I got booked on this movie "Fair Game" by Desiree. The wardrobe instructions sounded straight forward from production, though ended up being confusing. This was the original posting:
WARDROBE:PLEASE NOTE, WARDROBE IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR THIS SCENE- PLEASE READ THE WARDROBE INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE COSTUME DEPT.
Sc 165, 166, Forum in Seattle Summer / WEAR TO SET, BRING AN OPTION
Overall, this takes place in Seattle in the summer. We definitely don't want it to look like NYC N.D. people: Casual, outdoorsy, not black and dark like NYC. Softer colors and lighter neutrals. Light layers. Again, it's summer!!!!Protesters: casual and with character. Light layers. Not dark tones of clothing.Granola types: earthy, outdoorsy, hippie types. Not Woodstock feeling, but definitely with a crunchy vibe.----------
What in the world is a crunchy type anyways??
My friend on facebook thought it referred to people who eat granola and such. If you have one of those string-crochet bags that people bring to the store for environmental reasons... Okay so I packed up clothes that I thought was what they were looking for and headed to set.
Our call time was for 11 am to be at Lehman college. I left Queens around 10am and got on the number 4 train heading to the Bronx. On route to catch the train, I see a dime placed right in front of the subway doors where I entered.
This dime represents Linda, I'm sure of it. I recall Linda telling me that she would find these dimes all over in obscure places and that it meant her friend was thinking of her.I have been finding many of these dimes as of late.
The commute itself was rather quick. The train skips many stops on the express tracks then, it slows down a bit when it gets to the Grand Concourse in the Bronx. Once it passes that, the next couple of stops are local stops. Then it goes out of the tunnel to the elevated tracks where you are outside again.
The reason I am mentioning this is because we passed by the 161st stop which is Yankees Stadium. Passing by this reminded me that this was the first time I am working on background since Linda's death and burial. I know she wanted to be cremated and have her ashes scattered on Yankee fields. Though she was buried with her favorite blanket of her favorite team. I knew this was going to be a difficult day.
Moving forward....
I get to the front entrance of Lehman College to this Armory like, majestic entrance. I walk along the path to get to the music building where we were directed to go to check in. When I got there, not too many people had arrived yet which was great because it meant plenty of seats to choose from. Luckily my friend Robyn was there already and she had a seat for me. I got to the table and I told my friend what happened to Linda. We saved a seat for her. I could feel her spirit was there with us. Still it wasn't the same. It never will be again. Sigh.
Slowly people were getting to holding and the once empty holding area was now getting so packed that people were scrambling for seats. When someone came by to take the chair that I saved for Linda, I told them " this seat is taken!"
It was the usual setup, though they had no breakfast set up, so I was starving by the time it was noon. We went to the crafty truck and all they had was fruit loops and stale coffee. So we had to wait it out for lunch, which wasn't until 4pm.
In the meantime, there was the much dreaded wardrobe line, which if Linda was there , I would have totally avoided this line. Though they were checking off numbers, so I had to go into the line. I brought my options, which was a pair of khaki cargo pants and a kind of hippie tops with a few flowers on it. The wardrobe looks at me and asks for my number.
I tell her my number and she says "This won't do at all!" Then I thought she was going to give me a complete wardrobe change. Instead she gives me a white hand knitted "Granny" sweater. It was ridiculous. I was really upset about getting this granny sweater. Do I look like a granny?? How insulting!! Well at least I only got the sweater and got to wear my own pants, which meant a quick change at the end of the day.
On with the scene..
We were directed to another building where the first scene of the day was set. The first scene was actually set for Ohio State University. The colors to reflect this was reds and hoodies and jeans for some and a faculty member look for others. So why in the world I got a "Granny Sweater" I have no ideal. What even sucked more was that it was getting really warm in that gymnasium that we were in. After a few hours sitting there, you start shvitzing.
At this point nothing is going on, we take seats on the bleachers and then the Ad takes a look at some of us and starts placing people to how he "sees" the scene. I got moved to the other side but still was on the first 2 rows which was great because I was in no mood to climb up to the top of that gym. Plus this would mean it would take longer to get back to holding to get to lunch.
