I worked a few days recently as an extra, or "background talent," on some TV film sets. Mostly as a lark, out of curiosity, for a little money, but also to do some exploring.

I think I've retired. I did get inside some buildings not normally open to the public, but while there for the job, I found it hard to sneak away and snoop around. That is to say, it would have been easy, but I felt duty-bound to be "on call" in extras holding, because you never know when they're going to call you to the set.

As a job, I found it to be fun and interesting about 10% of the day, and tedious and boring 90%. I don't mind being paid to sit around and do nothing, and can entertain myself, but the worst is that you're hardly ever told what's going on, why you're waiting, when/if lunch will be, when your day might be over, etc. So you end up feeling like cattle.

Also, the early call times are killer. I hate early mornings. And sometimes you're staying up till 11 p.m. to get an email telling you your call time, which may be five or six in the morning. I don't know how people in the industry do it.

I did learn, I think, how easy it would be to infiltrate a film shoot. Considering all the people involved at different levels, I think it is virtually impossible that any one person could know everyone who is supposed to be on the property. When I arrived, no one ever asked me who I was or what I was there for. If anyone did, I think all you'd have to do is mutter "background" or "BG." As usual for infiltration, a look of bored entitlement should get you just about anywhere -- even the lunch truck!

I hope to try this out in Vancouver, where there's often a lot of shooting. And it's pilot season now ...

I'm also daydreaming about printing some "location scout" business cards, which could conceivably be used to get you into all sorts of places. "Could I talk to your building manager? How much do you charge to film from the roof? And could I take a few pictures?" I might need a nicer camera first, to make this plausible.

Anyone have any experience, legitimate or otherwise, with this stuff? Tips?

Isn't pulling the location scout card (literally!) just asking for permission with an added prop for credentials?

Posted by Harvestman Isn't pulling the location scout card (literally!) just asking for permission with an added prop for credentials?

Essentially, but if you get caught the owner is already fine with what you're doing. Extra insurance.