king for a day

cattle comparisons are appropriate, sitting in a large holding pen with four hundred black-clad background players. awaiting the whims of the filmmakers, the crowd of twentysomethings attempts to pass the time while on the clock. when summoned, the herd is ushered to their positions, where they're to react in silence. essentially pawns inhabiting the edge of frame, they are faceless window dressing on par with the prop drinks they pretend to consume.

background performer culture thrives in the ante chamber. a conspicuous micro society erects, complete with class systems and community programming. the landscape appears as a hurricane shelter, with bodies sporadically sprawled in sleeping bags, a food station with staple set fare, and groupings engaged in casino activities like poker and dominos.

when a scene takes over a week to shoot, the background actors required for on-camera continuity establish some unique aspects to their home base. there's the in-house movie theatre, which consists of a few fold-out chairs arranged around a laptop. there's the random concert series, usually a shaky acoustic take on a rock classic, although this week we were treated to an accomplished accordionist's polka medley.

i entered this windowless warehouse as an outsider, the only one photo doubling. it's immediately visually apparent since my red dress shirt bleeds through the sea of black. furthermore, i'm outfitted with a ridiculous wig and pointy white shoes two sizes too small. my eyebrows and sideburns are coloured in darker, and lest we forget the crimson socks. it's a costume that screams for the centre of focus.

when we're invited to set, i anticipate being lead to a position that further draws attention, and sure enough, my character reins over the crowd. i sit alone on a throne built atop a two storey tall pyramid, while the many minions mill about at the base. additionally, spotlights are trained on me, and i'm handed a fancy cane. a bottle of champagne rests at my feet, and i get a real taste of royalty.

it lasts briefly, bereft of glory: i am a mere red blur in the upper corner, barely on camera for more than a couple moments. still, as far as quirky occupations go, this one takes the cake.