Women Over 40 Rock!

We all know that it’s the little extras added that make meals delicious, table settings lovely, gifts special and outfits to-die-for, but extras in movies? They make the movie. Literally. Think what a street scene in NY would look like if the only people you saw were the stars. Or a hotel scene. Or a battle scene. Or just a doctors’ waiting room. Without the extras (politically correct term coined in the 70s - Background) none of the movies and TV shows we watch daily would have an iota of believability.

What brought these thoughts to mind recently was seeing a super charming documentary, “Strictly Background”, which, in following the lives of ten aspiring actors, opens our eyes to a fascinating and touching show-biz world that usually fades….well, into the background. (Check out the trailer) And while I was enjoying watching these “extras in the spotlight”, I was bombarded with memories of my own career beginnings in 60s and 70s New York….me crossing the street in front of Jack Lemmon (The Out-Of-Towners), waving hello to Gig Young at a wedding reception (Lovers And Other Strangers), jumping into a swimming pool in front of Dustin Hoffman (Lenny), and standing, caftan clothed, behind Woody Allen and Diane Keaton at a cocktail party (Annie Hall), among others.

Remembering those days on sets as one of the actors making $50 instead of $50,000, I can see how his own jobs as an extra inspired Jason Connell, producer and director of “Strictly Background”, to delve into the stories of these un-sung actors who bring life and authenticity to our films.

Jason says his reason for taking an extra job when he moved to L.A. from OK was that he thought he could learn more about film production…and he quite obviously succeeded. The idea he got from that job to explore the struggles and determination of some of Hollywood’s’ hardest workers, both professional extras and those hoping to use it as a stepping stone to greater careers, has already won Best Documentary in five film festivals and has been an official selection in many more.

“Strictly Background” is, in short, strictly terrific. Thanks, Jason, for bringing these extras into the spotlight. You can purchase the DVD now at “Strictly Background” Website and beat the Official DVD Release for Netflix, Hollywood Video, Amazon, Borders, Barnes & Noble, etc which is August 5th.

Judith mighty-proud-to-have-extrad Drake, blogger for In the Trenches Productions, The First Entertainment Website Celebrating the Power and Beauty of Women Over 40