Behind the Scenes of a Fun Fake Revolution with a Hired Crowd
At Envisage Agency, we’ve had the privilege of working on a wide variety of creative and exciting projects, but one recent job really stood out—helping to bring a “fake revolution march” to life for a client’s video shoot. This project involved not only coordinating the perfect crowd but also ensuring everything went smoothly on the day of the shoot. Here’s an inside look at how we supplied the perfect crowd for this unique, fun, and impactful video production.
The Brief: A Revolutionary March for Change
Our client came to us with a pretty clear and engaging brief: they needed a crowd of student-aged background extras to take part in a fake protest march for a video shoot. The theme? A playful yet impactful “revolution” in support of better bills, specifically advocating for better student energy bills. The catch? This wasn’t a real protest, but rather a lively, creative scene for a promotional video. The crowd was to carry placards, shout slogans, and interact with a costume character, all while embodying the spirit of a fun protest.
Along with the extras, the brief also requested the addition of one Event Manager to oversee logistics, assist with check-ins, and make sure everything ran smoothly on set. The goal was to provide our client with a seamless experience that allowed them to focus on the creative aspects of the shoot without worrying about logistics or crowd coordination.
Selecting the Right Hired Crowd: Students Who Can Act
When it comes to casting the right crowd for a scene like this, it’s important to find people who are not only the right age but also have the energy and enthusiasm to match the spirit of the project. The crowd for this video needed to feel authentic while also participating in an exaggerated, theatrical way that fit the tone of a “fun fake revolution.”
We specifically sought out extras who were in the student age range, which was crucial to maintaining the youthful energy the client wanted. But, beyond just being the right age, these extras needed to have the confidence to act in front of the camera and commit to the playful nature of the protest. This meant ensuring that each person could not only shout slogans and hold signs but also have fun with the concept—whether it was striking a pose for the camera or getting into the spirit of marching with energy.
Getting the Crowd in Costume: Placing Them in the Scene
The “fake revolution” march wouldn’t have been complete without the right props, signs, and costumes. Our team worked closely with the production crew to design and source everything needed for the march. The extras were dressed in casual clothing that was in line with a student aesthetic—comfortable and practical but also stylish enough to feel real.
The main props were, of course, the placards. Each one had a bold message, such as “Better Bills!” and “Where Do We Get Them? The Student Energy Group!” These not only helped drive the narrative of the protest but also acted as fun, visual elements that would really pop on camera.
In addition to the placards, we also made sure that the extras were placed in specific areas within the crowd to create dynamic visual shots. Some extras were positioned at the front, shouting and holding up their signs, while others were dispersed throughout the crowd, interacting with one another. The extras didn’t just march; they interacted with each other and the costume character in a way that made the entire scene feel organic, lively, and, most importantly, fun.
The Role of the Event Manager: Making Sure It All Runs Smoothly
On the day of the shoot, things can often get chaotic with so many moving pieces. That’s where our Event Manager (EM) came in. Their role was to ensure everything went off without a hitch—from checking in the crowd to making sure everyone was in place and ready to perform when needed. The EM acted as the main point of contact between the production team and the extras, ensuring that everyone had clear instructions and knew where to be at all times.
In addition to logistical support, the EM was also instrumental in helping the extras feel comfortable and confident. Many of the extras were participating in a video shoot for the first time, so having someone experienced on hand to guide them through the process, answer questions, and keep the energy up was essential. The EM was responsible for creating a positive environment on set, making sure the extras were having fun while maintaining a professional attitude to make the shoot run as efficiently as possible.
The Fun Factor: A Playful, Energetic Video Shoot
As soon as the shoot began, it became clear that this was going to be a fun and high-energy project. The extras got into character quickly, shouting out their slogans with enthusiasm: “What do we want? Better Bills!” “Where do we get them? The Student Energy Group!” With the costume character in tow, the crowd felt like they were part of something larger than just a video shoot. They were creating a fun, fictitious revolution for a great cause!
The entire team on set—from the director and crew to the extras and costume character—were all in high spirits. It was a collaborative and energetic effort that resulted in some fantastic footage. Everyone, from the EM to the background extras, worked together seamlessly to create a lively, engaging video that captured the essence of the playful protest.
A Successful Project, From Start to Finish
This project was an exciting and unique challenge, but it was also incredibly rewarding to see how everything came together. By carefully selecting the right crowd, coordinating their costumes and props, and providing on-site support with our Event Manager, we were able to help our client achieve their vision of a fun fake revolution march for their video shoot. The final product was full of energy, creativity, and fun—exactly what the client had envisioned.
At Envisage Agency, we pride ourselves on delivering exceptional crowd management services, and this project was no exception. Whether you’re looking for background extras for a video shoot, a dynamic crowd for a commercial, or any other crowd-based event, we’re here to make your vision a reality.
If you have an upcoming project that needs a lively crowd or any other event support, get in touch with us today. We’d love to help you bring your creative ideas to life!
