In pursuit of a dream, many Panamanian actors and actresses have jumped on the bandwagon to work as extras in the international filming of the soap opera Pobre Millonaria and the new James Bond movie, Quantum of Solace, both of which are being shot in Panama.
Edwin Cedeño, Lucho Gotti and Rossana Uribe were involved in both productions. Along with 97 other extras who were selected from a larger pool of 700 for the Bond movie, they participated in the filming of a party scene in the old Club de Clases y Tropas. The actors made the cut after four interviews, including one with the film's director, Marc Foster.
Some of the extras in the smaller group said they were treated like stars. The film company provided them with transportation, someone to look after their comfort and security, and even individual dressing rooms with their names on them. The rooms had a bed and a bathroom, cable television, a refrigerator and refreshments. The actors also had their own makeup artist.
Miguel Herrera, who was given a line to speak with Daniel Craig, the new James Bond, and Diego Fernández de Córdoba said the producers even called them by name, and that they felt a little bad for their local colleagues who didn't get the same superstar treatment.
Another extra said she would be happy even if only her shadow appeared in the film, because it was a great experience.
It was also hard work. Paulette Thomas, an extra in the Bond film, said that even though she worked only one day, "It's a job that paralyzes your life. You don't have time for anything else." She also said it was a great experience.
Despite strict security measures, some Panamanian celebrites were permitted to watch the filming, including musician Osvaldo Ayala and former boxing champion Roberto "Hand of Stone" Durán. Durán was invited on the set to watch the action.
All the actors know that the director’s and film editor’s final cut might not include their scenes. Some of the Panamanians involved in the filming of The Tailor of Panama never appeared in the final version of the movie. The extras who worked on the Bond film hope they make it to the silver screen. If not, they can always replay their memories.