intro
A 14 week qualitative research investigation into the experience of being a background actor in Los Angeles, to gain insight for design opportunity.
goal
To understand the daily life and motivations of background actors, and the Hollywood movie industry via their perspective.
EXPECTATIONS
We expected that the “Extras” community, was a place of last resort for many people career wise, because of popular perceptions that background actors do not need to have much talent to work.
Conclusion
Unlike the “lazy” stereotype, BG actors are industrious people whose time is constantly occupied by either working on set or else working in order to survive until the next job on set. Their love of the on-set experience and desire to be a part of something bigger than themselves trumps all manners of economic and psychological hardship.
outcomes
Based on gathered insights, we found design opportunities to assist background actors with their daily lives and achieving their goals.
