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My story might be called the ACCIDENTAL EXTRA. There are legitimate, more common ways to become a movie or television extra. I took the back door.

The first time I got a role in a movie as an extra was in the Navy when my ship was used as a backdrop for the television mini-series From Herman Wouk's THE WINDS OF WAR. I ended up little more than a shadow in the background (if that) but I got to see how the industry worked.

Hollywood loves to work with military people because they are used to taking direction and are skilled at performing the same action in exactly the same way over and over. Military people are also patient; we're used to being required to stand around in uncomfortable places waiting for something to happen.

The next time I got into the movies was on my return to that same ship. There's something about the name ENTERPRISE that attracts movie makers! The next crew to show up made a hit movie about a pilot flying F-14 Tomcats. He went off to a Navy School called TOP GUN.

We spent an extra 10 days at sea on top of the 11 we had scheduled so the film crew could get their shots. I got more experience with film production techniques, shooting procedures and actually got to meet some of the principle characters.

Anthony Edwards loved to interact with the crew. I don't want to knock Tom Cruise for his behavior so I'll skip that part. Kelly McGillis was kept up high away from us enlisted guys. In fact we heard it was supposed to be Phoebe Cates; everybody's fantasy girl from FAST TIMES.

The first time I actually got into a movie as a private citizen was in San Francisco. There was an announcement of a casting call on the radio. I got the number and had some time off work so I dropped in. That's where my education began.

I went in carrying a couple of outfits from my wardrobe that might fit their requested motif. It turned out the clothes I was wearing worked even better.

The casting agency took my picture, though it would have been better to invest in a professional head shot.

TIP: I was in the Navy at the time. One of the most common images in Hollywood movies is a Sailor traveling. So to get more parts, first BE fit! Then have a set of Crackerjacks that fit. There are plenty of places to learn how to wear one properly.

Additionally, don't pile on the medals. The movies usually want young Sailors, not a war hero. Too many awards worn improperly look stupid and increase the chances you'll be skipped over. In this case, less is more.

There are many companies looking

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