‘Have you done a lot of these?’
‘Yes.’
‘This is my first, as a stand-alone out-of-focus person.’
‘It’s ‘background artiste’.’
‘Do you ever get recognised?’
‘No, I’m a professional.’
‘Oh. Easy job though, isn’t it? Just stand at the back and look fuzzy.’
‘Hardly! This isn’t crowd work, my dear.’
‘No, you’re right. I used to be in crowds but my agent said I was better than that.’
‘Pah! Agents.’
‘He promised me I was going to be one of those two walking down the passage.’
‘No chance!’
‘I’d love to go foreground.’
‘Wouldn’t we all, darling. Wouldn’t we all.’
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Friday Fictioneers (FF) is a challenge open to writers all over the world: write a 100 word story using the week’s unique photo as inspiration. This week’s picture is supplied by Kent Bonham.
More hows, whens and whats of FF can be found here at Rochelle’s site. (Thank you, Rochelle, for hosting.)
More stories here
absurd 
Such is the stuff of dreams… 🙂 Nice one.
But could quite easily become a nightmare. Thanks for reading, Sandra.
The lure of celebrity as well as the blur. 🙂
janet
It’s a dangerous bait to be take.
Very clever, great piece 🙂
Thanks, Helen.
Loved this, very funny, especially ‘I used to be in crowds but my agent said I was better than that’.
Claire
Thanks, Claire. Obviously it depends which crowd you’re in. Me, I’m in with the ‘in’ crowd. At least I know where the ‘in’ crowd go (I think)…
Hahaha. Hey, I LIKE this take. Different and humorous, too. Great!
Thank you, Kent. The world (and our photos) would be a lonely place if it weren’t for these background characters.
Haahahaa!! I love how you made the blurry ladies the “focus” of your story. Brilliant! I hope one day, she will get to pose in the foreground and be “recognized” by her talent. 😉
Thank you, Mahjira. She’s getting there bit by bit, I hear her next assignment is a blurred finger in front of the lens.
Dear Mike,
Remaining a blur might keep the Paparazzi away. Unique take on the prompt. Nice one.
shalom,
Rochelle
It’s the only way, I find : )
Great evocation of the back ground actor. I actually have a friend whose life’s ambition was to be a background actor. I could never understand it. She hated the fore gound, she was totally camera shy!
Thank you, Lindaura. Remember, the camera is not always kind to everyone, some of us are blessed with the perfect face for radio : )
Everybody remembers the famous celebrities but ignores the extras – until now!
Great piece of dialogue.
Thanks, Draliman. It was overheard on set : )
very nice take on the prompt, the background and the back alley; picture and feelings aligned, great move!
Thank you, Koelnerzeilen. It was the first thing I saw and after that could not see beyond.
I was married to an actor once – were you?
BTW I love the photo – but you’d have to be wide awake to drive up that road.
Not the same actor, no : )
It is a great photo, not mine though. I love the stone texture. And if you weren’t awake driving up that road you’d certainly be awake driving down it, especially if you missed a ramp.
Oh,this is such a different take-col dialogues.Loved it Mike:-)Not easy to be on either side I guess for everything in life has a price-ah!
Thanks, Atreyee. Celebrity comes at too high a price in my book, I’m staying fuzzy and at the back.
Yes,they do-I can never imagine how or why people want to reach that status and live such a life-well to each his/her own I guess:-)All the best for your book:-)
I hear those voices. Soooo real.
Being echoed up an down the land of wannabe…
lol.:-) well,a girl’s gotta dream
…and sometimes dreams come true.
Neat, creative take on the prompt — I really like the phrase “background artiste” and that these guys are getting out of the crowds!
Thanks, Zookyworld. I find crowds fascinating, people act in a totally different manner. I’m sure quantum physics has something to do with it.
Nice take on the prompt, Mike. I bought your book by the way (Better). Re: first story – have been known to don a pair of hubbie’s underpants when absolutely desperate (for underwear) but I’m always very particular when I know I’m going to board a plane! I like the ‘extra’ type jargon in your story. Have you done this? I’m thinking of signing up. Been training my singing voice. Debut’ed with Mozart a year ago (aged 61). About to make a complete fool of myself with Canteloube! Silly old fool. Ann
Thank you, Ann, for the comment and buying the book – I hope you enjoy it.
I have been an ‘extra’ in one feature film (just for the experience) but spent a few years the other side of the camera, directing pop videos and commercials.
I think you should sign up for ‘extra’ work. There’s a lot of waiting about but it’s good fun (when it’s not cold on location) and you do get well fed. There seems to be a lot of local choirs and singing competitions around – if you can already sing then you’re out of the blocks with a good start. I say ‘Go for it!’ You’re never too young.
I’d love to make a career of being an “extra.” I’ve got a lot to offer, or so they say. A very unique take on the prompt, Mike. I really got a kick out of it.
Thanks, Russell. For a career I reckon you’d need to get a steady gig, like a soap. Films would be few and far between. Shame there aren’t any B movies any more.
Love the carreer… here .. from crows to fuzzy… a giant career leap 🙂
Still a long way from foreground though : )
Hi Mike,
This dialog reminded me a lot of the Ricky Gervais show Extras. Very creative take on the photo. Ron
Thanks, Ron, very flattering. Extras was a great show.