Some of you are already aware of my work as a Chicago actor (theater, commercials, industrials and film). Most recently, I've joined ExtraOrdinary Casting and have worked on the set of an Indie film called ONE SMALL HITCH and have been consistently working on the movie set of CHICAGO CODE (formerly known as "RIDE ALONG") starring Jennifer Beals and co-starring Delroy Lindo and Phillip Van Lear...to name just a few red carpet stars. CHICAGO CODE is a Chicago based television series which premieres in 2011. If it gets picked up, that will mean a lot of work for Chicago actors. Unlike many films that only film the exterior in Chicago, but, the interior is filmed on location or movie sets in Los Angeles, it is my understanding that EVERYTHING IS BEING FILMED RIGHT HERE IN CHICAGO. In fact, TODAY, they are filming right here in my neighborhood on 63rd Street, just East of King Drive. I've been on location which included filming in City Hall and I've also been on the movie set, filming at Chicago Studio City on the West side of Chicago.
The days are LONG, the pay is good and the food is mad, crazy delicious! Ha, ha, ha! I'm not a big girl for nothing! At any rate, the woman who has been booking me to do this work, her name is Darlene, and she is one of the most sweetest persons I've had to work with in this industry. Sometimes, its not pretty. Just being honest.
I cannot stress enough THE LONG HOURS! Most of my days have been fourteen (14) hour days and you CANNOT, I repeat, CANNOT accept an assignment, but, have to be off at a certain time. The expectation is that if you accept an assignment, you remain ready and willing to work until the Directors yell, "IT'S A WRAP!" Otherwise, you're bookings will dwindle down to NOTHING. You're cutting into the film's budget when they find that they have to reshoot a scene that you were in, from a different angle, but, you had to leave and so they have to reshoot all of the angles or find someone who looks like you and dress them the way that you were dressed in that scene. It's crazy what they would have to go through because you didn't make yourself available from beginning to end, no matter how long it takes.
You're always asked to bring several changes of clothes, even though they have wardrobe for their actors. Don't take that for granted, however. BRING WARDROBE which should be fall or muted colors: Black, Brown, Green, Blue, Gray, NO LOGOS, NO WHITES, NO REDS, very subtle prints or designs, NO BRIGHT COLORS.
This is generally the rule unless you're told otherwise. Extras can be upgraded in position, which means more money. Also, some Extras can become STAND INs or get actual speaking lines. It doesn't happen often, but, it does happen. I've witnessed it. Bottom line, Darlene may send you in cast in one role, but, ultimately, the role you will play will be decided upon your arrival. They will generally keep you in the role that Darlene cast you in, but, sometimes, and I've seen this happen, they'll pull you out of the crowd, recast you and put you in a more visible spot. I have learned that there have been occasions when stars started out as extras.
JUST A FEW RULES
- BE SEEN AND NOT HEARD!
- DO NOT SPEAK TO THE STARS UNLESS THEY'VE SPOKEN TO YOU!
- BE READY AND WILLING TO WORK!
- ARRIVE ON TIME!
- NEVER LEAVE EARLY!
- FOLLOW DIRECTIONS...ALL THE TIME, THE FIRST TIME!
- DO NOT COME IN COMPLAINING OR TRYING TO TELL THE CREW THEIR JOBS OR MAKING SUGGESTIONS TO THE ACTORS ON HOW THEY SHOULD DELIVER THEIR LINES OR APPROACH A SCENE!
Ha, ha, ha! I'm only including information that I've seen and heard happen! HILARIOUS!
Now, Darlene also registers youth, who can't work no more than eight (8) hours per day, according to CHILD LABOR LAWS and I want to say that its even less hours for toddlers and babies. School aged youth need a work permit which you acquire from Chicago Public Schools or from the School District where you live. You'll need the following items:
- Letter of Intent from ExtraOrdinary Casting
- Original Birth Certificate
- Original Social Security Card
- Letter from parent/guardian stating authorization for the child to work
- Updated School Physical
- The Child
ExtraOrdinary Casting
P.O. Box 552
Westmont, IL 60559
Between the ExtraOrdinary Casting website and the information that I've provided you here, you're now equipped to make a decision as to whether or not this is for you and if you decide that it is, you can move progressively forward.
Finally, this is what I do to keep the lines of communication between me and my availability and Darlene.
- First, I email her at darlene@extraordinarycasting.net the day before or at the beginning of the week to let her know what days I'm available and I make sure that I'm available on those days from 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM or longer, if need be. I have never had to work over 14 hours, but, I've heard from other extras that there have been longer and shorter days. However, they feed you and you're on the clock the entire time.
- Second, I'm connected to Darlene on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/huntdarlene. She is a regular on Facebook and uses Facebook to communicate with her extras.
- Third, because I have UNLIMITED TEXT MESSAGING on my cell phone, I have SUBSCRIBED to Darlene's SMS Updates which is a link that you can find listed underneath her profile picture. Therefore, EVERYTIME she posts casting needs information on her wall, you get it on your cell phone and can respond within seconds of her posts.
Oh yeah and before I forget, Darlene casts everyone regardless of race, color, ethnic background, physical stature...etc. She casts REAL PEOPLE, but, she casts according to the needs of the production!
Extras are just atmosphere, the people you see in the background while the stars are talking. Extras are the person walking down the street towards the stars, walking pass the stars, walking away with their backs to the stars, sitting on the stairwell, crossing the street, reading the newspaper...etc. they are the atmosphere. Take away the extras, you have the buildings, cars and furniture, but, no people. The stars appear to be the only living human beings on the face of the earth. The extras are needed, in every film, in some capacity and they are REAL PEOPLE. Old, young, beautiful, not so beautiful, handicapped, wheelchair bound, athletic, not so athletic...etc. and if you are an actor and can maybe do different characters, you need to let Darlene know that on the Registration Form. You never know when they may need a character type and will have you to switch it up a bit. LOL
Alright, I think that I've provided enough information to get everyone here started, but, please, ONLY THE DEPENDABLE PEOPLE NEED APPLY AND ONLY THE DEPENDABLE PEOPLE ARE ALLOWED TO TELL DARLENE THAT MICHELE BROCK REFERRED THEM! THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
For anyone interested in knowing more about the projects that I'm working on, how to get into this business and other agencies that I may be registered with, don't hesitate to email me here at WebofHonor_biz@yahoo.com. Been at this a long time and have a ton of information to share with individuals who are truly interested.
GOD Bless!
Sincerely,
Michele Brock
Darlene Hunt
Casting Director/CEO
ExtraOrdinary Casting
In pursuit of work in the following markets: Film, Television, Commercial, Industrial, and Theatre. Will eventually add "VOICE-OVER", "EAR PROMPTER", "TELE PROMPTER" and "DIALECTS" to my list of abilities and skills!