Ethics of Hollywood

Mathews writes that “one person” said it is “not unheard of for a film company to hire extras to serve as ‘location wives’ for lonely crew members toiling out of town.” In 20 years as an extra, I have not heard of this practice.

I’m sure many producers, actors and crew members have taken friends and/or lovers on location and then cast them as extras to cover up the real reason they were there. But I seriously doubt that unknown persons would be hired as “location wives.” To do so would certainly be reason for all kinds of sex-discrimination suits.

Since the film industry’s beginning, extras have been abused and underpaid . . . and often have been the subject of rumors.

GENE POE

President, Screen Extras Guild

Los Angeles