New photo of Anna Kendrick on the set "Pitch Perfect"

Students get a taste of Hollywood as movie extras

University students are following in the footsteps of Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Megan Fox, who all started their careers as background actors in feature films. Louisiana has exploded in popularity as a destination for filmmakers, ranking third in film and television production nationwide. 
The state's tax incentive program has resulted in more than 300 Louisiana movie productions since 2006, including "The Twilight Saga" and "Battle: Los Angeles," according to Louisiana Economic Development. Theatre graduate student Donald Watkins has a feature role in "Pitch Perfect," part of which was filmed on campus last semester, where he sings and dances as part of a fictional group called the "Treble Makers." Watkins credited landing the role to his agent and the booming entertainment industry of the state. "Louisiana is so hot for film and television right now," Watkins said. "If you have the passion and drive, it's the place to be." Watkins appears in the film alongside celebrities Brittany Snow and Anna Kendrick, who he described as welcoming and humble. 
Mass communication sophomore Haylee Clark also interacted with stars when she served as a featured extra for "Never Back Down 2," which was filmed in Baton Rouge in late 2010. She said although she is normally outspoken, she was rendered speechless when she sat next to "Twilight" star Alex Meraz. Clark, who has served as an extra in three productions, said watching herself as an extra in a movie is a unique experience. "I don't listen to anything else that is going on. I don't even pay attention to the plot," Clark said. "I'm just waiting for the little glimpse of me." Watkins said after enduring hours of scene re-shoots, he now focuses on camera angles and continuity slip-ups when watching a movie. He said his newfound criticism almost inhibits his movie experience. Devin Guidry, theatre sophomore, said she appreciated her role as an extra in the movie "Zombie Hamlet," but would prefer more principal roles in the future. "I felt like I was in a herd of cows," Guidry said. "We were shuffled back and forth as they pleased." Guidry said she had to entertain herself between scenes since extras have a lot of down time. She wasn't paid for acting in the movie, but she expected that when she volunteered. Hank Langlois, casting director for Caballero Casting, said his company is constantly searching for a diverse pool of people to become movie extras. He said there is a particular need for college-aged extras, as long as working does not conflict with school. "We cast over 3,300 extras for our last movie, ‘Pitch Perfect,' and a lot of them were college students," Langlois said. "A lot of casting calls are for that age range."

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