Follow us on www.twitter.com/easterneye www.easterneye.

eu June 28, 2013

Entertainment

35

OPPORTUNITIES: (Above) Lead stars Rez Kempton (left) and Karen David (centre) dance with extras during the Sikh wedding scene in new British-Asian film Amar, Akbar and Tony; and (clockwise from above right) shooting the scene; director Atul Malhotra; cast members David (left) and Laura Aikman; Gemma Merritt (left) and a dancer; and the three leading men (from left) Sam Vincenti (who plays the role of Akbar), Martin Delaney (Tony) and Rez Kempton (Amar)

Extra helping
AN ODE TO THE UNSUNG HEROES IN A MOVIE
by AYAZ AHMED SIDDIQUI WHEN most people think about films, they just focus on the glitter and glamour of the entertainment industry. However, the glittering star cast, sizzling scenes, hotshot directors and producers hide the reality of a films unsung heroes the crew, extras, costume designers and other background personnel who form the backbone of a movie. I recently visited the sets of British-Asian film Amar, Akbar and Tony, which centers around the lives of three friends an Irishman, a Muslim and a Sikh. I was fascinated by the level of work and attention to detail that goes into the making of the film, which will out later this year. That afternoon, one of the scenes being shot was that of a Sikh wedding reception taking place at a posh hotel in London. No detail has been spared by director Atul Malhotra, from the proper manor house location, fancy cars and elaborate costumes to fake ice cubes and a small army of extras all dressed up for an afternoon wedding. The most intriguing thing about extras in a film is that many have separate jobs or engagements but volunteer purely for the pleasure of getting a film role, often with dreams of break- ing into the industry. I will take the role of an extra either way (with or without money). I love it, said Gemma Merritt, 18, a nursing student from London. For Marco Solit Woodgate and Samuel Graves, two young filmmaking students running a freelance production company, playing a small role was more than just an opportunity to network. Even if it is just adding a bit of experience to your portfolio saying that youve been on a film set and knowing what its like, especially if you are volun- teering, is great for employers, Woodgate explained. Being a movie extra may be is akin to being in a work placement,

anding, one of ith a ut

e n ncling ance ent on watch ok great d. acting, ground nto the partici-

pati put ager he is So un a w but p the job is very dem with anti-social hours. As the production crew w background in filming fbtiworking as a driver for the extras on set told me, A days end could be well near d midnight. p e dBut he added, We are all here because we like what we do. i t For some actors with- out work, being an extra can lead to a proper film role if you do a lot bof roles, I suppose one per former revealed. Bu working on such a (low) pay, is not suitable for full-time work. d However, many peopl look at it as a means to a end, as a background da er in the film also c doub as an extra admitted. I d Ill be showing my tal screen. Many people will the film and w that will lo on my portfolio, she sai Many newcomers to however, look at back work as a good inroad i industry. As a mother

alo are u nee

f o r s o m e e x p e r i e n c e . m e n g w i t h h e r w h o l e f a m i l y i t , M y s o n i s a y o u n g t e e n a n d n o t v e r y c o n f i d e n t , s o h e r e c r e w m e m b e r s p l a y a n d e r r a t e d b u t c r u c i a l r o l e i n f i l m . W i t h o u t t h e d i r e c t o r , e w o u l d

nt know what to erform, but its a team ef- ort, says Mani Kohli, a bou- que owner and the costume esigner for the upcoming roduction. All big filmmak- rs put in a lot of attention to etail the extras and finishng the scenes may be costly, ut they make a film. There was strong camaraerie between the cast and rew that was in keeping ith the movies theme of a multicultural and peaceful London. Malhotra said: We read about lots of things (ra- cial violence) in the press and what we forget is how wonderful London is. So many religions and cultures actually live together peacefully, share houses and get ng as friends. These things niversal and thats what we d to promote more.