extra what?

… oh, who are the people in your neighborhood? in your neighborhood? …

Ever noticed just how many extras they seem to have in TV shows? And why are they so busy walking around and not doing anything?

Police shows, hospital shows, office shows… They all seem to have so many people just walking around in the background, crossing in front of other people, but really not actually doing anything. I’ve worked in offices and most people are sitting down actually doing work.

I guess that wouldn’t be as visually interesting for the cameras, and more importantly, the viewers. But honestly, I think I’d be fine with it, I’m supposed to be watching the lead characters after all. They could also save some extra bucks to pay the writers their extra few percent.