"Background, B-roll & Stock Footage Champion"
"Thanks for putting up with me" (& thanks) - Evan
Embedded Files
Evan McNeeley • Pre-SAG (c.2020 & before)
These 'Looks' (the three pics in the 'collage') are ones I have used over eight years here in NYC, July 2012 to March 2020 (and many more ...when I add in what 'Hair & Makeup' & Costumes / Wardrobe did) ...plus 'scruffy' face and longer hair as requested via submission that I went with (not included here). The bottom right 'curtains' face is one I was putting together for 1800s things or even late 1700s (which I decided could also be used for the plethora of 70s projects here in NYC back then) & perhaps be an 'older' (boomer) type that was 'cool once' look. The 'Pandemic' hit... March, 2020 ...everything shut down. I kept working on my looks, reel, website & resumes right up until November 2020. The 're-start up' was just not that true and the only ones overworked were crew, to my understanding (location shooting did not come back until mid-2021). I joined SAG-AFTRA instead November, 2020 (instead of continuing my 'Non Union Background' Career... a lot of Non Union work was available before the Pandemic, a lot) and have been 'prepping' myself... learning ...for my 're-entry' ('comeback,' <smile>). I am being professional about it though... learning as much as I can ...and practicing.
I look at my 8 years (7 1/2) doing Non Union 'Background' in NYC from July, 2012 to March, 2020 as a 'giant paid internship' while I was taking classes... and I took many, many classes as well ...at some of the most prestigious acting schools in NYC, the Country... and world.
Though I was not appreciated by all (I made mistakes, of course) I gave it all I had, every take... which was definitely better than me being like those that just 'went to sleep' (literally went to sleep on overnights) and the ["do nothing! ...action!"] people. Many Background 'did nothing' (and were just 'there').
This is not my 'Resume' (per se) any longer ...it is my 'Non-Union' Resume (c.2020 and before) and not a Resume I will use to submit with any longer that is... "it is 'history.' " My name, look, email, phone #, stats & credits will be different from any of this, in the future) ...I am re-inventing myself, like many times before.
A quick note about 'background acting:' "Thank you SAG-AFTRA..." for acknowledging 'Background' and featuring the companies (and heads of companies) that 'get that perfect look' for production on the 'SAG Site.' Other than that... "f*ck you" (says me Evan to the others) ...I (Evan McNeeley) was 'cast' using Casting Associates and Casting Companies... for eight years as 'Background.' I checked in, looked at the call sheet, waited in holding ...was brought out onto set and given direction... then I acted on camera. "Who are you?" Do we see your credits on anything even if you are on some things... (I check too), g*d.
I went to hair, make-up, props, crafty... fittings before the shoot and catering during lunch 'on day' ...for 7 1/2 years. I want to say I appreciate the work and real set work is what it was. "I was on approximately 50 sets in 2019 here in NYC before the pandemic hit in March, 2020..." and had been doing it for seven 'plus' years here in NYC since 2012 as my only reported income on taxes.
I have been doing set work my whole life on projects I don't even remember 'cause these same pr*cks or their predecessors that put us down (why I don't know, even if you're an 'under five') say "don't put background on your resume..." or 'under five' isn't called 'under five' any more (like you're not really in the game or equivalent 'let downs' / bad advice... always a 'downer' with some of them); and other bullsh*t that'll keep you out of the business, out of the game and them 'up' in some way I or you don't realize. "Other than that... I LOVE US!!!" Love CDs, ADs, PAs, Hair, Makeup, Wardrobe, Props, Set Dressers... Production, Directors, Executives, all the Unions ...love people I talk to in the offices over the phone or via email.... other Background ...the Principals / Stars or whatever you want to call them now-a-days (...and you know I do... or have never worked with me).
"Thanks for putting up with me all these years."
- Evan McNeeley
I look at my 8 years (7 1/2) doing Non Union 'Background' in NYC from July, 2012 to March, 2020 as a 'giant paid internship' while I was taking classes... and I took many, many classes as well ...at some of the most prestigious acting schools in NYC, the Country... and world.
Though I was not appreciated by all (I made mistakes, of course) I gave it all I had, every take... which was definitely better than me being like those that just 'went to sleep' (literally went to sleep on overnights) and the ["do nothing! ...action!"] people. Many Background 'did nothing' (and were just 'there').
This is not my 'Resume' (per se) any longer ...it is my 'Non-Union' Resume (c.2020 and before) and not a Resume I will use to submit with any longer that is... "it is 'history.' " My name, look, email, phone #, stats & credits will be different from any of this, in the future) ...I am re-inventing myself, like many times before.
