Well, I just wrapped with the show 'Cold Case' tonight. Apparently it is about a detective who gets these cases that were never solved, so the show gets to have fun with flashbacks to different periods...tonights being 1953. The location was at the Santa Anita Racepark, which was built in the 1930's. Our waiting room was outside in the VIP bleachers, which was actually pretty great, as there were plush chairs and it overlooked a spectacular sight overlooking the mountains and palm trees. As I was sitting there admiring the beauty of the landscape (California really is a gorgeous State) I couldn't help my attention being diverted to the scene all around me. Being that this was a period piece, we were all decked out in vintage 1950's clothing...plus, we all had to go through hair & makeup which really made for an amusing sight. I mean, the gals all looked like Marilyn Monroes or Jackie Kennedy's, and the guys well, of course we all looked dapper in our burlap suits and oxfords...but it was sort of a surreal sight, I mean...where else (sans Halloween) would you find yourself immersed in this situation? I guess that is why I love my craft so much, the ability to evolve into new characters, absorb their personalities, experience periods of time most people only get to read about in history books, or perhaps hasn't happened yet, or even better...could never happen, in a realistic world. The scene tonight took place in a ballroom, complete with swanky samba/swing style music, martini's, manhattans, dancing, cigarettes, cigarettes, and ehem...cough, cough...more cigarettes. They sure loved to smoke back then. Ahhh...ignorance is bliss, no? Well, putting all health risk hearsay aside, they certainly seemed to elevate the debonairness of the evening. This actually was a weird situation for me, as I personally gave up smoking almost 3 years ago, and haven't touched one since. However, after speaking with the prop crew and confirming that these were stage cigarettes (completely herbal), I indulged. I must admit it was nice to hold a cigarette again, but being that filters were uncommon in 1953, it quickly made me realize why I gave up smoking in the first place. Oh, I almost forgot...all the guys received haircuts today, so as to make sure we looked the part. This came at a great time, as I was overdue. The best part is...not only was it a free haircut (done well, I might add) but they paid ME to do it! ($5) All in all, I have to say that my experience tonight on this set has been my favorite thus far, all though, I do look forward to what the rest of the week has in store. I'll keep ya posted!
P.S. - feel free to leave me comments...it will inspire me to write more, if I know somebody is actually reading this!
Cheers -
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Dirty Sexy Money
I just wrapped Dirty Sexy Money this weekend, which I was called on for a 3 day shoot. I played part of the wait staff in this ridiculously expensive wedding for the Darlings. (much like the Trumps) I have yet to see this show, but hear it's quite good. The set was unbelievable, they spent $9,000 on roses alone for this set. I was only supposed to be on this for 2 days, but was asked to come back the 3rd day, which I thought "hmm...maybe, just maybe a voucher?" and agreed to come back. I called EM (Extras Mgmt) and let them know I was booked and unavailable for anything else for Friday, and sure enough when I arrived Friday morning, they had given a couple SAG vouchers out, but people were chosen at random and I unfortunately didn't have the Irish luck with me that day. However, I had a great experience, and think I made a good impression with the crew, so I am hoping I will get called back at some point. The title of the episode I am in, is entitled "Summer House" and airs 10/15 I believe.
There was a moment Friday morning that really made me stop and smile...I was walking on the studio lot (Paramount Pictures) drinking my coffee, the sun was just coming up and I looked up at the hills, and I swear to God...just like a framed picture, there stood the famous Hollywood sign, as I was walking between stages. It's moments like that, that you always want to remember.
There was a moment Friday morning that really made me stop and smile...I was walking on the studio lot (Paramount Pictures) drinking my coffee, the sun was just coming up and I looked up at the hills, and I swear to God...just like a framed picture, there stood the famous Hollywood sign, as I was walking between stages. It's moments like that, that you always want to remember.
Sons of Anarchy
I was booked on Sons of Anarchy last Tuesday, (think The Sopranos meets Hells Angels) and had to drive up towards Santa Clarita to Disney's Golden Oak Ranch. This time, I would be playing a lumberjack, with 4 other guys. The ranch was absolutely gorgeous, and it was refreshing to be out of the courtroom for a change! This was a part of LA you dont get to see everyday, it had rolling green hills, horses roaming, old houses that were used in Bonanza, and Little House on the Prarie, etc...
The setting was supposed to take place in Fall, I wore jeans, boots, and fortunately they didnt make me wear thermals, but I had to sport a flannel for the better half of the day. Surprisingly, it wasn't that hot out though as we were in tents. Craft service was fantastic though, as when you are filming 'on-location' anywhere, they have to bring in caterers. We had cornish game hen, prime rib, endless salad bar, the list went on and on. They then shuttled us over to the set, where we set up camp for the better part of the day, and I nestled under a tree and read a book all day, it was really pleasant. The scene we shot, was in a country bar where a huge fist fight breaks out, so we got to see 8 stunt men just go at it for a couple hours, bottles breaking, people getting tossed around the bar...good times!
