Unexpectedly today, a group of TMP employees, myself included, were asked to be extras in a NASDAQ commercial they were shooting in our office. TMP is one of the companies featured in the commercial.

Our lobby full of equipment and crew. The round, free-standing conference room with translucent walls is shrouded in plastic and illuminated with high-power lighting. Inside, our CEO, Andy McKelvey, is being interviewed while a camera on a round track does 360s. Me and the other extras walk around and around the conference room. Our silhouettes are seen through the walls and it gives the appearance of a busy office.

Allen and I break after the first take. After the second take, Allen, the only extra with any acting experience, is cut because we have too many people.

Half of our office space and hallways are taped off like this and filled with equipment and people. Here’s Andy talking to a crew member. All total, we probably spent 1 1/2 hours walking in a circle under plastic tarps with 1 million wat bulbs shining down on us. I felt like an idiot. It was tiring and hot! I heard one extra joke that this was her new exercise regimen.. and all that she needed to stick to it was a full camera crew!

At the end, as I was chowing down on the crew’s catered-in food, Andy walked up to me and said, “Did you walk around in circles?” and I said “yes.” He said, “Thank you, good job!” I hope he remembers my admirable circle-walking skills when it comes time for raises! Ha!