A quick note about 'background acting:' "Thank you SAG-AFTRA..." for acknowledging 'Background' and featuring the companies (and heads of companies) that 'get that perfect look' for production on the 'SAG Site.' Other than that... "f*ck you" (says me Evan to the others) ...I (Evan McNeeley) was 'cast' using Casting Associates and Casting Companies... for eight years as 'Background.' I checked in, looked at the call sheet, waited in holding ...was brought out onto set and given direction... then I acted on camera. "Who are you?" Do we see your credits on anything even if you are on some things... (I check too), g*d.
I went to hair, make-up, props, crafty... fittings before the shoot and catering during lunch 'on day' ...for 7 1/2 years. I want to say I appreciate the work and real set work is what it was. "I was on approximately 50 sets in 2019 here in NYC before the pandemic hit in March, 2020..." and had been doing it for seven 'plus' years here in NYC since 2012 as my only reported income on taxes.
I have been doing set work my whole life on projects I don't even remember 'cause these same pr*cks or their predecessors that put us down (why I don't know, even if you're an 'under five') say "don't put background on your resume..." or 'under five' isn't called 'under five' any more (like you're not really in the game or equivalent 'let downs' / bad advice... always a 'downer' with some of them); and other bullsh*t that'll keep you out of the business, out of the game and them 'up' in some way I or you don't realize. "Other than that... I LOVE US!!!" Love CDs, ADs, PAs, Hair, Makeup, Wardrobe, Props, Set Dressers... Production, Directors, Executives, all the Unions ...love people I talk to in the offices over the phone or via email.... other Background ...the Principals / Stars or whatever you want to call them now-a-days (...and you know I do... or have never worked with me).
"Thanks for putting up with me all these years."
- Evan McNeeley
Evan McNeeley
Evan McNeeley
My Resume before I joined SAG-AFTRAI was not Represented (but was looking)Contact info was available via submission
Information
I-9: NYS DMV & SS Card Locality - NYC Resident (within the city limits, Brooklyn)
Coat - 48 R Neck - 16.5 Sleeve - 33 Waist - 44 Inseam - 31 Hat - 7 ⅝ (24 ½) Gloves - 10 (XL) Shoe - 13 w
Height - 5’ 10” Weight - 237 pds Age - 37 to 52Hair - Brown Eyes - Hazel Face - Curtains Complexion - Ruddy
Film
"BOOGIE"BackgroundFocus Features
"THE IRISHMAN"Background (1st SAG Voucher - "...a incredible experience, thanks for picking me and putting up with my novice-ness") Villa Roma / NETFLIX
"MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN"BackgroundIn His Hat Productions
"JOHN WICK: 3 - PARABELLUM"BackgroundThunder Road
"THE GREATEST SHOWMAN"BackgroundChernin
"FATE OF THE FURIOUS"BackgroundFF8 Prods LLC
"NERVE"BackgroundDare Productions Inc
"BIRDMAN"BackgroundCarver
"THE WOLF OF WALL STREET"BackgroundTWOWS, LLC
"SIDE EFFECTS"Background773
Television
"EMPIRES OF NEW YORK"BackgroundBuckingham Television LLC / CNBC
"THE UNDOING"BackgroundCalling Grace Prod LLC / HBO
"HIGHTOWN"BackgroundStarz P-Town Prod, LLC / STARZ
