Movie Credit Convention

Factual Questions
1

Here’s a movie credit convention that I’m sad to see has not become more ubiquitous.

I’m referring to the way the “Naked Gun” movies credit people who have speaking lines, but aren’t on screen enough to have a name.

Most movies will simply refer to these people as “Girl 1” “Girl 2” “Boy in Motel” or “Crazy Crackhead.”

In the Naked Gun movies, (and I believe other movies by these producers) The identify these stringers by a memorable line they said.

What inspired this creative crediting solution, and why *isn’t it more ubiquitous?

2

It’s been going on pretty much forever. For my books, I have to compile credits for films going back to 1915 and plays going back to the 1890s, and I find credits like “Second Wiseacre” and “Girl Outside Bank.”

I agree they should be used more often—as a former film extra, I like to see 'em credited!

—Eve, aka “Woman in AA Meeting” (“Polyester”), “Woman at Rally (“Wrong is Right”), “Audience Member” (“Deathtrap”), “Woman at Party” (Rollover”)

3

Once again, my writing composition skills conspires against me.

I was actually trying to ask why studios don’t credit people in “Naked Gun” style.

Girl in Blue Bow Tie doesn’t help me find someone as easily as, "Help, the monkey bit my tit off…"