The setting was supposed to take place in Fall, I wore jeans, boots, and fortunately they didnt make me wear thermals, but I had to sport a flannel for the better half of the day. Surprisingly, it wasn't that hot out though as we were in tents. Craft service was fantastic though, as when you are filming 'on-location' anywhere, they have to bring in caterers. We had cornish game hen, prime rib, endless salad bar, the list went on and on. They then shuttled us over to the set, where we set up camp for the better part of the day, and I nestled under a tree and read a book all day, it was really pleasant. The scene we shot, was in a country bar where a huge fist fight breaks out, so we got to see 8 stunt men just go at it for a couple hours, bottles breaking, people getting tossed around the bar...good times!
Boston Legal
I was booked for another courtroom show, but much much cooler this time around. I was booked on the Emmy winning show 'Boston Legal' and was cast as a 'courtroom spectator' but the cool thing is, I was sitting directly behind the man himself...Captain James T. Kirk, although I think his name is 'Denny something' in this show. It was cool to be in a scene with him, John Laroquette, and one other actor who I have seen countless times, but cant place his name...real character actor. Anyway, he's on the witness stand so you'll see who I am talking about. Pay close attention when Shatner fires a gun in the courtroom, shouldn't be hard to see me ducking in the background. The episode I am in is called "Kill, Baby, Kill" and I believe it airs Nov. 17th.
This was a 2 day call, so I was recalled on Monday. Recalls in TV Land are good for non-union background, as there is a chance you can aqcuire a SAG voucher if you work a show if you're called back for a few days. I wasn't that fortunate this time...but I did get to meet some cool people and hear some very interesting stories. I befriended a guy who played a principal role in John from Cincinatti on HBO, I also ran into a Fox 9 news reporter from MN, who is now working as a SAG background actor and maaaaaan, was this guy a pompous ass. 90210 was filming a few stages down...I tried to catch a glimpse of the actresses, so I could offer them some food or something, but only managed to see a West Beverly High school bus parked out front. On the last day, I walked back to wardrobe side by side with William Shatner, but didn't have the nerve to say anything to him. Dude!! He's a tv icon! What was I going to say?? Alas, I am sure there will be more opportunities down the road.
This was a 2 day call, so I was recalled on Monday. Recalls in TV Land are good for non-union background, as there is a chance you can aqcuire a SAG voucher if you work a show if you're called back for a few days. I wasn't that fortunate this time...but I did get to meet some cool people and hear some very interesting stories. I befriended a guy who played a principal role in John from Cincinatti on HBO, I also ran into a Fox 9 news reporter from MN, who is now working as a SAG background actor and maaaaaan, was this guy a pompous ass. 90210 was filming a few stages down...I tried to catch a glimpse of the actresses, so I could offer them some food or something, but only managed to see a West Beverly High school bus parked out front. On the last day, I walked back to wardrobe side by side with William Shatner, but didn't have the nerve to say anything to him. Dude!! He's a tv icon! What was I going to say?? Alas, I am sure there will be more opportunities down the road.
Audience work
Ugh, so I got a call from Extras saying I would be booked on Family Court...which I have never heard of, so I assumed it was some cable courtroom drama. Ohhhhhh no. I arrived on set to find, it was one of those reality/day time court room Judge Judy type shows. YUCK! I was cast as "audience", and while it was really easy work...I will never do it again. Thing is, I can't stand watching these shows even once when they're on tv, but it was an 11 hour day while they filmed 8 or 9 of them in a row. Oh the humanity! I will give you a couple cases so you can see what I am talking about. One case involved a mother suing her son because he doesnt spend enough time with her, and she wanted to have "family jam night" and play more music with him, but he is in high school and wants to play sports. Case #2, an OCD brother, sued his roomate/sister who loves to collect things (aka - a packrat) Case #3, a 21 year old son, wasn't ready to move out of his Mother's condo, because he loved the amenities, and wants to save up $$ for a place just as nice first, so she was suing to get him out of the house.
Anyway, you see where I am going!!?? Ugh, I felt so gross when it was all said and done and I am calling the agency and telling them I am no longer doing any audience work.
Anyway, you see where I am going!!?? Ugh, I felt so gross when it was all said and done and I am calling the agency and telling them I am no longer doing any audience work.
Eleventh Hour
Well, my first 7am call...which meant I had to get up at 4:30am so I could make it downtown. I arrived on location, and was instructed through Extras Mgmt. that I would be playing a member of a Hazardous Materials Unit (HazMat) and would be in a "white suit" well, I arrived at wardrobe, and sure enough they handed me this paper thin full body suit to try on. I suited up, they approved it. However, one of the 2nd AD's said they needed one more member of the "Blue team" and immediately pointed to me, and said I would now be playing the Blue Team. Well, at first I thought "Hey...this could be cool...maybe this is an upgrade" HA! Boy was I wrong...they gave me my new and improved suit, which was made from some sort of heavy rubber material, and to top it off had the full helmet/mask to go with it. Did I mention it was 90 degrees outside yet?? Alas, me and the other members of my team strolled over to (Holding) where they keep all the background talent until they're needed, and when we entered everyone just gasped and moaned looking at our suits, extras dressed as construction workers repeated "Ugh, I thought we had it bad today" etc...