"BLINDSPOT"BackgroundJay Squared Prod LLC / NBC
"BLUE BLOODS"Background (many seasons & days)Eye Productions / CBS
"BILLIONS"Background (a few seasons & 4 or more days)Possible Productions / SHOWTIME
"FBI: MOST WANTED"BackgroundUniversal Television, LLC / CBS
"MASTERS OF DOOM" (PILOT)BackgroundUniversal Content Prod / USA
"BETTY"BackgroundCooler Waters Prod. LLC / HBO
"TOMMY"BackgroundCBS Studios Inc. / CBS
"PRODIGAL SON"BackgroundFOX
"THE LAST OG"BackgroundRetro, Inc. / TBS
"FOR LIFE"BackgroundABC
"LAW AND ORDER: SVU"Background (many seasons & days)Universal / NBC
"MADAM SECRETARY"Background (many seasons & days)East End Productions - Eye / CBS
"MANIFEST"Background (2 seasons / 3-4 days)Jay Squared Prod LLC / Paladin / NBC
"ALMOST FAMILY"BackgroundUniversal Television, LLC / FOX
"AWKWAFINA"BackgroundCentral Prod, LLC / Comedy Central
"MR. ROBOT"Background (2 or 3 good days)Universal Content Prod / USA
"THE DEUCE"BG (S3 open creds, 2nd voucher "thank you," 4 days, 2 seasons "an incredible project")PLP LLC / HBO
"THE BLACKLIST"BackgroundWoodridge Prod / NBC
"THE LOUDEST VOICE"BackgroundBlumhouse / SHOWTIME
"THE AMERICANS"Background (1 season / 3-4 or more days)TVM / FX
"GOTHAM"Background (featured, 2+ seasons / 4 or more days)WBTV / FOX
"ELEMENTARY"Background (a few seasons & 4 or more days)Eye Productions / CBS
"POSE"Background (2 seasons / a few days)Pacific 2.1 Ent. Group / FX
"CITY ON A HILL"BackgroundPossible Prod / SHOWTIME
"DIVORCE"BackgroundOn Bells Prod / HBO
"INSTINCT"BackgroundCBS
"YOUNGER"BackgroundDSY / TV LAND
"THE ENEMY WITHIN"BackgroundUniversal Television, LLC / NBC
"CRASHING"BackgroundHBO
"PATERNO"BackgroundHBO
"NEW AMSTERDAM"BackgroundUniversal Television, LLC / NBC
"BULL"Background (2 seasons & a few days)CBS Studios / CBS
"THE DETOUR"BackgroundTNC Productions / TBS
"HOMELAND"Background (4-5 days / 1 season)Pacific 2.1 / SHOWTIME
"RISE"Background (3-4 or more days)NBC Universal / NBC
"TIME AFTER TIME"BackgroundWarner / ABC
"HAPPY"BackgroundUniversal Cable Prods. / SYFY
"SWEETBITTER"BackgroundSTARZ
"THE GOOD WIFE"BackgroundEye Productions / CBS
"DECEPTION"BackgroundWBTV / ABC
"QUANTICO"BackgroundABC Studios / ABC
"DIETLAND"BackgroundAMC
"SHADES OF BLUE"BackgroundNBC TV, LLC / NBC
"THE FAMILY"BackgroundABC
"THE MYSTERIES OF LAURA"BackgroundWBTV / NBC
"THE BLACK BOX"BackgroundBlack Box / ABC
"PERSON OF INTEREST"Background (2-3 or more days / 1-2 seasons)Bonanza Productions / CBS
"POWER"BackgroundSTARZ Production / STARZ
"SMASH"Background (many days)Smash NBC, LLC / NBC
"THE KNICK"Background (2 or more days)Shadow Infirmary Prod LLC / CINEMAX
"THE FOLLOWING"Background (2 or more days)Bonanza Productions / FOX
"ROGUE SHARKS"Fisherman #1 / 'Recon Extra'Lee Doyle - Optomen Productions
"GOLDEN BOY"Background (a few days)Bonanza Prods / CBS
"DECEPTION"BackgroundDeception / NBC
"MURDER" [pilot]BackgroundPaladin, LLC
"CRIMINAL ACTS" [pilot]WitnessJon Blitt
"BRAIN GAMES"Guy at mallMaslow / NATGEO
"THE JEREMY KYLE SHOW"Audience workKirkstall Road Enterprises
"BINGO AMERICA"Audience workStanding Room Only
"HOLE IN THE WALL"Audience workStanding Room Only
"THE FIFTH WHEEL"Van ('Male Dater')Renegade 83 / Bobwell Prod.