Finally they are ready to shoot. Sean Penn comes out and walks onto the platform they had set up in the middle of the room where he could say his speech. A few of us were shouting out "Hey Spicolli" referring to his character on "Fast Times at Ridgemont high! Though that character he did back in the 80's where he orders pizza in the classroom was like a lifetime ago compared to the seriousness of this character. Here he portrays Joe Wilson, husband of Valerie Plame, who was brought into the media after a CIA leak and scandal.
He grabs the microphone and begins his speech. He speaks in the microphone and there is clearly too much feedback and the sound engineer has to take care of that problem. Though this was not the only problem of the day with sound.
As Sean got into character and was reciting his speech.."How many of you know the sixteen words of the state of the union address?" One person raises their hand. Then he continues in character..."How many of you know my wife's name?" Several people slowly raise their hands. He continues..."How can you know one and not the other???" ....he continues then before he can the number 4 train runs outside on the elevated tacks right by the school and it interrupts his speech, the director yells "CUT!"
Back to one..Reset! Sean starts his speech again, and the number 4 train yet again passes by and disturbs his speech, "CUT!" yell the director. This goes on for several times and every time you can see Sean getting even more angry with each passing train. Finally Sean breaks out of character and shouts out to all of us "locations is Fired!"
They took so many takes that they would have to cut and paste in editing. Time to move on as we still had another scene to do. We already had lunch and it was a decent array of salads, chicken and beef. It was okay. Average catering. Though the best part had to have been the brownies and Oreo cookie crumb cake.
On to the next scene...
The next scene was in the wardrobe description which was all about the "Crunchy granola types". I still had my ugly "Granny sweater" on. Ugh! Our second set was in this huge school auditorium. Big enough to have a Broadway play or an orchestra up on that stage. Probably seated about a thousand, I would guess.
This scene was set in Seattle Washington. It was a rally scene and there were over 500 background which included actual students of Lehman who participated for free to be in this movie. Sean Penn was up on the stage sitting at a table with 4 other diplomats all there for this cause.
This scene was actually at the conclusion of this Seattle conference where Sean is wrapping up his speech. At this point it has been established that his speech has all of us heated up. So as he is in conclusion of his speech we are all ranting, raving, with a roaring applause to his words and what he has to say.
As it was a conclusion, we had to get up from our seats and leave as people do after a rally of this nature. Some of us were directed up to the stage to shake hands with "Joe Wilson. Others were directed to exit the auditorium and keep walking out the door. Just as some of us made it to the door, the director shouts out "CUT! Back to One!" This went on for take after take after take. Up the stairs, heading to the doors and then "CUT!" It got to a point where I had enough.
I have to say that I was sitting there alone with nobody that I knew. Everyone else was sitting in the front or in a different section. I was the only "old" person sitting in this section with all these young vibrant kids who are hip and in fashion and I am there wearing this "granny sweater"! I really felt out of place. Truly I was missing Linda because I just know we would have skipped out of this scene or at least had some fun with it. Being alone there was just such an awful feeling.
Finally I couldn't take anymore and on the next round of walking up the stairs to leave the auditorium, I kept on walking. Initially I was just going to use the bathroom, though I ended up staying behind as I knew I wouldn't be missed and no one probably would miss me.
In the bathroom I met up with my friend Joyce. I haven't seen her in SO long. In fact she was one of the first background person that became my friend when I started this crazy lifestyle. We met on the Robin Williams movie "August Rush" back in 2004. We both decided to stay behind and wait it out as the call for "It's a wrap" was near approaching.
It was funny because this is something Linda would have done with me for sure. What was strange about this was that while I was feeling awkward in that auditorium, I could swear I saw Linda sitting on Sean Penn's knee!
So Joyce and I sat it out and sure enough they called "It's a wrap". Soon droves of background people were storming out of the auditorium to run to holding to get checked out. I of course was the first one to return that ugly "Granny sweater" and got signed out first too.
Joyce got stuck in the wardrobe line. Not as fast as Linda..nobody will ever be! Still it was nice to have her there. It was as if Linda didn't want me to be alone and sent her to me in a way. I don't know. Maybe I'm speculating.
