Watch Out Barbara Corcoran, There’s a New Real Estate Agent on NBC

Watch out Barbara Corcoran, there’s a new Real Estate Agent on NBC. Yes, I was just an extra on NBC’s “30 Rock,” but I got my taste behind the camera and I kind of like it! I do give my respect to Barbara and the advice she is able to give. Now I’ve been given my own opportunity to share my experience and advice with you. 

Back in August there was an article in the Three Village Patch about myself and my husband, and how – or extras, in non-industry terms – in an episode of the USA network’s Royal Pains. Since then we have been called back for more episodes of that show which has opened the door to other opportunities for us. 

This past week, we were called for NBC’s show “30 Rock,” filming at Rockefeller Plaza. This has been an exciting experience for us, especially considering we thought it would be a one-time thing. We’re both so happy we have been graced with more opportunities! We have met so many new and interesting people and learned so much about what it really takes to put a show together. 

The production of a television show is an amazing visualization of true cooperation. Everyone involved contributes to the show; the writers, directors, camera crew, lighting, actors, and yes, even the extras. During the filming, we were able to see how many “takes” it takes to get everything just right. Often scenes were being done five to twenty times. Each time, adjustments were made, lines were re-written, "extras" were asked to move here or there. Each new take involved the whole crew working together.

“RESET”! We heard that word over and over again. People ask me how I can do it again and again. The first time, I admit, I looked at my husband and said “I can’t believe we are here doing this.”  We weren’t alone in our little conversations. As we became more experienced extras, we began to understand why we had to “reset,” and doing things again and again made much more sense. The show wants each scene to be just right. And as part of the team, we want to make sure that we help in creating that right scene. 

It’s sort of like when I am working as a Real Estate Broker. I know it might sound silly, but really. Each open house is my opportunity to set the “right scene.” And when that right buyer walks into the "right scene" I can help direct the sale. The sale, wrapping up a scene, it all takes cooperation. Agents, buyers, sellers; we’re all working together to create the sale and the purchase. We’re all working together to find the right actor for the right scene. 

Planning a scene and planning a sale take a lot of time and cooperation on many levels. As the Real Estate Broker, I must oversee and call “RESET” when an “adjustment” is needed. The sign is hung, and now the scene begins! 

Next time I will go over major steps to consider before “hanging the sign”.

(Perhaps I’ll also be able to speak more about new steps in the spotlight!) 

Feel free to contact me:

Geri Ertle, Licensed Associate Broker, RE/MAX Signature, E.Setauket , NY

geriertle@gmail.com (631) 379-8157       www.GeriErtle.SignatureOnline.net