As a retired High School Theatre teacher I wish I had this documentary to share with my students when I was still teaching. I always tried to explain to my students that only 1% of want to be actors will become "Brad Pitt" famous. Most actors are just "working" actors. Some actors will become character actors and make a really nice living. But, this documentary focuses in on the "Extras" and gives a really great glimpse into the lives of the people who make up the crowd scenes in the movies and TV show everyday. It is a little long, it could have been about half an hour shorter but overall, it's very informative, very touching, and very eye opening. I highly recommend this documentary.

This is one of the stranger documentaries I've seen in some time and I was surprised that the film actually hooked me and kept my interest. It's all about ten folks who are professional extras--and from what I was able to gather, that is their only job! Now considering how little it pays, it kept me wondering how they could afford to do this. Did they have spouses who supported them? Were they living off inheritances? I could see that in a few cases, they seemed to be living rather marginal lives.The film consists of lots of interviews and film clips with these people. As for the film clips, I really liked what the film makers did--turn the prints black & white and then colorize the featured extra so you can recognize them. Some of the interviews seemed very mundeane, some were moving and some made me laugh (such as the guy who seemed REALLY worried about doing gay roles).A few other interesting things to look for: the Asian-American guy who ends up getting chosen to play, of all people, Abe Lincoln! the big guy's room--you'd think that he'd clean it before the film crew arrived....at least I HOPE he hadn't cleaned it first! The film is, at times, rather sad and moving. Several of the people seemed to lead very marginal existences and it's easy to worry about them and their futures. These are odd folks, but the film does make you care about them.

This fun, endearing film documents the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of a number of Hollywood's veteran "extras". You really get to know and love these people, and if at first, you wondered why anyone would put themselves through the aggravation of all those cattle calls and cold calls, and useless callbacks, by the end of the movie, you realize the love that these extras have for the movie-making process. They'll do anything to be a part of it, however small, brief, or fleeting. Director, Jason Connell, really captures the moments. He's there for the disappointments and the heroic moments of these actors—yes, the movie proves that even background players are truly actors. His use of clips from the feature films these extras have performed in is illuminating and hilarious. After spending time with the real characters in Strictly Background, you'll want to know more about their lives and what happened after the cameras stopped rolling. Do I hear a sequel or a TV show coming Jason?

"Strictly Background" is a great film! Two thumbs way up! There is a reason it has won so many awards and been featured at so many festivals. Director, Jason Connell does a good job of picking interesting characters to follow and then keeps the film moving. The music, editing and special effects also add to the momentum! It really sheds light on the "extras" industry and shows the ups and downs of being in it. You really feel for these guys! Finally these extras get to be the stars in this film. Bravo! It's all around fun! It's a must see! Can't wait to see what Connell has up his sleeve for his next project. He's one to keep an eye on!