Talk:Extra (acting)/Archives/2012

Merge from Supernumerary actor
I propose a merge tag of Supernumerary actor to Extra (actor) they appear to be different ways of describing the same item and the page Extra (actor) is wiki linked to much more significantly with Supernumerary actor being a near orphan other then WP:AFD and related links. Jeepday 02:48, 21 February 2007 (UTC)

I think they are a kind of extra...specific to opera. People are likely to search on supernumerary since extra is more common. They fufill the same function as extras, though usually they are foils and do not speak. Unlike extras, they actually draw attention to themselves as part of the set...adornment. 01:33, 27 February 2007 (UTC)Audrey Travaglini

Supernumeraries are quite different than extra actors because they are doing live theater not filming for movie or television there is no opportunity for re-take, the acting must be precise each time, some shows run for months on end, 8 shows per week plus it is critical in stage work not to steal focus from the principal as an extra is allowed to do. 11:48, 17 May 2007 (UTC)

I agree that extras are different from stage supernumaries and the articles should not be merged. As to differences in acting/scene stealing, it occurs in all disciplines of performing and not just among the background players, so let's not go there and say film extras are any worse than anyone else. DanielEng 03:51, 18 May 2007 (UTC)

It is inconceivable to me that anyone would argue that these two distinct terms be merged. Supernumerary is a highly distinct, highly specialized form of artist that can not be easily grouped into another category.

Edited for NPOV
I did a bit of editing on this article, because a lot of what was said was just inaccurate...I've made sure that everything changed has been cited. I hope the edit's cool for everyone. DanielEng 00:32, 21 March 2007 (UTC)

More information would be nice
Perhaps something about the contributory roles of military units not only on "modern" war movies but on historical epics, some westerns (which frequently used the armies of Italy, Spain, and Mexico depending on where the production took place)? And what about productions of Aïda notable for needing large numbers of "slaves" - or The Pirates of Penzance with its legion of constables...? knoodelhed (talk) 18:41, 19 October 2008 (UTC)

Jack Black an extra?
Jack Black was NOT an extra in Dead Man Walking - he had lines, and appeared in at least two scenes. Bit part is more like it.--Danish Ranger 12:55, 10 June 2009 (UTC) —Preceding unsigned comment added by Danish Ranger (talk • contribs)

List of Extras

 * 1) Cuban President Fidel Castro was an extra in the 1946 movie Holiday in Mexico before becoming Cuba's leader.
 * 2) Novelist-philosopher Ayn Rand was an extra in The King of Kings before becoming a renowned writer.

How are these people relevant? I quote: "Many actors who became celebrities began their careers as extras in other productions. For example:..." Is this list just for any big names that were once actors? It seems to me like the list was appropriate to point out that extras can go on to have big acting careers. Sandwiches99 (talk) 20:15, 2 August 2009 (UTC)

Edit - Not to mention it clearly says "actors who became celebrities". Sandwiches99 (talk) 20:16, 2 August 2009 (UTC)