Older Adults in Demand as Movie Extras

Casting a wide net

While thousands of older folks are ready and waiting for camera time, available parts could become limited because of budget crunches that could affect how much states can offer in film incentives. For example, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, R, announced plans to cut incentives from the $163 million approved for 2010 to a cap of $25 million starting in fiscal 2012. The Michigan Production Alliance and other organizations are continuing to lobby for a bigger budget on behalf of extras, stagehands and others.

A lingering recession could bode poorly for the fledgling film industry outside Hollywood, according to casting director Bill Marinella, 40, of Bill Marinella Casting. The company has moved from Louisiana to Michigan and now to Georgia and Florida to chase the most lucrative film tax credits. For now, the influx of work is excellent — Marinella says that older extras in Atlanta can work every day of the week.

He recruited a number of older extras for the remake of Footloose, and was so satisfied with the people he found that he went looking for more.

"I've actually gone to churches, civic groups and the Georgia Department of Labor asking people to participate in crowd scenes," he says. "I tell people that gray hair is fine, if it's short and neat and you look like a hip grandfather or grandmother."

Got special skills?

Elizabeth Gabel, 55, owner of EG Casting in Albuquerque, says more than half of her 18,000-person database is older adults. She pays just over minimum wage for most extra roles, more when the person has a special skill, such as a nurse who can demonstrate a medical procedure, a fireman who can help put out a blaze or a couple who can waltz through a ballroom scene.

Film work especially appeals to Cindy La Ferle. "You get a rare look behind the scenes and a crash course in filmmaking," she says. It also gives her a break from caring for her ailing mother. Plus, she earns some money, finds fodder for her blog and gets to eyeball stars like Richard Gere, Thomas Jane, Hugh Jackman and George Clooney.

It's a dream come true for the La Ferles. "Doug and I have had filmmaking on our bucket list forever," Cindy says. "Even after Red Dawn, we didn't realize the experience would lead to a dozen more film opportunities. How often does anyone get to actively participate in a film, even in a small way?"

Maureen McDonald is a writer in Detroit.