September 24, 2014

'Gone Girl' extra: Ben Affleck and Albert Pujols, no big deal

Susan Smith shared her experiences in being an extra on the set of 'Gone Girl'. This Q&A is a part of a project with the Southeast Missourian and rustmedia. Coming soon: Video interviews with several of the extras. This is one of several stories to be published online.

Editor's note: This content is provided through a partnership with rustmedia.

Susan smith shared her experiences in being an extra on the set of 'Gone Girl'. This Q&A is a part of a project with the Southeast Missourian and rustmedia. Coming soon: Video interviews with several of the extras. This is one of several stories to be published online.

Susan Smith was an extra in the movie "Gone Girl", which was partially filmed in Cape Girardeau.

__What role did you have in the movie's production?__

I was an extra in a couple parts. I've never been so excited to part of such an exciting adventure. I started out just with a few-second role which turned into a longer part which then turned into a couple more! Have to say it was one of my most memorable times in my life. I had the opportunity to act along side great people! And I even got to stand in with one of our very own Kathy Sweeney! Great Fun!

__What kind of communication did you have with "Gone Girl" staffers? What were they like?:__

I had the opportunity to become friends with the woman in charge of helping the children with their parts and also helping to make all of us extras feel comfortable. I gave her the nickname, 'House Mother.' She seemed to like it. It just so happened it was her last movie she was helping with. Also got to talk to Molly; I think she was like an assistant director. She helped position everyone and gave pointers on what to do. A couple other cool things happened. I had the privilege getting to use one of the crew's phone for a prop. Got to hold onto it for three hours. Nice to feel special.

__Did you get to speak to any of the actors? If so, which one and what was the conversation like?:__

Even though I was an extra, I didn't have the privilege to talk to them personally as we were asked to respect them and not take pictures or talk to them unless it was a part. I did notice during a cut, Ben Alfeck and Albert Pujols were talking and being just like any other normal human being. Normal and Fun!

__If you were an extra, how much time did you spend at the shoot?:__

Was there for two days for 13 hours each. Spent half a day shooting one scene! No it by heart still! Such a Thrilling Experience! Could do it for a living!

__What scenes did you participate in?:__

I was applying for a part in the search for Amy. The scene was at a dinner for helping to find Amy. After applying, I stand and wait for Nick to walk toward me, and I ask a question to another [person] for information. Afterward I walk back when Nick is finished talking to a homeless guy. Was also in the audience when Nick talks to Amy's Mom and Dad. And finally I am standing behind Kathy Sweeney during her news interview of Nick and Amy after she comes back and they make an announcement.

__Did anything about your interactions with crew or about the production surprise you? If so, what?:__

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The only thing that surprised me was, "The Camera is on You the Whole Time! Even if you think it isn't! Great Time!

__What are you most looking forward to most about the movie?:__

Everything! Can't wait to see the movie itself. Can't wait to see who else I know that is in it. How well I did during the shoot? Too many to name!

__What else would you like to share about your experience with the filming of "Gone Girl" in Cape Girardeau?:__

I am so very happy that I had the opportunity to go through such an amazing part of the movie and Cape's history much gratitude!

If you like this story, be sure to check out the semissourian.com's Gone Girl page and follow the "Gone Girl Cape Girardeau" Facebook page for more news and information relating to the movie.