What's It Like To Be An Extra On 'Batman Vs. Superman?' They Don't Like Bald
By: Evan Jankens
@kingofthekc
When I was 7 years old and Santa was passing out gifts at my dad's company Christmas party, I got a copy of the movie "Batman."
I was so bummed out -- where were the toys?-- that it took me an entire calendar year to finally open up the movie and watch it.
I did my best to not like the movie, but how could anyone not like it?
That brings me to present day. In October of 2014, Batman vs. Superman director Zack Snyder called into the Stoney and Bill show to talk about Aquaman. Snyder offered an extra role to Stoney, Bill and Sara so I figured I would try to piggy back off of them and see if I could get a role too.
It didn't matter what time or day the shoot would be, I would be there. My friend Andy and myself were lucky enough to be able to do so.
It was a cold October day that turned into a long night with lots of costume changes, one wardrobe malfunction, and lots and lots of down time.
At the beginning, we were asked to dress as innocent bystanders, which included wearing a flannel shirt and denim pants. We were driven to a gigantic garage in Pontiac with roughly 50 other people. We had to sign non disclosures and give up our cell phones. We were offered lunch as we were told it was going to be "a long day."
A long day it was indeed.
The costume people looked over the clothes that we brought to see if they were good enough to be shown on film. I was instantly told I needed to be dressed in something else. They finally dressed me in official "innocent bystander" clothing, we were all lined up for the costume director.
When he got to me, he wanted my bald head to be covered by a "cabbie hat" and needed me to put on a pair of boots. For about 15 minutes, someone was looking around for a size 10 boot. While I was waiting, the costume director decided to put me into a suit. So I was walked to a costume trailer that was filled with hundreds of suits. I waited in that trailer for a few hours as they tried to find the right suit and shirt combo for me.
Finally, I was walked back to the gigantic garage to have my look approved by the costume designer. I was the final person in there as everyone else, including my friend, was driven to an outside scene in Pontiac. My outfit, a $3,000 Hugo Boss suit, was approved. Well, it was approved for the most part.
They once again wanted to find a hat for my bald head. I'm starting to think they had something against bald guys. I was driven over to the outside scene all by myself where I found my friend inside a trailer. By this time we had already been on the set for hours and hadn't shot a single thing.
Once I got off the bus and met with Andy, I found some coffee. The production team said it was OK. It was cold and I was starting to get tired so I needed it. I poured the coffee and made sure I got a lid so I didn't spill on myself since I was told how expensive the suit was and I knew how long it took for me to get dressed.
My first sip, the lid fell off and instantly coffee went down the front of the shirt. I couldn't believe it. I tried to hide it with my over coat that was given to me and asked my friend what I should do. He laughed and had no response other than to tell me I had better hope no one sees it.
What was I to do? I was so nervous. Would they kick me out since they spent all this time and within ten minutes of being dressed I ruined the outfit? Maybe it gave that authentic every man look.
It was time for dinner to be served. It was amazing food, soft-shell crab among other wonderful foods. I couldn't believe we were eating that well for free. When dinner finally finished up, five of us in suits were approached about a costume change.
97.1 The Ticket's program director Jimmy Powers had told me earlier in the week to not shave, saying if they wanted me to be shaved they would do so. I was asked point blank if it would be OK if they shaved me and I quickly said "yes." I was approached about being a police officer for the city of Metropolis. With the huge coffee stain down the front of the dress shirt I couldn't have said "yes" soon enough.
I was walked with two others to gigantic costume room that was full of uniforms for various rolls. I tried on the cop outfit that was a perfect fit and the crew approved me being a police officer.
After all these costume changes, as if I were an important role in the movie, I finally made it to set. Once I was dropped off, I was then lead to get my police belt, gun and all, hat and badges.
Then shooting happened for the next four to five hours. I stood next to a police car that entire time with my arm on top of the roof just looking around. In all actuality it was pretty boring, my arm was tired and I couldn't wait to get into my car and drive home.
But honestly, if given an opportunity again I would accept, knowing how to prepare.
I am going to see the movie tonight at 6:15 and I'm hoping to see myself for one second. I know it was a lot of work, but even that much screen time would make it completely acceptable to me.
All I want to know is what do major motion pictures have against bald guys?