From extras to actors

Sheer determination got them TV roles

TELEVISION extras are always in the background.

These people appear for a split second without facing us, creating visual ambience for scenes and mumbling inaudible words.

Because we never really bother about these people and their roles, until the camera zooms in on them, Sowetan decided to find out how a person is transformed from an extra to a character.

Boitumelo Letlape of Rhythm City, who plays Nomsa the receptionist for 99 Studios, got a break after appearing as an extra in the soapie for two years.

"For all that time I was just the receptionist behind the counter, sitting there do nothing" Letlape says.

The job, if we can call it a job at all, comes with its specs. Her clothes were her own and she had to travel every four days to get to the set, sometimes at very odd hours.

"I had to change my wardrobe every day, which meant shopping a lot - with my own money. You don't go to work with new clothes every day, but this is TV, people, watch what you wear. But I didn't have to buy make-up" she chuckles.

She says doing the same thing over and over again can be a bore.

"You sit there and do nothing. You want to be like the main characters and you tell yourself your time has not come yet," Letlape says.

She does not have a degree or diploma in acting, but believes if you want something you will get it.

Letlape's break came two years ago.

"I was so excited I couldn't believe it. I was going to have my own script, my own dialogue written for me. That was great," she says.

When she is not on the set she immerses herself in her studies as a make-up artist.

Alridge Baatjies, who has been a supporting extra in Isidingo for the last eight months, says: "It's a game of perseverance and determination."

Baatjies plays a security guard at the Duncan Hotel and he is always seen with Ed (Paul Buckby), head of security.

Baatjies, who has a Diploma in National Law, says his role is simple.

"I open and close doors and when I get to talk, it's only a few lines," he says.

But like Letlape, Baatjies believes determination is the key to end life as an extra.

"One needs to master the art of speaking in front of the camera," he says.

Letlape says: "I am growing as an actress. My big day was when I was in a scene with Gail (Pam Anderson)and I was given the thumbs-up."

Another actor who started as an extra is Brighton Ngoma, aka Quinton Majola.

Remember the barman who interacted with the patrons at Cole's Lounge in Scandal, who never said more than two lines for a full year? That's him.

"I was bored stiff and almost gave up. Then one day the director said: 'Give that guy two lines'," Ngoma says.

He credits his break to his personality.

"I am funny, I joke a lot. I am exciting and a ladies' man too" he adds.

Coming from a dramatic background has shaped his personality. Both his parents were actors, but the former model says he had to work hard.

"I am used to being in front of the camera, but this is different. Having to talk or act with the camera on you is another thing. I had to give my all for this role," Ngoma concludes.

So, being an extra can lead to greater things, but one must earn one's dues and that takes some doing.