A few weeks ago my good friend contacted me and asked if I would be willing to help with his short film. So, I had my first opportunity of being an extra in a movie! We meet at a small convenient store in Dallas for the scene, and even though it wasn’t a big deal, I was still nervous.

I didn’t want to disappoint my friend, so I tried my hardest to be professional. But I am literally the most awkward person in the room at all times so it was a challenge. I didn’t have any lines, but I wasn’t supposed to smile and I have never struggled so hard to keep a smile off my face in my life. I never smile, but when someone tells me not to I simply can’t wipe it off my face.

The scene I was in wasn’t super long, but we still had to do what felt like 100 takes…I’m pretty sure it was only 10. I haven’t seen the finished product yet, but it was my first experience seeing that side of the creative process. My friend, Cullen, is extremely talented and he made it so easy for everyone involved.

Being able to see all the work that goes on behind the scenes of a small production really opened my eyes to all the work that must go on for the big movies/films that everyone knows about, and that got me thinking of all the work that is done outside that as well: the advertising, promoting, etc. I know little to nothing about videography, but after seeing how passionate my friends and his crew were about their project I can’t wait to learn more!