After I singed out. I gave my usual "High Five" to the A-team, even though one team member is out. Still she was there. I felt it. I left the set and raced alone and raced back to the subway, back to catch the 4 train. Passing Yankee Stadium. Back to Queens.
Back to One!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Fitting for Martin Scorcesse's new HBO production
I was on the set of the Samsung Commercial when I got the call to get booked for this. The Samsung shoot was one of those miserable sets where it's pouring rain, it's an exterior and yet they want you to run around in business suits, drop your umbrella, do crosses and pretend that it's not raining.
Out of the blue I get a call from Grant Wilfley Casting, one of the biggest casting houses in New York. The message said to call up and see if I could come for a fitting for the new "Martin Scorsese" HBO production, "Boardwalk Empire". She asked me if I could make it to Brooklyn the following day and what time slot I would like to go.
I told the girl at "Grant" that I would like to take the afternoon call time for the fitting. My time was for 3pm to get to York St, which is the first stop into Brooklyn on the "F" train.
I get there to the subway stop with ten minutes to spare. I got outside and spotted another background person..you can always tell who is background. It's that certain background look of being puzzled, dragging a suitcase, and looking around aimlessly for a van.
So I approached this young lady, who obviously was going the same way I was. I introduce myself and within a couple of minutes, the van pulls around the corner. The driver pops his head out of the window and aks "Boardwalk?" We were like "Yes!" Quickly we hopped into the van.
The driver of the van clearly had a long, exhausting day of transporting people back and forth from the subway to the warehouse location. As we got on, this Woman that I know was talking his ear off and you could tell the driver wanted to throw her off the van a few miles back.
After a few twists and turns around the Brooklyn Navy Yards area, we get to this shipping and receiving dock. There was NO way I would have been able to find this location. We get up to the loading area, up to the freight elevator to the 8th floor. This elevator was one of these old ones where you had to grab this belt and pull down the doors yourself, then press and hold a button down. So glad I wasn't in that elevator alone.
The door opens up to this warehouse and racks and racks of wardrobe for this movies. I get to the front desk to sign and get my voucher. Next step this gay guy approaches me and tells me to take off my bulky sweater so he could take measurements. So I stand there with my arms stretched out and he gets out his measuring tape.
He measures my waist, hips, girth, bust and everything in between. There were over 4o measurements taken! Then it was off to the dressing room to get fitted. The part I really dread. I get to the dressing room and the guy tells me to disrobe and get down to my pantyhose and bra only.
Moments later, a Woman comes in and starts examining me and my measurement chart, then dashes out to get a costume. She comes back with a camisole and a corset!!! She tells me to take my sports bra off. I did this with much hesitation and figure well she is a Woman and this guy here is gay. So off came the bra and on with the camisole. That was actually easy in comparison to the next step. Getting that corset on!
First they had a medium for me and they pulled, stretched, it out and barely got the clasps on. I was dying. I couldn't breathe. I told them this wasn't going to work, so they brought another one in a large size. This one too barely fit around me. The gay guy had his knee up against my back to pull this thing and secure it on me. I was like "Wow, it must have really sucked to be a Woman in the 1920's!" Also I didn't know they didn't wear bras and just let the boobs flop around like that!
Once they got that on me, the rest of the costume piece together nicely, save for this skirt. This skirt was really awkward as it did not have a zipper on the side or in the back. The zipper was this strange 3/4 on the side past the hip. It took wardrobe a while to figure this one out. After I got the skirt on, they gave me a shirt, a sweater, boots, and a long heavy itchy fur coat!
It was something else. I felt like I was transported to the 1920's. It was a treat to be in such a museum piece, but even standing there for the time I was there, I already couldn't breathe and the coat was irritating me. I don't know how any of us will handle the day of the shoot wearing this for 17 hours. It will be an interesting day for sure.
So I got undressed, back into "2009 clothes" , got signed out and headed back to the elevator and heading back to Queens.
Back to One!
Addendum :At the time when I got the call I felt privileged and lucky that I got this call. Finally I get cast for being pale and Irish lookin. Though after going through this fitting, I'm not sure this set will be that much fun.
