My Day as a 'Supporting Artist' on Starz 'Outlander' Season 2

#Outlander, one of the tent-pole shows currently showing on #Starz is a show steeped in rich Scottish history. I confess, however, I'd never heard of it until I joined a local talent agency offering background extras roles for tv and film in Scotland. This is something I'd never seriously considered but since I'm a You-tubing filmmaker by day and Movie-Pilot writer by night (or whenever the hell I can get to a keyboard) I figured what the hell! This opened up a chance to gain some much-needed experience on a real film set and getting paid to boot! Not bad for a sassenach like myself aye?

Jacobite Rising!

So after hearing about a few jobs on the show, I was asked down for a couple of costume fits and got my first look at the Outlander studio. Based in Cumbernauld and within an hours drive of Edinburgh, it didn't look any different from the run-of-the-mill business parks you drive past on a daily basis. The only clue you're entering a film studio is perhaps the partially painted green floor and signboards that decorated the car park. These are no doubt used for taking photo's of the cast in front of a blank background to be added later or any special effect shot involving a set or location that doesn't exist.

So after arriving and meeting some of the extras wranglers (not sure of their official title but this is close enough) I was ushered into the wardrobe department and tried on a few variations of clothing they'd already put together with my size details. I remember thinking the clothes looked like something my granddad would wear. Still, this is why you do this job - to put on strange clothes and play at someone you're not. I actually think EVERYONE should try this at some point in their lives as its the closest thing to being a kid again. Seriously, it can be so much fun.

So have a look at my Outlander scenes below in my vlog video segment. If you've not got to the end of Season 2 of Outlander, there are some PLOT SPOILERS so you have been warned...

Where is Our Bonny Prince Charlie?

Did you spot me "hamming" it up as that slightly (I say slightly) geeky student with that Beatles-esque hairdo. Firstly I want to say I haven't had such a bad hair style since my own days in high school and secondly brown is not my best color. The wardrobe Dept did a great job at capturing the feel of 1960s Scotland, I wanted some of those groovy looking spectacles that a few extras got to wear. Luckily I had my contact lenses in for the 2 days we shot as my modern day glasses would never have passed for the 1960s period.

Being a true Yorkshire-man from Leeds, England and now living in the north-east of Scotland, I got the honor of becoming part of Outlander's rich tapestry. I'm starting to sound a little pompous and I know I'm not playing a lead part or even getting to spout a line of dialogue. Still, being able to basically play in the background of a scene can be both exhilarating and rewarding. Personally, I've always considered acting and filming the closest thing to being a child-at-play again since my youth. That being said its not always easy or without stress but I'd sooner be within the film industry than stuck in a dead-end office job somewhere. I've had plenty of those types so I know of what I speak.

The scenes for the University rally were shot at Sterling University and it was quite a long shoot. You can't appreciate what the filmmakers accomplish until you see them do take, after take, after take and all from so many angles. Part of the reason I wanted to be an extra was so I could see what it really took to create films with a budget and the proper equipment. As a mostly non-budget filmmaker, I have to make do with whoever and whatever I have on hand. So this really opened my eyes to another world!

The pub scenes were great too because we were in a real pub which was a local working mans club by the side of a Loch. After being told we were having a pint it seemed like a great idea, although it wasn't actual alcohol we were consuming. I found out that when they drink in the movies, its only fizzy colored water that tastes awful YUK! The only benefit was being close to the stunning actress #LotteVerbeek who was back (very)unexpectedly in the season finale.

Lastly...

I almost forgot I did see the actual stars of the show #CatrionaBalfe (Claire), #SamHeughan (Jamie) and #RomanBerrux (Fergus) as they returned to their trailers after filming. In fact, Sam actually turned his head sharply in my direction as no-doubt he had the sensation of someone watching him. Having been sat doing very little in the catering bus all day with only one other extra as company, I think we were both staring like idiots at the sight of these celebs arriving. Probably didn't help we were dressed as gypsy bandits either really...