So it's been almost 3 1/2 years since my last Blog entry under West meets East which chronicled my early saturation and transformation from West Coast Seattlite to East Coast New Yorker. We've been here now almost 4 1/2 years and I still love it. Despite a move to a new apartment, we never did leave mid-town and I'm glad we never did--the centrality is just too addicting. It is all still energy infused--now with a level of comfort and familiarity that heartens exploration. My latest foray has taken me into the place that pulls so many people to NYC--performing! I've entered the world of working as an Extra and what a world it is. I've been wanting to write again about my experiences here in NYC, but until now, didn't feel I had a good platform from which to make observations and associations. But Wow, being an Extra, I think will provide a rich backdrop and context. Given my background and training as a psychologist, I cannot help but be fascinated by the process of what all goes on and into being an Extra for myself and others I meet. It's far more than meets the eye--at least through my lens.
Why an Extra you might ask? Especially for me given how I much I like to fly under the radar. I've been wanting to get back to earning a little extra money since my very, very, very part time research job ran out of funding almost 2 years ago. I'd been doing a lot of volunteering but really missed having my own stream of income, even it was only a mere trickle. I heard about Extra work a while ago, and thought, well even I can do that work. It's a good fit because it offers lots of flexibility, can pay relatively well, is interesting, doesn't require a return to school, and allows an inside view on all the filming that is constantly going on in this city. It's been quite a learning process. My naivety and obtuseness was profound as I look back. For those interested in doing this work, read and learn. For those just curious, read. Welcome to my world.
Why an Extra you might ask? Especially for me given how I much I like to fly under the radar. I've been wanting to get back to earning a little extra money since my very, very, very part time research job ran out of funding almost 2 years ago. I'd been doing a lot of volunteering but really missed having my own stream of income, even it was only a mere trickle. I heard about Extra work a while ago, and thought, well even I can do that work. It's a good fit because it offers lots of flexibility, can pay relatively well, is interesting, doesn't require a return to school, and allows an inside view on all the filming that is constantly going on in this city. It's been quite a learning process. My naivety and obtuseness was profound as I look back. For those interested in doing this work, read and learn. For those just curious, read. Welcome to my world.
No comments:
Post a Comment