Around 2008, Pittsburgh began to take off as the perfect movie filming destination. Thanks to a healthy serving of state tax breaks and Pittsburgh's unique urban and rural locations, soon everyone was filming in Pittsburgh. So of course, I took that opportunity as a graduating college senior to try and appear in as many movies as possible.

Movie extras were a hot commodity at the time, and within a few months I had appeared, nay, starred in 3 movies (though I was left on the editing room floor for one movie). I also had the privilege of starring in a Pittsburgh Penguins in-game video dressed up as none other than Chester Cheese, one of the Pittsburgh Pirates Perogie mascots.

After that, work and life-after-college happened and suddenly, it's not so easy to be an extra anymore. That being said, I've got my PTO saved up for the next time Hollywood calls!

Adventureland (2009)

In the summer of 1987, a college grad takes a 'nowhere' job at his local amusement park, only to find it's the perfect course to get him prepared for the real world.
Director: Greg Mottola   |   Writer: Greg Mottola   |   Stars: Jesse Eisenberg, Kristen Stewart, Ryan Reynolds

   

A long day of filming in cold weather and a pair of American Flag pants fortuitously landed me center screen during the 4th of July fireworks scene. When they were handing out props, I insisted on taking the panda. After the very first take with the panda on my shoulders, they came over and asked for him back. Ten more takes with no panda. Guess which shot made the movie?

She's Out of My League (2010)

An average Joe meets the perfect woman, but his lack of confidence and the influence of his friends and family begin to pick away at the relationship.
Director: Jim Field Smith   |   Writers: Sean Anders, John Morris   |   Stars: Jay Baruchel, Alice Eve, T.J. Miller

   

"How attached are you to your hair?" they asked, clippers in hand. For a brief moment I considered letting them give me a buzzcut for what surely would be a huge role as security guard. I was saved from having to make a decision when someone else pointed out that they could probably get away with just putting some gel in my hair. As you can see, I'm not sure the audience would have noticed the difference.

Penguins Promotional Video (2008)

A Rangers fan is chased back to New York by Iceburgh and the Pirate Perogies

   

Running around an empty baseball stadium with 3 friends all dressed as Perogies? Dream come true.