From dawn to sunset

I intentionally slept in an uncomfortable manner so I could wake up easily. I needed to wake up as early as 2 a.m. for a 3 a.m. call time for the shooting of a feature film "Ang Lubong ni Hesus" for the QCinema International Film Festival on October 13 to 22, 2016 in Quezon City.

As part of the preparation, I already had my gown and personal accessories ready for my extra role. It has been my training in theater that even if how small the role is, one has to prepare for it to justify what is being required of the role. A no-speaking role, I grabbed the opportunity so I can have the opportunity to work with other artists from Manila, the 2016 Cannes Film Festival best actress Jacklyn Jose, award winning stage and film actress Angelina Stark Kanapi, director Victor Louie Villanueva, writer Patrick Tabada and film co-producer/writer Moira Lang. This comes with the chance to revisit a place that is replete with historical icons, the town of Boljoon.

Aware of being an extra means I need to adjust to something that is generally perceived as more important, much required and necessary. As practiced, extras can easily be replaced and would not require much detail or attention to as they just support parts of the scenes. Townspeople, crowd, passersby can just be taken from those available in the locality so thereby they do not comprise those given much attention to. In terms of schedule, provision of food and accommodation, they receive less attention.

It requires a barrel of patience. So much time has been wasted. I can't help but think how much could have been taken if hours were used in speaking engagements computed on an hourly basis than waiting for the next scenes and moving of schedules because of the unavailability of sites. The time that one could be in the spotlight is so uncertain. Others would end up using the long hours for sleeping, chatting or taking pictures of what the place can offer but at the same time making sure that it is just within the reach so anytime the take may commence.

Though it is not my bread and butter but I have learned to love the craft and so waiting becomes bearable. This also gave me the opportunity to meet the people and see structures that have shaped the unique attributes of the place. As an advocate of local heritage, if time allows, I need to explore the place more so I would know what else people, especially the visitors, would also know and experience.

 In Richard Johnson's article titled "Life as a film extra: Hollywood's least powerful," he said that "Little has changed, apart from the fact that extras aren't called extras any more – they are 'supporting artists.' And, certainly, if they weren't there, a film would look a bit sparse. But as for their 'artistry,' it begins and ends with walking, standing and sitting. Which is why, more often than not, they are called 'atmosphere,' 'ambience' or 'set dressing.' Fleshy furniture, if you will." And because of this, there goes extras inability to negotiate for schedules and other special considerations.

Another validation from this experience is the high preferential treatment of big stars. Not only a perennial practice but something the extras have to contend with. As so this affords the main casts, with the exception of some, to treat extras as insignificant details even with a simple request for picture taking would not right away be granted or never at all.

Actors take different roles. But our actual dealings with others are not predetermined or rehearsed. There can never be a substitute for pure and sincere interaction with others. We notice the line between fake and real emotions. The make-believe and real roles are two different personas. When one is done with the latter, he or she has to go back to one's real self. It needs an extra effort to take away the mask after every assumed role. We need to take the usual but real role that is building relationships with actors and actresses of life.

The clock struck 5:00 p.m..  And we just began.