In each issue of Spotlight, we present interesting lives from around the English-speaking world. This time, we talk to Simon March, who works as an extraStatist(in)extra, or background actor, in TV dramas.
Can anyone be an extra?
Yes. You don’t need any acting talent. Your job is to be in the background and look normal. But if you have a special skill, they might use it. My wife’s a hairdresser and she’s done a few scenes in salons.
Do you have costumes, hair and make-up?
You often wear your own clothes. They tell you what to wear, or they might ask for a beard or long hair. Costumes and uniforms are more fun. I’ve been a soldier, a priest, a fireman, a prison officer and a passenger on a train with Hercule Poirot.
Is it hard work?
No, but the days are long. There’s a lot of waiting around.
Have you met lots of famous actors?
I’ve seen a lot of actors, but we’re not allowed to speak to them. We know one’s placewissen, wo man hingehörtknow our place!
Is it a good way to get into acting as a career?
I don’t think so. Some extras want to be real actors. They want a line – line of dialogueDialogzeilea line of dialogue – but it’s not realistic to jump from extra to movie star.
Do you look at the extras when you’re watching TV?
Always. If a waiter or a barman doesn’t speak, I think, “No lines? He’s an extra!”
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