The term ‘has a bias for action’ is often how I would describe someone who was a motivated self-starter and who could be relied upon to get the job done. These individuals can see a need and apply conviction to fulfilling that need.
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Over the past year I have had the pleasure of getting to know a young man who has a ‘bias for action’ and has turned a great idea into a business that provides a unique capability to the entertainment industry while helping veterans move forward in life beyond their time in uniform.
You do not have to spend long with Shaun Barry to realise he is a focused and passionate bloke with vision and guts. Shaun and a mate, both young veterans, saw an opportunity to use their skills in the entertainment industry.
They saw a gap between extras and stunt roles in the film industry and these were perfect for ex-defence and ex-emergency service personnel. In a bold effort to fill those roles Ex-tra Specialists Pty Ltd was formed. Put simply, they utilise skilled veterans in the entertainment industry.
So far Ex-tra Specialists has around 650 veterans on their books, many who have received paid employment for their roles in TV and film.
They appear in the new bio-picture about Errol Flynn ‘In Like Flynn’, the TV series ‘Home and Away’ and the science fiction thriller ‘Occupation’ just to name a few.
Ex-tra Specialists have been intricately involved in the soon to be released movie ‘Danger Close’ about the Battle of Long Tan in Viet Nam. When I spoke to Shaun a few weeks ago he was talking in whispered tones as he and a team of young veterans were on the set of the ‘Dora the Explorer Movie’ being filmed on the Gold Coast.
But Ex-tra Specialists is far more than just a business for Shaun Barry.
A former army officer, Shaun is deeply concerned about the wellbeing and welfare of young veterans and former emergency service personnel and sees Ex-tra Specialists as a great way for them to ‘re-connect’ and in some cases, regain that sense of purpose.
He has found that a film or TV set, not unlike the modern battlefield, has a fair bit of ‘hurry up and wait’. Often that time between takes can be used for the Ex-tra Specialists to engage with each other and talk things out. With many issues facing veterans of all ages it is just getting the conversation started that is important. Shaun Barry has instigated a unique way of getting that conversation started and I applaud his initiative.
If dabbling in film or TV appeals to you, living on the Mid North Coast should not dissuade you from approaching Ex-tra Specialists as they have members from all over the country and filming could take place anywhere. The question is, do you have a bias for action? Check out their website for more information, www.extraspecialists.com.
About the author: Mick Birtles is a recently retired Army Officer now living in Nambucca Heads. During his 36-year career, Birtles served in Bougainville, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for command and leadership. In his articles he shares his interest in the welfare and well-being of veterans on the Mid North Coast.