Our Experience as Film Extras

Toward the end of August, Max and Luke were lucky enough to be cast as film extras on an independent World War II film. While they cannot reveal the title of the film until it is announced, what they can do is tell you about what it was like donning a German army uniform for seven hours in the heat. 

(above) - Max and Luke carry gas cannisters to God knows where for a scene.

What was the shooting environment like?

Luke: The shooting environment for the film felt like an actual military operation, as myself, Max, and more young men participating as film extras were subjected to extreme amounts of boredom as we patiently waited for the director or producers of the film to give us our orders on what to do for the scene, which usually was just walking or running around the exterior of some abandoned mechanical building that passed as a World War II German military camp. 

Did you feel at all like a German soldier while dressed as one?

Max: Absolutely not. The boots they had given me were way too big. Additionally, they gave some of us three layers of clothing, which consisted of: a button up, a camouflage tarp, and a coat, which was extremely uncomfortable, considering it was 85 degrees and sunny. The helmet they had us wear was also quite tight. It felt like somebody was slowly drilling something into my head as each minute went by. 

(above) - The extras stand around in costume, waiting for the shoot to begin.

As film extras, what were you required to do?

Luke: As film extras, you are the equivalent to cattle on a large acre of farmland that is inhabited with many other animals that the farm hands are tasked with herding you around and ensuring all characters that are present are hydrated, fed, and looking the part as extras. At least, coming from a guy who’s now been a film director and a film extra, this is my most truthful opinion on the subject that is film extras. 

How did you get cast as film extras?

Max: Back in June, I saw a Facebook post in one of the many Minnesota film groups I am involved in, seeking out extras for a WWII feature film that was being shot in Wisconsin. So, I emailed the producer, and then had to go to this strange warehouse in St. Paul where I had to audition for the part of a film extra. Yes, you read that correctly. Me and three middle-aged men twice my age all had to perform four scenes together in front of a camera. Months after the audition, I got an email saying I was cast as an extra, which shocked me. I then inquired if Luke could do it with me, and the producer was kind enough to say yes. Personally, I thought the process of extras auditioning was an absolute waste of time, considering I didn’t have any spoken dialogue in the film. 

(above) - The main cast films a scene, while us extras sit around in the background, waiting for them to be done.

Did you suffer any injuries on set?

Luke: I sustained a horrible blister on my right foot from the uncomfortable black army boots that all extras were tasked with wearing. The blister was unlike any blister I had ever encountered before on my body. It was black, bruised, and on the cusp of a bloodletting. I had to bandage my big toe up several times and even take things easy at the gym. It affected my daily routine and likely affected the feet of other extras on set that day. My heart goes out to all film extras who sustain foot-related injuries on set. I know the pain. 

What kind of scenes were you required to film?

Max: The scenes Luke and I are in mostly consist of us running back and fourth while holding a gas canister. The armorer ran out of rifles, so me, Luke, and another extra named Eric had to hold gas canisters. We didn’t get to hold a weapon at all during the shoot, which I was pleased about. What I wasn’t pleased about was the fact that we didn’t get to ride in any of the cool military vehicles they had rolling around there. Some of the extras did, but Luke and I were not chosen to. 

Do you think the film will turn out good?

Luke: Judging the director on his past films, I cannot say with confidence that this film will turn out any better than the rest, but who knows? Maybe this will finally be the big-break this independent film director has been looking for.

What was your favorite memory on set?

Max: In all honesty, it was probably taking off that German army uniform and leaving the shoot. We were there for an arduous seven hours and were only in three scenes (I believe they shot seven or eight scenes), so we mostly stood around and waited for them to call us. It was insanely boring. We weren’t allowed to have our phones on us, because the producer was worried we would take photos of the shoot. There was also another day of shooting that Luke and I agreed to just skip. We didn’t even let anyone know we were not planning on showing up. I don’t think the crew noticed or even cared about our absence. 

Yeah, being film extras isn’t as fun as it seems, kids. Max and Luke sure learned a lesson. But hey, they got the opportunity to experience it, and they don’t regret it, so good for them! This is probably the only time in their lives they will ever wear an army uniform.