The Fable House Podcast features Chris Lightfoot, now Director of Studio Operations at Celtic Studios, recounting a humorous (and frustrating) story from his early days trying to break into the film industry.
Before his current role, he was working at Outback Steakhouse while trying to find his way into film. His friend signed up to be a movie extra, and after some initial hesitation, Chris joined him. They were extras on the film Battle: Los Angeles and spent days filming in Baton Rouge and surrounding areas, dressed as soldiers. Chris’s friend, Eric, was incredibly dedicated, even remembering specific spots during numerous takes of a sand dune scene so he could easily find himself in the movie later. However, when they finally saw the film, Eric was almost entirely cut out. Chris, on the other hand, had a brief close-up shot (success!), seemingly randomly captured while shooting B-roll, while Eric’s weeks of work resulted in almost no screen time.
The story highlights the often unpredictable and sometimes unfair nature of the film industry, and how even dedication and hard work don’t always guarantee screen time. The hosts humorously lament the fact that a B-roll shot ended up being the only one used for Chris, and they ask the camera operator to come forward and tell his side of the story if he’s out there watching.
Here’s a link to see the opening credits for Battle: Los Angeles so you can see Chris in all his glory: Battle: Los Angeles (2011) – Opening Scene. Don’t blink or you’ll miss it.