From Chance Encounter to Movie Extra: A Day on the Set of 'The Devil Wears Prada 2
The world of movie extras can be a challenging one, as one aspiring actor found out while working on the set of "The Devil Wears Prada 2." Matthew Ables, a first-time actor, shared his experience of filming two scenes for the movie, which involved purchasing a suit for the role. Despite being paid $238.50 for his work, Ables ended up taking home only $28.50 after deducting the cost of the suit. His journey to becoming an extra started with a chance encounter with Meryl Streep filming in Midtown, leading to a whirlwind shopping spree and a long day on set.
Ables' unexpected foray into the world of movie extras began when he stumbled upon the filming of "The Devil Wears Prada 2" in Midtown. After spotting Meryl Streep in character as Miranda Priestly, he contacted the production company and was cast as an extra for two scenes. The experience required him to bring multiple wardrobe options, including a suit for one role and upscale street clothes for another. Despite his limited knowledge of fashion, Ables managed to navigate the wardrobe requirements and make it to the set at Redeemer Presbyterian Church for hair, makeup, and wardrobe.
On the day of filming, Ables found himself in a black Alfani suit, which he mistakenly believed was Armani. This misunderstanding led to a tense moment with the wardrobe team, but ultimately, the suit was deemed suitable for both scenes. The filming process involved long hours and multiple takes, with the Met Gala scene taking place late into the night outside the American Museum of Natural History. Despite the challenges, Ables enjoyed a break for lunch inside the museum lobby, surrounded by dinosaur fossils.
As the filming continued late into the night, Ables observed the dedication of the crew, including a crew member tasked with sorting trash from the extras. Despite the long hours and minimal pay, Ables found the experience of being an extra in a major movie production to be both challenging and rewarding. The behind-the-scenes glimpse into the world of movie-making left him with a newfound appreciation for the hard work and dedication required to bring a film to life.