Starring as a film extra might be the closest I get to an Oscar!

Catriona Loughran • Published 25 Feb 2010 10:02 Comments 1 Comment

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British actor Ben Barnes and Irish actor Robert Sheehan during filming of 'Killing Bono'.

I was an unusual child at school. When our primary six teacher asked us to draw a picture of what we wanted to be when we grew up, I was knee deep in crayons and eager to share my aspirations with the rest of the class.

As we drew our pictures with hope etched on our little faces, I gazed around at my friend Clare, who was carefully colouring in clouds and sunshine on top of her big house with her dream family and on my right was Johnathan who was a drawing a picture of himself driving a ferocious CAT digger.

I remember looking down at my own creation and couldn't help but think it was a little bit over-imaginative as I glued the last piece of gold glitter to my Oscar that I hoped to receive at the 2010 Academy Awards!

That particular memory of my innocent childhood days never seemed to leave me (especially after everyone in the class started laughing when they saw mine) I knew myself from that moment on, the burning ambition for success was going to haunt me for the rest of my years.

So the time has come, it's 2010 and... no I don't live in Hollywood nor have I been nominated for an Oscar but I did manage to land myself a role in a new film currently being shot in Belfast.

Now when I said role, I really meant jumping up and down with a group of screaming fans at a make believe rock concert, but what better way I thought to bring in a Thursday afternoon than being a film extra.

I applied before Christmas to be an extra for much-talked-about film 'Killing Bono'.

It's a comedy about two Dublin brothers chasing a dream of becoming rock stars like their school rivals Bono, Larry, The Edge and Adam and formed their very own rock band called "Shook Up".

Although their rock fame does not quite have the acclaimed success of their schoolboy counterparts, the movies follows them trailing in the shadows of U2.

It is based on Neil McCormick's autobiography, 'I Was Bono's Doppleganger' and he is played by British actor Ben Barnes who is the star of the Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and Irish actor Robert Sheehan plays his hapless brother.

Like the band, I wanted to chase my own dream and jumped at the chance of getting involved, not only because I'm a die-hard fan of U2, but I thought this could be my BIG moment, so I dressed in baggy t-shirt, bangles and purple suede boots and sped up the M1 fuelled with the "extra" factor.

We were told to assemble at Mandela Hall at Queens University for 3pm and as I joined the large queue of 1980 wannabes I felt like I was transported into a Culture Club music video.

When we entered the hall, we were each told to make our way to the costume department to ensure we all looked the part and after been given the once over by wardrobe we waited to be called into the set.

As I looked around the room, there were some amazing costumes with each extra sporting every fashion trend of the decade from doorknocker earrings and rah rah skirts, to dungarees and stone-washed denim jackets.

After waiting for almost an hour in the students' union, one of the assistant directors (complete with bomber jacket and walkie-talkie) finally came down to explain the itinerary.

When we stepped inside Mandella Hall it was manic with expensive-looking cameras in every corner and people scurrying round with measuring tapes, head piece microphones, make-up brushes and clipboards.

The director for "Killing Bono" Nick Hamm, thanked the 260 strong crowd for turning up and told us to chant the band's name "Shook Up, Shook Up..." before exploding into applause and shouting "We want more!".

He explained that we would have to do this about six or seven times before he was happy with the shot.

The majority of the extras were drama and music students from Belfast but it was clear there were a few chosen models strategically placed at the front row to glare seductively at the stars on stage.

I, to my disdain, was put to the back.

But no matter where you stood, it was excellent fun and when the actors came out on stage it felt like you were at a real rock concert and when they began filming, out came the clapperboard "annnd action!" shouted the director.

Filming lasted for the length of the song and then we would break for about 15 minutes and sent out to the Union to wait again. We were given food and drink and spot prizes were handed out to raffle tickets holders including two tickets to see U2 live in Europe.

In between breaks and being the journalist I am, I got to speak briefly to Mr. Hamm who discussed the film's progress and he told me the importance of extras in films.

"If you don't have extras you can't make a film. It will look unrealistic and boring. We have had a great time working in Belfast and Dublin and the extras have been great. This afternoon has been a lot of fun and everyone is up for it and the great thing is, they will all be in the film!"

After clapping and screaming to the same song and the same band for six hours the day drew to a close and by the end the only thing that was "Killing" was my feet!

It was surreal to see British actor Ben Barnes in the flesh and he was very down to earth talking to the extras and signing autographs. At the end, up and coming Irish actor Robert Sheehan, who stars in E4's "Misfits" shouted to the crowd, "thanks for coming out and thanks for making us feel like rock stars" and made everyone feel part of the film.

I hobbled to my car on the Lisburn Road feeling elated but got a few funny looks from passers-by assuming I was about to attend a fancy dress party. Overall, the day was really fun and everything I expected and more and would encourage anyone who is interested in drama or acting to give it a go when the chance becomes available.

As for my Hollywood dream, well, it's still there.

My friend Clare has got her big house and has baby number two on the way and Johnathan owns at least 10 of those big CAT diggers so the pressure is on for me to deliver the goods. Although I wouldn't count on an Oscar just yet! I'll just be happy to learn that my clapping hands or swaying head made it to the final cut and will sit back, enjoy the film and relish my 15 seconds of fame.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 25 Feb 10

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Alison
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Feb 26, 19:38
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Can't find the name of the author but think we might have spoken briefly. Seem to remember posing in the stairwell for a photo with Dennis who played the drug dealer!

Enjoyed the article, hope you get to see yourself on the big screen!

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