A Day In The Life Of An IT Crowd Extra
Whenever a film or television series needs additional people to stand in the back of shot to fill out the scene, the makers turn to the wonder of extras. And whilst there are people who do this sort of thing for a living, when its a hit show with a cult following, there are times when the fanbase are able to provide this extra layer and become a part of the thing they love the most.
This was the case with the new series of The IT Crowd, which returns this Friday night to Channel 4. As is increasingly the case with events in Booshdom, a member or two of The Velvet Onion crew were on hand to document events. What follows is midly spoilerific, but offers a fascinating glimpse into life on the set of one of the most popular tv sitcoms of our age. Enjoy.
- © Micha Leykum
Not many people have the honour of meeting the cast and crew of one of their favourite TV shows, let alone visit the set and be in an episode!
We were all requested to bring ‘nerd-type clothing’ and so we wondered through Ealing looking for the abandoned car park that was to be the set -We had no idea at this point either – Eventually we found it and mingled a bit with the small group of nerds that had already formed outside.
When we were eventually all called to the set all donned in sweater vests, large spectacles and hand-warmers (The weather was beyond a joke) we walked in and were immediately in the nerd centre!
We were in the presence of the legend that is Graham Linehan, stomping about and being all directory, as he does of course, also Ben Wong, in the most amazing Matrix style gear who was to be the host of what seemed to be an underground squatty version of Countdown. The set was complete with flaming barrels and what seemed to be a dominatrix version of Carol Vordeman.
The shoot began with us being asked to run back and forth in the carpark, one shot screaming, one without and few others with us miming. A fun start and it certainly got the energy up in the below-freezing building.
- © Micha Leykum
The game itself looked to be between Moss and a Chav-Nerd hybrid character whilst Roy was a spectator amongst it all. We were directed to all crowd around them and ‘ooo’ and ‘arrr’ as they took turns to choose consonants and vowels.
Part of the fun of the day was that they didn’t explain anything to us so most of the pieces had to be put together ourselves.
One of highlights of the day came about when a certain TV legend appeared for a cameo and then I was approached and asked to sit beside him in Dictionary corner! Make-up done, dictionary in hand after exchanging pleasantries with the special guest…and then I am asked by Graham to swap with my friend as I didn’t suit the shot. I of course removed myself courteously and was excited enough to see a friend take the part.
It was an interesting experience to say the least and I look forward to seeing how it turns out. One thing’s for sure, Graham clearly hasn’t lost his spark in the writing department, even after these 4 years of IT Crowd he’s still on the ball with what the fan’s want, and not just on the screen but in the most generous way, by wanting us involved!
A large thankyou goes out to Graham on behalf of all the nerd extras for allowing us to be part of something so special.
As we understand it, this episode is the second in the series and will be aired on Friday July 2nd.
