No money, no respect: Inside the lives of Game of Thrones extras

They are not permitted to speak to the media, yet anonymous Game of Thrones background actors are integral to the production and have incredibly difficult and important jobs. "Obviously they're called 'extras' so there's not a whole lot of money or respect that comes with that job," ew.com quoted showrunner David Benioff as saying. Benioff continued: "Many of these guys kept long hair and beards purely for the show, and they even came up with character names and back-stories for themselves, their childhood traumas, what House they owed allegiance to, even though are not in the show. It really adds to the believability of so many shots -- whether they're behind Jon Snow at Castle Black or at Winterfell or wherever -- that these dudes really take this seriously and have passion for it." Showrunner Dan Weiss told ew.com: "Extras can make a scene or they can destroy a scene if you don't give what they do the respect and attention it deserves."