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We’ll always have ‘Summer’

Extras reflect on filming episodes of “The Summer I Turned Pretty” streaming series on campus in July 2024.

Published Sept. 24, 2025

Three-photo collage: Extra Julie Lanning walking in the background behind the characters Belly and Conrad on “The Summer I Turned Pretty” on Franklin Street; Amy Hyde taking a selfie outside the Carolina Inn with a friend and Gavin Casalegno, the actor who plays Jeremiah on “The Summer I Turned Pretty”; and actors on the show outside a residence hall during move-in, including Rosser Martin in the background.

By Susan Hudson, University Communications and Marketing

For three very hot days in July 2024, about 100 local background actors hung out on Carolina’s campus, waiting for their chance to become part of “The Summer I Turned Pretty.” The wildly popular Prime Video series is based on a YA book trilogy written by Carolina alumna Jenny Han ‘02.

At the time, the background actors all had to lock up their phones and sign a nondisclosure agreement. But now that the series has come to an end, they can reminisce about the experience and show us the scenes in which they appeared.

Discover some of their favorite moments and if they are #TeamConrad or #TeamJeremiah.

Emma Chekan of Chapel Hill
Junior double-majoring in economics and public policy
Definitely Team Conrad!

The best part of the experience was by far when Jenny Han came to speak to the extras at the end of one of our days of filming! We were all cooling off in the air conditioning in Hill Hall, and she came in and thanked us for our hard work and good attitude in the summer heat!

Portrait of Emma Chekan by the Old Well on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill.

The worst part of the experience was likely standing around between takes. We filmed in July, so it was superhot outside, and I was assigned to wear a sweater for my “fall” outfit. The directors made sure that we were keeping cool, constantly providing us with water and reminding us to find some shade.

It took us forever to get through the first episode. We kept pausing and rewinding to find ourselves in the background.

Screenshot from “The Summer I Turned Pretty” featuring the characters Belly and Conrad with extra Emma Chekan seen walking by in the foreground.

Amy Hyde of Belmont, North Carolina
Junior majoring in human development and family science
Team Conrad all the way!!!!!

It seemed like a fun way to make some extra money over the summer! The listing was under the name “Strawberry Fields,” but we all had an inkling that it was “TSITP.”

Amy Hyde taking a selfie outside the Carolina Inn with a friend and Gavin Casalegno, the actor who plays Jeremiah on “The Summer I Turned Pretty.”

I got to see the cast in person and how a TV show is made behind the scenes. The hardest part was the long hours and having to be completely phone-free.

It was surreal! I was at a watch party with my best friends, and the moment I appeared on screen, we all jumped up, screamed and immediately rewound it more times than I’d like to admit.

Amy Hyde on stage speaking to attendees of the UNC Visitors Center’s watch party for “The Summer I Turned Pretty” series finale about her experience being an extra on the show.

Julie Lanning ’91 of Cary, North Carolina
Director of finance and administration, NC State University
Team Conrad for sure, 100%!

I loved the show and the fact that filming was going to be at my alma mater. I wanted to just read book three, but my daughter said I needed to read all three, so I did.

Portrait of Julie Lanning.

It was very cool to share with friends and family and honestly joke about being a star. This was probably a one and done for me. But a large group of retired folks at the post office scene said they do this as a hobby and have appeared as background on a number of shows and movies.

I’d love to learn more about the filming industry.  I love Wilmington and I hope that the film industry continues to grow here in N.C.

Extra Julie Lanning walking in the background behind the characters Belly and Conrad on “The Summer I Turned Pretty” on Franklin Street

Rosser Martin of Greenville, South Carolina
Senior majoring in peace, war and defense
Conrad

I had some friends who all applied that summer and encouraged me to apply. The worst part was that they took everyone’s phones, so when not working we just sat around. The best was the free food and getting paid to sit around.

 

 

Headshot of Rosser Martin.

I’ve seen myself in the show, and it’s pretty funny as I am not even remotely an actor.

Actors on “The Summer I Turned Pretty” outside a residence hall during move-in, including Rosser Martin in the background.

Nitya Nadella of Dallas, Texas
Junior majoring in biology
Team Conrad please!

I knew I had to jump on the chance. I thought it would be such a cool experience to see how a show like that actually gets made. I ended up being in two scenes. In one, I walked by alone, fake-talking on the phone like I was deep in conversation with a friend.

Portrait of Nitya Nadella near the Old Well on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill.

There’s so much work that goes into filming even just a few seconds of a scene. Having wardrobe pick my outfit and getting my hair done was a fun bonus.

We had a watch party for the premiere. As soon as we spotted me walking away in the background, we paused it, freaked out, and my friends took a picture of me next to myself on the screen. If the opportunity comes up again, I’d totally be open to it!

Seen of two characters on “The Summer I Turned Pretty” walking on the lawn of McCorkle Place on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill with various background actors in the background, including Nitya Nadella walking away wearing a backpack.

Veda Muppala of Charlotte, North Carolina
Junior double-majoring in community and global public health and neuroscience
Conrad duh

I read the books in high school and was watching the show while it was filming! Jenny Han and the cast were very kind.

The best was all the extra friends you make. Our phones are locked up, so unless you brought a book you had to socialize to not stay bored! We were there for like eight hours all day, too! I didn’t see myself in the show because I, unfortunately, was blocked by Belly and Jeremiah.

Portrait of Veda Muppala in front of the Old Well on the campus of UNC-Chapel Hill.

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