The scene ended up being quite a bit of fun though as we all hopped into an ambulance and got to fly into the scene doing 40mph or so, and hopped out with the intent to save lives from some sort of contaminated construction site. The show is sort of X-Files meets CSI, and premieres Oct. 9th I believe on CBS...you should be able to see me, as when we hopped out of the ambulance, we were only suited 3/4 of the way. Once I took that suit off though....boy was I soaked. I couldnt help thinking the whole time..."God, I hope they had this suit cleaned since the last time they used it!"
The scene ended up being quite a bit of fun though as we all hopped into an ambulance and got to fly into the scene doing 40mph or so, and hopped out with the intent to save lives from some sort of contaminated construction site. The show is sort of X-Files meets CSI, and premieres Oct. 9th I believe on CBS...you should be able to see me, as when we hopped out of the ambulance, we were only suited 3/4 of the way. Once I took that suit off though....boy was I soaked. I couldnt help thinking the whole time..."God, I hope they had this suit cleaned since the last time they used it!"
The Starter Wife
Well, this was my very first job (9/15) on set of The Starter Wife and needless to say, I was excited/nervous at the same time, as I wasn't sure what to expect. However, once I arrived on the studio lot (Culver Studios) and spoke with 'Dean' the 2nd AD (Asst. Director) he was real cool and he gave me the low down as to how the day would go. He had me walk to Wardrobe and get checked out, basically they just give you the once over and if they don't like what you're wearing, or if it doesn't fit in with the character or show's look, they make you change. In this case, I needed to change out of my polo and into a t-shirt, as I would be playing 'Craft Services' on a movie set as Debra Messings character has a dream sequence where she is Lara Croft. I saw her stunt double outside the stage, and she looks EXACTLY like her, it was uncanny. Extra work involves a LOT of downtime, sitting around waiting for your scene, or whenever they need you, so I buddied up with a couple guys and just asked as many questions as I possibly could about the business, and did a little networking. I must say, it was a really cool feeling walking into that Stage and seeing all the sets, lighting, cameras, etc...after 4 hours or so, it was finally time for our scene. It was pretty basic stuff, they had me stand in front of a table filled with food/drink and sort/straighten things out while the scene was shot. I got some pretty great camera time though, as I was standing right behind the two actors in the scene. All in all for my first day on set, it went pretty smoothly and we wrapped in under 8 hours. As I was leaving around 10pm, I got a call from Sherri (my lovely wife) saying Extras Management (talent agency) called, and has me booked bright and early tomorrow morning downtown LA...yikes, I better get some sleep!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Must....update....Blog...zzzz
I have been crazy busy, working every day since last Monday, and unfortunately haven't had much time to update this blog, so I am going to quick jot down the shows I have been working on so as not to forget and will come back and update this with their own personal stories for each shoot. So far, they include: The Starter Wife, Eleventh Hour, Boston Legal, Sons of Anarchy & Dirty Sexy Money. So, if you watch any of those shows, I will keep ya posted as to when I will be on and where to look for me. (hint...look towards the background)
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Set your Tivos!
Sooo...things are slowly moving forward for me it seems. Last Friday I registered with a talent management agency specializing in background work. They had me bring in wardrobe and we did a quick photo shoot, then they went to work submitting my ugly mug to various casting directors around town.
That same night, I received a phone call saying they wanted me for 'The Starter Wife', filming on Monday! I mean, I was confident I would get some work I guess, but was very surprised at how fast I got my first booking.
Anyway, it's been sort of a whirlwind already, as I have been crazy busy with work...the agency has been well worth it so far, they have already paid for themselves with the first 2 jobs I booked.
It's not completely glamourous work, (as I have already found out) but rather than working the stereotypical 'actor jobs' (barista/waiter/bartender/stripper, etc...) this at least has me working in the industry, and gaining experience on camera, and even more importantly...one step closer to becoming union.
For those of you who care, I will keep this blog updated with my experiences on set, and all the crazy shenanigans taking place in Hollyweird, as I see them.
Cheers!
That same night, I received a phone call saying they wanted me for 'The Starter Wife', filming on Monday! I mean, I was confident I would get some work I guess, but was very surprised at how fast I got my first booking.
Anyway, it's been sort of a whirlwind already, as I have been crazy busy with work...the agency has been well worth it so far, they have already paid for themselves with the first 2 jobs I booked.
It's not completely glamourous work, (as I have already found out) but rather than working the stereotypical 'actor jobs' (barista/waiter/bartender/stripper, etc...) this at least has me working in the industry, and gaining experience on camera, and even more importantly...one step closer to becoming union.
For those of you who care, I will keep this blog updated with my experiences on set, and all the crazy shenanigans taking place in Hollyweird, as I see them.
Cheers!
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