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What did female extras do to relax while filming the movie Cleopatra?
To beat the scorching heat of the Cinecittà studios in Rome, where much of Cleopatra was filmed, the female extras would often cool off in improvised misting stations set up on the set.
During breaks, the extras would gather in shaded areas and share traditional Egyptian snacks and drinks, allowing them to recharge and bond with one another.
Many of the female extras participated in impromptu dance sessions, performing traditional Middle Eastern dances to the accompaniment of hand drums and other portable instruments.
The elaborate costumes and headdresses worn by the extras were quite heavy, so they would take time to carefully remove and store them during breaks to avoid strain and discomfort.
Some of the extras would use their downtime to practice their lines and rehearse their minor speaking parts, ensuring they were prepared when called back to the set.
Massages were sometimes provided by the production's medical staff to help the extras relax their muscles and relieve any tension from hours of standing or walking on the set.
The female extras would often gather in small groups to socialize, share stories, and learn more about each other's backgrounds, fostering a sense of community on the large-scale production.
Breathing exercises and light yoga were employed by some of the extras to calm their nerves and re-energize between intense filming sessions.
Access to cooling stations with cold towels and refreshing beverages helped the female extras beat the Mediterranean heat and humidity during long shooting days.
Occasionally, the extras were treated to special performances by professional dancers or musicians, providing a welcome distraction and entertainment during their breaks.
The production's wardrobe and makeup teams would use downtime to make adjustments to the elaborate costumes and headdresses, ensuring the female extras were camera-ready.
Some of the extras would take the opportunity to write letters or postcards to loved ones back home, sharing their experiences and excitement of working on such a grand cinematic production.
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