Strictly Background

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.

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.

This fun, endearing film documents the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of a number of Hollywood's veteran "extras". You really get to know and love these people, and if at first, you wondered why anyone would put themselves through the aggravation of all those cattle calls and cold calls, and useless callbacks, by the end of the movie, you realize the love that these extras have for the movie-making process. They'll do anything to be a part of it, however small, brief, or fleeting. Director, Jason Connell, really captures the moments. He's there for the disappointments and the heroic moments of these actors—yes, the movie proves that even background players are truly actors. His use of clips from the feature films these extras have performed in is illuminating and hilarious. After spending time with the real characters in Strictly Background, you'll want to know more about their lives and what happened after the cameras stopped rolling. Do I hear a sequel or a TV show coming Jason?

"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!

I saw this film at DeadCenter film festival in Oklahoma City. Connell has done a great job assembling a cast of interesting characters. This film is very funny but also shows the harder side of life for these background actors. The film is very engaging and keeps your attention from start to finish. The crew followed these actors for 8 months and then edited for over a year, and it shows. They have done a good job in showing growth in the film, and the editing of the story is excellent, with no voice-over and very little text required to pad the story. The actors are telling the story, and that's what makes it interesting. Recommended!