Chương 12: Chapter 12: Jobbing as Extra
Early Thursday morning, Martin hopped into his aging Ford and sped off towards the Midtown Arts Theater.
Theater Square, adjacent to Peachtree Street, teemed with hundreds of people, making it Atlanta's go-to spot for extras, in simpler terms, a transient job market.
Martin had been here yesterday morning when a TBS TV show was selecting audience actors, but he hadn't made the cut.
Whether in Los Angeles or Atlanta, the supply of aspiring actors far exceeded the demand. Without connections or a reliable agency, even snagging a background role was a stroke of luck.
After finding a parking spot, Martin entered the square and spotted Robert with his distinctive oversized head.
Robert's hair was meticulously groomed, and he sported a vintage formal suit. He explained, "I dressed up hoping it increases my chances. To be honest, I don't have any other prospects; I just need a gig."
Martin sympathized, "Luck plays a big role in this business. Good luck to you."
Members of the Marietta troupe, including Martin, arrived one after another, all temporary workers and struggling individuals.
Their leader, Jerome, pulled up in a Lexus, instructing the troupe to wait at the square's edge while he made a phone call.
When a bus pulled over on Peachtree Street, he exchanged words and shook hands with a portly man who disembarked. Jerome then waved to the square and called everyone to board the bus.
The fat man, seeing no one with an unusually peculiar appearance, had a quick word with Jerome before moving on to select temporary workers.
Martin hurried onto the bus and glanced at the seats in the first row, noticing folders placed there. He chose a seat on the opposite side, and Robert joined him.
Sitting by the window, Martin observed the square through the glass. The portly man was in the process of selecting people, simply picking those who caught his fancy.
Based on recent research, Martin deduced that Atlanta was far from established film and television production hubs like New York and Los Angeles. While some incentives had been introduced, the acting market and agent network were still in their infancy.
Jerome seemed to act as an agent of sorts, operating under different regulations compared to California and New York.
The bus filled up quickly, leaving only a narrow aisle between the portly man and Martin. Martin refrained from initiating conversation.
Not far along Peachtree Street, the bus unexpectedly slowed down as a march approached near the State Capitol.
TV reporters and newspaper journalists trailed the procession.
The portly man craned his neck to see what was happening ahead. Instead of cursing, he remarked, "Let's give way to these folks. We'll turn around after they pass the next intersection."
The marchers sported vests with "ATL Free Association" printed on them. The fat man's attitude seemed supportive, as if he were thinking, "Are you fighting for your legal rights?" His words were soft but evidently reached the portly man's ears. The fat man casually responded, "This is a prominent liberal and progressive group in Atlanta, known for their meaningful initiatives."
Martin deduced that the fat man favored the marchers and adjusted his posture, saying, "Are they doing something significant this time?" The fat man was clearly informed, "Several conservative leaders from the Georgia Methodist Association argued that women should obey their families' will, sparking this protest."
Martin acknowledged, "It's a highly socially significant action."
The portly man shared, "One of the organizers of this event is the boss of our Gray Company, Ms. Kelly Gray."
Surprisingly, the fat man also cared about his boss's concerns. Martin seized the opportunity to bond further and said, "My friend, and many like her, have always wanted to join the Freedom Association and make a stand for civil rights. They're willing to participate in meaningful activities like this anytime; they just can't find the right connection."
Elena could effortlessly rally hundreds from the Clayton community, given the right incentive, not to mention dozens. Elena volunteered with the conservative Methodist Association, making her even more influential. "She trusts anyone as long as the pay is good," Martin added.
The portly man introduced himself, "I'm Andrew. If you ever decide to join, feel free to call me."
Martin reciprocated, handing over his prepared business card, "Martin Davis."
Just as the bus turned off Peachtree Street, another parade group emerged, carrying the Methodist Church's flag. Heated exchanges filled the air, causing a commotion throughout the city.
The reporters appeared to be the most delighted.
The bus traveled for over half an hour and arrived at a farm north of Atlanta. The crew had rented the farm and set up 19th-century plantation-style sets temporarily. Actors, dressed in period costumes, were applying makeup next to a wooden house, doubling as a makeshift dressing room.
As Martin disembarked, he spotted Jerome, the troupe leader, waiting at the farm's entrance.
Andrew approached Jerome and got straight to the point, "We need two special roles. The daily pay is $100, and the work goes until 4:30 in the afternoon. Overtime pays $10 per hour. Select a few of your best actors for these roles."
The meager hourly wage for pure acting amounted to a mere $5.15.
Jerome quickly recalled that Martin still owed him money and promptly called out, "Martin, come here!" He then bellowed, "Khloe, Robert, Jones."
Jerome couldn't tolerate anyone owing him money. He turned to Andrew, the portly man, and insisted, "Martin is fine; prioritize him."
Andrew remembered the name and, as thople gathered, directed Martin, saying, "Martin Davis, and... you, come with me."
Robert, who trailed behind Martin, also found himself among the fortunate ones.
Jerome led the two of them toward the wooden house, while the rest followed the stage manager to an outdoor makeshift dressing area.
Robert nudged Martin, who silenced him with a glance.
The pair followed Jerome into the wooden house and, after a brief wait, were instructed to start applying makeup.
As they changed into their costumes and makeup, an assistant approached to explain their roles.
Their characters had no lines but required numerous actions. Martin and Robert portrayed assassins tasked with eliminating the heroine. Armed, they rushed into a garden where the heroine was located, only to be dispatched by the hero with two shots. Subsequently, the hero and heroine would fall in love after the hero rescued her.
In essence, Martin and Robert would spend the entire scene lying down.
Naturally, background actors portraying lifeless corpses on the ground earned more than those in standing roles. Robert had more experience in this regard, while Martin had even less.
The initial part presented no difficulties; they adhered strictly to their positions and nailed it in just two takes. However, the director called for a retake after an actor missed a shot.
Then came the highlight, with Martin and Robert lying utterly still on the ground while the hero and heroine make out affectionately...
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