Diary of a Background Thespian

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 ...

Today I was rejected because my butt and hair were inadequate. (Bye the way, that's not a picture of my butt, but since I didn't have one handy, I picked one out from the internet. I figured, one butt is as good as any.)  So let me tell you about today. I was booked on an interview to be the photo double of an Oscar winning actress in a movie that is currently shooting. At first I was confused because I don't actually look like this actress but I figured with hair and makeup I'd be okay.  The interview would consist of the director, hair, makeup and wardrobe looking you over and deciding if you could pass for the actress in long shots. I arrived on set and immediately looked for our sign in. Oh where o' where could it be?? Hum...perhaps where all those dark long haired, olive skin women are standing? Yeah, I think that's it. So there are 8 of us. We look like clones of this particular actress, some skinnier, some meatier, some have longer hair. Everyone ...

I've been booked as BANK STAFF on a TV pilot being directed by a HUGE!!!! Hollywood V.I.P. He’s created several enormously popular TV shows and written and directed a mega blockbuster movie. This guy is the real deal so I’m very excited. Our call time was for 10:00pm which means it’s going to be an all-nighter. I arrive at base camp to find several BGAs standing around looking lost. All the trucks and honey wagons are there but we can’t seem to find anyone. The catering truck hasn’t even set up yet. This is very strange. Finally, an out of breathe and frazzled PA comes running over to us to say that the crew call was changed to 11:15pm. Hello?? Why didn’t anyone call the BGAs?????? Let me tell you how a booking works. When you are booked by Central Casting you are sent an email with the name of the show/movie, the name of the casting director that booked you and the call time. You are then given a four digit code. You are supposed to call a specific telephone numbe...