Strictly Background

It was a little sad that these people wanted to be "strictly background" and they were so excited to get a 1 second of screen time. I think one of the cast of extra was mentally ill. Seriously. It basically showed how people could have no talent and still get into a movie. I'm a real actor myself.And have had to train all my life for a bigbreak. I've been in many speaking roles, and worked my ass off. This Documentary was almost sad, because itshowed people that wanted to get by with minimum work, and still get credit. One guy said he's been in more than 200 films, Goerge Cloonly hasn't done that many. It's notreally fair to say you have done that many films, and have said or done nothing in them or worked for a little bit, apart from just putting on a outfit. Sad, sad, so very sad.

Hollywood suits should be forced to see STRICTLY BACKGROUND to understand the honor, pathos and love of craft as evidenced by the background players featured in this film.The film has humor, desperation and hope.You will grow close to these individuals through their honesty and determination.In many ways the film mirrors life. You try to find something that fits you and you do your best. But your fate is in the hands of the movie gods. They hire and fire and if you're lucky they promote you.This film is for everyone. You do not have to be a movie fan to enjoy the stories the film unfolds. As someone who has been an extra, director and producer I highly recommend STRICTLY BACKGROUND.

"Strictly Background" is a great film! Two thumbs way up! There is a reason it has won so many awards and been featured at so many festivals. Director, Jason Connell does a good job of picking interesting characters to follow and then keeps the film moving. The music, editing and special effects also add to the momentum! It really sheds light on the "extras" industry and shows the ups and downs of being in it. You really feel for these guys! Finally these extras get to be the stars in this film. Bravo! It's all around fun! It's a must see! Can't wait to see what Connell has up his sleeve for his next project. He's one to keep an eye on!

As a retired High School Theatre teacher I wish I had this documentary to share with my students when I was still teaching. I always tried to explain to my students that only 1% of want to be actors will become "Brad Pitt" famous. Most actors are just "working" actors. Some actors will become character actors and make a really nice living. But, this documentary focuses in on the "Extras" and gives a really great glimpse into the lives of the people who make up the crowd scenes in the movies and TV show everyday. It is a little long, it could have been about half an hour shorter but overall, it's very informative, very touching, and very eye opening. I highly recommend this documentary.

I just left a screening of Strictly Background at the New Hampshire Film Expo. This is one of the most sincere and touching documentaries I've seen in a long time. The basic premise carries us to Hollywood and into the lives of Background Artists, or extras to us lay people. Extras are the truly unsung heroes of the movie business. Without background players, we wouldn't have movies. It's a really simple film that gives an honest glimpse of the life these folks live. Some do it for fun, some do it to break into the "Business," some do it for a few extra bucks. All the individuals interviewed have a true love of making movies, even if it's as set dressing. As the movie progresses it's informative of the movie making process, but at the same time it's emotional in the sense that we are following the hopes and dreams of all these extras. Some make it, some don't. One gentleman lives in a rented storage unit for $100 a month. We go to casting calls, jobs and "specs", where an extra goes to a set in the hopes they might be needed that day. By the end of the movie I realized I was rooting for all of them to get that next job. The director did a great job of drawing us into these lives and the emotional roller-coaster that goes along with this kind of work. Not an easy task in our cynical society. It's funny, interesting and at times heartbreaking. I highly recommend this film to any kind of cinema fan as well as anyone who is curious about the real Hollywood.