The Hidden Extra

Fourteen years as one of the busiest extras working in British Film and Television have seen some extraordinary experiences. Here, in instalments, I set out to give the reader a feeling for what it has really been like. It's not always pretty and I don't plan to glamorise, but there are reasons I keep coming back for more... I'll write according to demand. Want some more? Let me know. The idea is a series of bite-sized insights into the life of a jobbing extra - at present it's seven short stories - entertaining, anecdotal and good company on your commute, or in your break. Includes the Weird AsylumAn account of a tough day shoot on a commercial, where everyone's lost their will to live...#2: Duck and CoverIn which the author has a near-death experience during an explosion on set...#3: An Encounter with Tywin LannisterIn which the author has a close encounter on set with a celebrated British heart throb & acting hero...#4: Slightly Past It & Borderline GayIn which the author is tricked by his agent into his first sex scene... (INCLUDES ADULT SUBJECT MATTER!)#5: Pallbearer's MarathonOne of the most bizarre days I've ever had on set! It's days like this that keep luring me back to filming...#6: Cheap UndeadIn which the author finds himself on the set of a low-budget zombie film...#7: The Bavarian Sausage MagnateA love letter to the beautiful behind-the-scenes work on a large-scale feature film...These stories flit between time zones. Some are recent, others years old. I deliberately avoid naming productions, but the more switched-on reader will be able to make an educated guess! Thanks for reading. GB x