One day, while I was looking through the newspaper for the weekly sales, I noticed an ad for young adults who were wanted for various modeling positions or to work as extras in the movies. Although it intrigued me, I shrugged it off thinking it could only be a scam. When the boys came home from school, I told them of my find. Doug was not the least bit interested, but Terry jumped at the chance and begged me to check it out. I warned him of the fraudulent aspect of the ad, but he pleaded saying, “Mom, could you please just call and see if it is real?” I talked it over with Ron who was adamant that I be careful of being reeled in like an unsuspecting fish. I promised I would be diligent. I made the call the next morning to the Hamilton number supplied in the ad. I was both pleasantly surprised and thrilled about the exciting information I received. Therefore, I immediately made an appointment for Terry to be interviewed the following day. Ron quizzed me in a hundred different ways until he was satisfied the information I had was on the level. Terry was overjoyed at the thought of working in the movies, even if only as and ‘extra’. I begged him not to get too carried away until his interview was completed. That was like asking a little boy in a candy Shoppe not to want a piece of candy. Terry was up and dressed hours before we had to leave. Once there, we were surprised to find a small, one room dreary office in a rather dull, half run down building. Taking hold of Terry’s hand, I took a deep breath before entering. My first instinct was to run the other way as fast as we could. The heavy wooden door squeaked as I opened it, which alerted the only person in the office. He immediately stood up to greet us. Extending his hand to me, he said, “Good afternoon and welcome. Have you come in response to our ad?”
“Yes, I am here with my son, Terry. You advertised the need for young people for modeling positions and to work as extras in the movies? I have an appointment to see Stan. I assume that would be you?”
“Yes it certainly would, and you must be Chris?”
I nodded and smiled. I think Stan sensed my uneasiness with their unprofessional location and the lack of secretary in the office, for without hesitation he said, “Please excuse our informal location – it is only temporary. We needed to find an office ASAP here in Hamilton so we could do interviews immediately. There are three movies booked to be filmed in this area and they need extras who are ready willing and able before the end of this week. Our new office will be in one of the new buildings downtown. Feeling more at ease, I asked, “So, what do you need from us?” Stan motioned to the two wooden chairs in front of his desk and Terry and I sat down and made ourselves comfortable. Stan turned his attention to Terry and asked. “So young man, which of our programs are you interested in?” Almost before Stan could finish, Terry blurted out excitedly, “Working in the movies!” Stan laughed, “What no modeling?”
“Not really – I would prefer not to do that. That is what my mom used to do” Stan looked at me with a questioning look but I quickly changed the subject.
“Stan are there certain specifications needed?”
“Not really. You will have to sign a contract that you will work for us only. We get our money by supplying the extras to the movie companies.”
“Do we have to pay a fee or buy anything?’
“No, we have no fees or sign up costs. You get paid by the hour, whether you are physically working or not, as long as you are on the set. Terry, you will have to come here to this office or when the new one is opened to that one when you are ‘called’. We provide transportation to the designated location. Now, if you decided you want to be a driver, you will have to take others with you but you get paid gas money as well. We can figure all of that out once you see if you like the work. One last thing Terry, there is no set or guaranteed hours. If this suits you, we can draw up the contract.” Terry was very excited with all the information we received, and already had pen in hand. Just as Stan was finishing his paper work, he looked at me and said, “How about you Chris?” I must have looked confused for he continued with, “Why don’t you sign up too?”
“Me? Are you kidding? I am not here for me. I am here for my son.”
Christine M. Hannon, Author, Artist, Poet and Entrepreneur 