By day she’s a case manager for the Capital Area Reentry Coalition, but outside of the office, Carole Turner has more than 30 film credits. She’s acted in scenes with Forest Whitaker and Oprah Winfrey. She’s buddied up with Will Ferrell on the set of The Campaign.
How did you first get into the industry?
My friend Esther told me about the casting call for extras for the movie Contraband back in January 2011, and my husband and I were picked to do a small scene with Mark Wahlberg. I had the best experience that day. Mark even played a little trick on me, trying to get me to say certain lines. It was surreal. I always say I’m going to get a shirt made that says, “Ask me about the scene I did with Mark Wahlberg,” because it was just the best.
What’s the difference between being a stand-in versus an extra?
Extras are like the ninth graders in a high school; a stand-in is like a sophomore, you know—just a step up. You’re considered part of the crew, so they don’t just call you “background” like they mostly do when you’re an extra. And blocking the scene is fun! You’re doing what the actor is about to do so the crew can set the lighting and stuff, and that is very cool.
