First Baptist pastor in 'Comancheria'

Chris Horton, pastor at First Baptist Church in Portales, was selected as an extra for the movie “Comancheria,” starring Jeff Bridges, Chris Pine and Ben Foster that has been filming locally in Portales and Clovis. The movie follows two brothers, Pine and Foster, who encounter financial hardships on their farm and resort to bank robbery. We were able to catch up with Horton to ask him about his experience.

link Chris Horton

Why did you decide to pursue being a extra for the movie?

I am a big movie buff. I wanted to see behind the scenes and how movies work. Also I am a big Jeff Bridges fan; he is one of my favorite actors.

What was the process you had to go through to be an extra?

I saw on MIX 107.5 that they were looking for stand-ins. I had to submit a photo, height and weight. Then you just wait for a call back. If they select you, then you get to go on set.

What exactly did you do in the movie?

I was an interested onlooker at one of the robbery scenes. I stood behind the cops and pretended to talk. I did that for about 10 hours while they shot the scene over again.

What was your favorite part of doing this?

Seeing behind the scenes. I got to see how the cameras are set up, the lighting, wardrobe and make-up. The whole process was great to see, and also to watch Jeff Bridges act.

Did you get to meet any of the actors?

None of the main actors. They were all in character, so we didn’t get to interact with them, but the director did come and talk to us and some of the other actors, so that was cool.

— Compiled by Staff Writer Rae Arnett