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Arts & Entertainment

You Ought To Be in Pictures -- and My Kids Are!

The "Hollywood of the South" includes a couple of young stars from Suwanee.

Note: Patch contributor Melanie Fleury is relating a unique first-person experience.

If you are looking for a great family movie to curl up on the couch with, "Firelight" with Cuba Gooding Jr. is a Hallmark movie that is sure to warm the heart. The best scene involves the antagonist's daughter on visitation day at a prison.

The little girl is sure to steal your heart as she plays with her on-screen mom and then cries when having to be separated. This is by far my favorite scene, not only because it tugs the heart strings, but because the girl is my own sweet daugher, Solange.

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Yes, I get to brag on this edition of Suwanee Patch. My 5 year old recently had the opportunity to be in a movie that was filmed in Conyers. What was meant to be a simple 30-second pass-by turned into several shots on-screen because the directors fell in love with her. With Atlanta being home to more and more on-screen projects, it may not be the last time she graces a set.

What was meant to be a simple 30-second pass-by turned into several shots on-screen because the directors fell in love with her.

Find out what's happening in Suwaneewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

While it may seem that being on a movie is glamorous, it is far from it. Many extras volunteer for the opportunity of screen time or just to see famous people.

When there is a paid gig, the pay is very low, typically between $60-70 per 8 hour day. For children, a parent or guardian must stay on set the whole time. As a work-at-home mom, I did not have to take time off, but I did have to hire a sitter for my other children, as they are not allowed on set. The pay did not cover the sitter nor the gas. Extra work does not help with getting bigger roles either, but will help you get more extra roles.

The perks are fun though. I personally met several lead actors which was fun. I spent a day just with my little one, which is hard to do with four children. The food is typically amazing, with a caterer feeding the entire crew.

If the acting business interests you, being an extra may not be the way to go. The same companies that cast for extras do not cast principal roles. The best route is to attend acting classes and to attend as many auditions as possible. Getting an agent is a good idea as they often have access to more auditions.

Our agent was able to get my oldest daughter Tatiana, 10, access to an extra role in an upcoming movie with Val Kilmer called " The Goats.". If making $70 dollars a day for doing very little work interests you, being an extra is a great way to accomplish that.

Facebook has many "extras" companies that post what they are looking for. Simply search for Extras Atlanta to find local ones. When posts are up, apply as soon as possible as they are often on short notice and in a hurry.

Do you have an interesting experience to relate, possibly for a Suwanee Patch feature? Email steve.burns@patch.com

 


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