Mount Pleasant resident Jim McBryde will never forget his role in two Star Wars movies.

McBryde sat in Dex’s Diner in “Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones” and played Ulfor Bombaasa, a patron in the Galaxies Opera House in “Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith.”

“It was a really great experience,” he said. “I had an opportunity not a lot of people will get.”

It was something McBryde did for fun – he even kept his paychecks as souvenirs.

Since the Michigan film incentive passed last April, many Michiganders will have similar opportunities to be film extras, according to Michael Shore, Communications Officer for The Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

Shore said people who want to be a movie extra can go to the Michigan Film Office at www.michigan.gov/filmoffice and click on the job opportunities tab which will lead to an extras tab.

There they will find postings for any up and coming work into the state that is looking for extra.

“It’s a lot of fun, I’ve been tempted to go myself,” Shore said.

Although there currently is not much need for extras in Michigan, Tony DiMambro, a talent agent for the iGroup, Southfield, said the beginning of April and May will be a busy season for movie extras.

DiMambro said the iGroup has provided extra work for every movie shot in the state since the film incentive passed, including “Betty Anne Waters,” a Hilary Swank drama, that just wrapped up filming in Southeast Michigan.

“Anyone can do extra work, as long as you’re willing to be on a movie set for 12 hours a day,” he said.

He said people who visit www.theigroup.com can fill out a form to be used for extra work.

“Patience is a big part of being an extra,” DiMambro said, in reference to the time they may have to wait to be used. “I recommend extras bring a book or magazine and pack a lunch.”

In addition to having experience on a movie set, DiMambro said The iGroup’s extras get paid.

“We don’t let our extras work for any less than minimum wage,” he said. “They make $50 to $150 a day.”

Coming soon: Movies that will be filiming in the state this year:

- “Wild Michigan” – Collective Dept.
- “Little Murder” – Cine Grande Films
- “The Irishman” – Sweet William Productions, LLC
- “Daisy Tells a Secret” – One of Us Films, LLC
- “The Genesis Code” – American Saga Productions, LLC
- “The Bass Master” – Fish Whistle Productions, LLC

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E-mail the author: Joe Borlik