"CITYTOBURN"Ev ('Camera' / 'Narrator')MNN - (NYC public access)
Streaming
"HIT AND RUN"BackgroundFalsity Prod, LLC / NETFLIX
"THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT"BackgroundHBO Max
"BONDING"BackgroundTiff and Pete Prod. LLC / NETFLIX
"THE POLITICIAN"BackgroundPacific 2.1 Ent. Group / NETFLIX
"DASH & LILY"BackgroundNetflix Prod. LLC / NETFLIX
"HUNTERS"BG (3rd voucher / SAG-eligible now & 3-4+ days "thank you, truly")Big Indie The Hunt, Inc / amazon Prime
"JESSICA JONES"BackgroundABC Studios NY LLC / NETFLIX
"TALES OF THE CITY"BackgroundNETFLIX
"LIKE FATHER"BackgroundFather Daughter Inc. / NETFLIX
"THE TICK"Backgroundamazon Prime
"THE PUNISHER"Backgroundamazon Prime
"THE PATH"Background (3-4 days)NBCUniversal / HULU
"MANIAC"BackgroundParamount / NETFLIX
"THE MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL"Background (couple of days or more)amazon Prime
"UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT"BackgroundUniversal / NETFLIX
"THE DEFENDERS"BackgroundMARVEL / NETFLIX
"THE LOOMING TOWER"Background40 North Prod, LLC / HULU
"THE GOOD COP"BackgroundNETFLIX
"GYPSY"BackgroundUniversal / NETFLIX
"THE GOOD FIGHT"BackgroundScott Free-CBS Studios / CBS All Access
ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK"Background (2 days)Lady Prison Production / NETFLIX
Promotion
"NYC Serves"VeteranPitchslap / Saturday Candy
"EVIL" [promo - Japanese film]BackgroundGlass Eye Pix
Commercial
"1-800-4 MY TAXI"Call Taker at dispatchCox Communication
"BUD LIGHT SPOTLIGHT"Guy talking to camera at Bar[NYC Distributor production]
Hosting
WNYU-FM/AM [College Radio]Host / Co-Host[Five different shows / 4 yrs]
NYU-TV [College Television]PSAs, duties ['on camera'][Programming Dept / 1 semester]
Theater
"DEMOS"Demos['Downtown Theater' / Manhattan]
Training
HB STUDIOActing: Level 1 • 2014-15 [50 wks](4) Teachers / (5) classes
STELLA ADLERActing Technique 1 • 2012-13 [8 wks]Josh Rowe
NEW YORK FILM ACADEMYActing for Film • 2010-12 [20 wks](3) 'Mini Conservatories'
NYU - Gallatin Division (before it was a school)BA - Concentration in Communication Arts / 1995Many Classes, Teachers, Ind Study & Internships
FOUNDATION FOR THE CREATIVE COMMUNITYImprov & Games: approx (18) months / Early 80sFlorence Sloan & many others (Thanks Florence)
Skills
Improvisation - as part of every acting program I've been in.
Service
- American Red Cross of Greater NY - Responder in Training (2010-2012) culminating in the 'Hurricane Sandy' response (five day sleepover) at the HQ & a shelter; answering phones, driving a 'box truck' to deliver food & water, & setting up a shelter.
- Military Training - US Marine Corps Reserve / 8 years - 6 reserves, 2 inactive ready reserve (1993-2001) Officer Candidate (1995) - Long Island Recruiting (injured/graduated college/dropped). 'Honorable Discharge' - Corporal / E-4 (no combat).
- Police - NYPD Auxiliary / Patrolman, 6th precinct (1992-1997 approx) through the 'NYU Watch Team' (received course credits).
- Candidate for NYS Assembly / 44th District - (1996 - lost). Elected to Republican County Committee (same year or approx until 1998 or so - 7 votes to 3 approximately, at the real NYC election booths / polling stations during the primaries that year)
- Founder / Organizer - The Clean up Corps (1990s)
Tattoos
Not visible - (Military tattoos)
Piercings
None
Other Experience
I know the routine of a booking, have I-9 verification, a 'second change' & 'on camera' / set experience.
I see my job as being on time, ‘on-take’ & following directions. I use what I learned in acting classes for my background work ...sometimes it's magic (& used). The successful people are 'part of a team' & I am too! I keep in mind that it 'is' work & money for cast, crew, producers, & related offices. I concern myself with paperwork, direction & staying in status with other 'Background.' I concentrate with what is 'on take;' having quick conversation with other background about what we might do instead of 'naptime action.'
I'm comfortable standing for long periods of time, being around atmospheric smoke & herbal cigarettes. I'm willing to have FX make-up applied, cut/color my hair, do 'wet' scenes;' eat meat, '2nd unit' (running, bumping), nudity (for autopsy perhaps or whatever) simulated masturbation, kissing or similar (I have already done all of that on camera or stage already... in a 'career' spanning decades ...whether someone would want me to is different, heheh).
I have 'Seasonal Wardrobe' ('Light Jackets,' Coats, Hats, Scarves, Sweaters), 'Suit Separates' ('Taupe Trench,' Blue Blazer,' Slacks) Shoes, Ties, 'Button Downs,' Boots, 'Polos,' 'Hoodie,' Jeans, 'Fall colors,' Pastels, 'Earth Tones,' 'Hard tones' (Hunter Green, Purple), a 'Backpack,' 'Office Bag,' Small Camera & Luggage; ''No Logos,' 'Neons,' or 'Brights.'
I do not approach, extort or beg for anything I 'think' I deserve or earned. I do not take pictures to sell or post nor do I leak any information whatsoever to any people, social media, news orgs or blogs. The credits above are projects I've 'worked background' on (I just do 'background'). Sometimes 'I'm right up front' & in others I'm just a 'blur in the rack.' What the final edit becomes may not have me in it at all, even. It is arranged chronologically with the most recent booking & category on top.
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