Watch Strictly Background

Strictly Background is a fascinating documentary-style movie that takes a closer look at the lives of extras in Hollywood. Directed by Jason Connell, the 2007 film is an engaging tale about the sacrifices and struggles that background actors experience in their quest to make it in the entertainment industry. Geoffrey Gould, Cecilia Hartfeld, and Terry Bolo headline the film, providing a window into the unseen world of extras. The film follows their lives - and those of a host of other extras - as they go through the daily routine of auditioning and working on various film and TV productions.

At the core of the movie is the fascinating insight into the world of background acting. There is a lot that goes on behind the scenes, and this movie gives us a chance to see that. In the words of one of the extras interviewed, "People always talk about the movie stars, but nobody even thinks about the people in the background."

The movie delves into the various reasons why people become extras. For some, it is a way to make money on the side, while others have ambitions to become actors. Nonetheless, for most of them, the work is not stable, and they have to hustle and network to get the next job.

Strictly Background takes us through the fascinating process of how extras are picked for roles. We get a glimpse into the audition process, where hundreds of hopefuls show up for a few coveted spots. We see how extra casting agencies work to match the background actors to the appropriate roles, from the period in history to the characters' social status.

One of the most fascinating parts of the movie is how it interweaves the experiences of extras with moments from the sets of TV shows and movies that they have worked on. We see how extras interact with the principal actors. We see how they prepare for their scenes, often in the background, running through the same motions over and over again to ensure they play their part perfectly.

The movie takes on an authentic "fly-on-the-wall" approach, as we see the day-to-day activities of the extras. We lose ourselves in their struggles and triumphs as we come to understand that all these people are actors just like anybody else. They have stories, dreams, and ambitions, and their lives aren't any less valid than that of the stars they share the screen with.

The movie's various interviews and profiles show the complexities of the industry, and the myriad of reasons that people pursue backgrounds. We learn how these people navigate the cut-throat nature of Hollywood, always hustling and networking to land their next gig.

Strictly Background is an insightful and fascinating glimpse into Hollywood's background acting industry. It is an engaging tale, which provides a unique and compelling perspective on what goes on behind the camera.

The film leaves viewers with a newfound respect for the unsung heroes of the entertainment industry. It raises a host of important questions about the nature of fame, talent, and perseverance, gently reminding us that sometimes, it's the people in the background who deserve the most attention.

Strictly Background is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.