Calling all extras

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nathan Gallahan
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
RAF LAKENHEATH, England --  "Action!"

That's what some Airmen could hear when they are cast for a part in a movie or other production - if they coordinate all of the approvals and abide by certain guidelines necessary prior to filming.

According to Capt. Mary Danner, Deputy Director of the Air Force Entertainment Liaison Office, there are a few guidelines every Airman has to keep in mind.

If an Airman wants to be hired by an entertainment company they need to be on leave or other authorized off-duty status.

"Some Airmen insist they can take permissive TDY and that simply is not true," she said. "AFI 36-3003 outlines authorized PTDY, and entertainment productions are not one of them."

Wearing an official Air Force uniform while working for the company is also not authorized.

"All members will need to be fitted by the production company's wardrobe department," she said. "The other option is for members to wear their sanitized uniform completely stripped of all insignia, patches, etc."

Since the Airmen will be working off-duty, they need to get their commander's approval by filling out and submitting an Air Force Form 3902, Application for Approval of Off Duty Employment.

Capt. Danner also recommends that before an Airman signs any contracts, to have them reviewed by the base legal office first.

Airmen should also understand that under no circumstances, may the casting call be conducted on base.

If everything is approved and the guidelines abided by, the experience of working in the entertainment industry could be very rewarding.

"There are a lot of opportunities that will come to you in your career in the Air Force; this is one that you can look back on and say, 'that's me, right there,' said two-time movie extra Master Sgt. Thomas Martin, 48th Communications Squadron NCO in charge of quality assurance. "It is a huge buzz."