to know that politics, be it Federal, State, International, Gender or Union, should NEVER be discussed at work. You would think, huh? But I guess I needed a tongue lashing from an over zealous jerk to remind me of that. I will explain later. I was booked on a movie that for right now, has no title. Its being referred to  as "untitled."  The Director is a HUGE legend in comedy. I was over joyed when I found out he was directing. I've loved his movies going back to the early 80's. They are some of the classic comedies, the type that are just not made anymore. Anyway, I was booked as a HOSPITAL VISITOR.  When I arrived at base camp they told me that was going to be an all nighter. Okay, no problem. I'll take the overtime..cha ching! We are quite a few BGAs all working various characters; visitors, orderlies, doctors, nurses, EMTs, etc.  During our wardrobe pass, we find out that we are going to change