Casting: Extras extras

Nathan Johnson

“The past five years was kind of a greed session, and now everybody’s got a hangover.”  (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)

Brian Estwick

“My brother’s been pushing me to come in, because I¡¦ve got a different look,” he says. When asked to describe it, he laughs, an earthquake rumbling through 320 pounds of muscle. “The guy from ‘The Green Mile,’ an athletic, big black guy.”  (Michael Robinson Chavez / Los Angeles Times)

Christina Tucker

“I’ve had ups and downs in the industry before, but I didn’t really think it was going to last this long.”  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Casting for a tat attack

Joshua Morgan, 35, of San Clemente, has his photograph taken, showing all his tattoos, while registering at Central Casting in Burbank.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

In line

David Dossett, 40, left, of Irvine, and Mike Peterson, 33, of Lake Elsenore, show up at Central Casting in Burbank on March 23, 2009, to register to work as extras in movies, television, commercials and still shoots.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

The scene at Central Casting

People stand in line to register at Central Casting in Burbank.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

At the ready

David Nelson, 43, of Sun City, and his daughter Samantha Nelson, 20, of Covina, at Central Casting.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)

The crowd

People stand in line to register at Central Casting in Burbank.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)