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Norman Holden - as a film 'extra'
For their first meeting of the New Year, Surrey Border Film & Video Makers gathered to hear Norman Holden talk about his fascination for appearing as an extra in TV programmes and films. His talk was illustrated with clips of his appearances, carefully highlighted in advance by Club chairman, Gordon Sutton.
In everyday life, Norman is a bank manager, but he has fitted in appearances as an extra in no less than 13 films and 50 TV screenings, including 7 episodes of ‘The Bill’. Apparently he can be involved in a whole day’s filming and yet still find his appearance is only for a few seconds or even not at all, as has happened with 3 of these episodes. It may also happen in the forthcoming Harry Potter film ‘The Order of the Phoenix’, but if he does appear, we will see his name in the credits. The pay is the same whether his part is used or not, but the excitement, for him, is in the involvement. Club members were enthralled to hear about his escapades.
The club is happy to use outsiders in its own productions - both as extras and for some more major parts. Although there is no budget for guest actors, the appeal of the experience seems to be a sufficient attraction, particularly among amateur dramatic actors. Their involvement has increased considerably in recent years and looks set to be the norm in the future.
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