I will be among them.

Filming of the feature movie Top End Wedding starts today, and on Friday as well.

Producers were overwhelmed with the number of local applicants after they called out for Katherine residents to apply to become extras on the film, starring Miranda Tapsell.

It has always been a bit of a dream of mine to be on the big screen. 

So when producers announced they were looking for extras, it seemed like fate. 

I had just moved to Katherine, and how often does a film pick a location, such as Nitmulik Gorge, so close to this town, how could it not be fate. 

There was talk of some very coveted roles going and I wanted one.

Those of us brave enough to put our hands up for the roles should have received a confirmation email by now. 

Receiving my email last Thursday, I nervously opened it to good news. 

Co-Producer Liam Heyen said he was “delighted” to offer me the role as an extra on Top End Wedding.

Along with about 15 others, I will form the backdrop for the movie’s scenes shot in Katherine.

Our roles?

Tourists visiting the Gorge. 

My dreams had come true and I didn’t even have to audition. 

Maybe because I have no lines to learn, there’s no dialogue.

The role of tourist calls for some serious acting, in which I have no qualifications. 

And a lot of time perfecting the different characteristics of a tourist. There is the stance, the walk, the way they look at surroundings with amazement, to perfect. 

Perhaps the point, gesturing to a spouse (pretend) or a friend some wonder of local nature, like the sandstone art, or the Goudian finch.

I have been practicing for weeks, and with Katherine being the tourist hub of the Northern Territory, I have had plenty of tourist watching opportunities. 

Our day of filming will be long and hard with an early start to the day, and what I am sure will be lots of takes to get those scenes perfect. 

We have been instructed to provide our own costumes and look as if we are “going out on a day trip”. 

Nothing too bright or crazy as this can strobe on camera, and no brands or logos. 

We have also been asked to bring along (if we have them) a variety of props such as bumbags, binoculars or hats – things to make ourselves look as touristy as possible, also important for really getting into character.

A final call time is still to be established, all movie-business-like, but we are expecting that will be in our inbox today. 

No matter what though, I think I am ready. 

After all, I have put in the time and the effort to get my character down pat. 

My role may not have lines, but as they say, there are no small parts, only small actors.  

And if all that fails, at least I will get a glimpse into the rarely seen world of making movies.

Stay tuned, I will keep you updated.