Code 58

I had my first adventure as a TV extra today! It was a neat experience being behind the scenes of a new show being filmed for Fox TV. The show stars Bradley Whitford and Colin Hanks in a quirky cop comedy with the working title of “Code 58.” The show was created by Matt Nix who is also the creator of Burn Notice (one of my favorite shows). For more info about Code 58, check out this article.

Once I arrived at the Dallas Convention Center Arena, I checked in and completed the necessary paperwork to verify that I am a US citizen and a Texas resident. I also had to fill out a voucher which would allow me to get paid for my work. With paperwork in hand, I then sat down to wait with the rest of the extras who were cast in the show.

It wasn’t long before the staff members were giving us instructions and directing us to wardrobe to check out our clothing choices. We were instructed to wear our first choice, but also to bring additional wardrobe options (2 business; 2 casual) in case changes were required. I received approval on the outfit I was wearing, and they selected a second option just in case a change was required later in the day.

Once my wardrobe was approved, I went back into the extras holding area in the arena to await further instructions. After a short wait, the extras went to the set and were strategically placed along the corridors. We were supposed to be passengers walking through an airport. Each of us were given specific instructions (where to walk, who to partner with, how to carry our luggage, etc), and we went through a couple of brief rehearsals before filming. We were then told to stand by.

Rolling…background action….and action!

Those were the shouts we heard before all of the activity started. For the first few takes, we simply walked back and forth across the hallway acting like we were heading towards our next flight. It felt pretty realistic. There were pilots, flight attendants, and lots of passengers rushing through the hallways. It seemed just like the countless times I’ve walked through an airport for business, but this time it was for TV. WAY cool!

As we progressed through the morning, they moved people around to get different shots with the principal actors. Hallway shots, entrance shots, walking shots, standing shots, talking shots — you name it, they did it, and extras were in the background the entire time.

I had a few shots where I was passing right behind the actors as they did their dialogue. I was also close to them during some of the hallway shots, so it’s possible that I may get some screen time. As an extra, you never know if you’ll actually end up on the show. And if you do make it, it may only be for a fraction of a second. Regardless of whether I get screen time, it was a fun learning experience.

I really enjoyed watching first-hand how a professional network television show is filmed. It was efficient, professional, and thoroughly enjoyable. The staff members were easy to work with and made sure we knew what to do at all times. I would definitely do it again given the opportunity.

It was a closed set, so I couldn’t take any pictures. However, you can watch the show when it airs on Fox in the Summer (May/June timeframe). I know I’ll be watching to see if there’s a glimpse of my shoulder or a blurry image of me appearing in the background (haha)!

So, that’s the “wrap” on my first day as an extra on the set of a television series. Hopefully, there will be more to come in the future.