Out of the blue I get a call from Grant Wilfley Casting, one of the biggest casting houses in New York. The message said to call up and see if I could come for a fitting for the new "Martin Scorsese" HBO production, "Boardwalk Empire". She asked me if I could make it to Brooklyn the following day and what time slot I would like to go.
I told the girl at "Grant" that I would like to take the afternoon call time for the fitting. My time was for 3pm to get to York St, which is the first stop into Brooklyn on the "F" train.
I get there to the subway stop with ten minutes to spare. I got outside and spotted another background person..you can always tell who is background. It's that certain background look of being puzzled, dragging a suitcase, and looking around aimlessly for a van.
So I approached this young lady, who obviously was going the same way I was. I introduce myself and within a couple of minutes, the van pulls around the corner. The driver pops his head out of the window and aks "Boardwalk?" We were like "Yes!" Quickly we hopped into the van.
The driver of the van clearly had a long, exhausting day of transporting people back and forth from the subway to the warehouse location. As we got on, this Woman that I know was talking his ear off and you could tell the driver wanted to throw her off the van a few miles back.
After a few twists and turns around the Brooklyn Navy Yards area, we get to this shipping and receiving dock. There was NO way I would have been able to find this location. We get up to the loading area, up to the freight elevator to the 8th floor. This elevator was one of these old ones where you had to grab this belt and pull down the doors yourself, then press and hold a button down. So glad I wasn't in that elevator alone.
The door opens up to this warehouse and racks and racks of wardrobe for this movies. I get to the front desk to sign and get my voucher. Next step this gay guy approaches me and tells me to take off my bulky sweater so he could take measurements. So I stand there with my arms stretched out and he gets out his measuring tape.
He measures my waist, hips, girth, bust and everything in between. There were over 4o measurements taken! Then it was off to the dressing room to get fitted. The part I really dread. I get to the dressing room and the guy tells me to disrobe and get down to my pantyhose and bra only.
Moments later, a Woman comes in and starts examining me and my measurement chart, then dashes out to get a costume. She comes back with a camisole and a corset!!! She tells me to take my sports bra off. I did this with much hesitation and figure well she is a Woman and this guy here is gay. So off came the bra and on with the camisole. That was actually easy in comparison to the next step. Getting that corset on!
First they had a medium for me and they pulled, stretched, it out and barely got the clasps on. I was dying. I couldn't breathe. I told them this wasn't going to work, so they brought another one in a large size. This one too barely fit around me. The gay guy had his knee up against my back to pull this thing and secure it on me. I was like "Wow, it must have really sucked to be a Woman in the 1920's!" Also I didn't know they didn't wear bras and just let the boobs flop around like that!
Once they got that on me, the rest of the costume piece together nicely, save for this skirt. This skirt was really awkward as it did not have a zipper on the side or in the back. The zipper was this strange 3/4 on the side past the hip. It took wardrobe a while to figure this one out. After I got the skirt on, they gave me a shirt, a sweater, boots, and a long heavy itchy fur coat!
It was something else. I felt like I was transported to the 1920's. It was a treat to be in such a museum piece, but even standing there for the time I was there, I already couldn't breathe and the coat was irritating me. I don't know how any of us will handle the day of the shoot wearing this for 17 hours. It will be an interesting day for sure.
So I got undressed, back into "2009 clothes" , got signed out and headed back to the elevator and heading back to Queens.
Back to One!
Addendum :At the time when I got the call I felt privileged and lucky that I got this call. Finally I get cast for being pale and Irish lookin. Though after going through this fitting, I'm not sure this set will be that much fun.
Samsung Commercial
This was a last minute unexpected booking for a Samsung commercial. I got a call from casting , late Saturday night. At first I thought it was a mistake, because I don't even remember submitting for a Samsung commercial. Our call time was scheduled for 1pm to be at one State street over by the Staten Island Ferry.
It was a really rainy day with the rains coming down in buckets. I was like "Great this is going to be an exterior shoot in the rain, wonderful!" I took the "R" train from Queens and I didn't have to transfer as it went all the way to Whitehall street/ South Ferry stop. I left the house on time, but I still managed to get there late as the train had so many delays. Though that didn't matter too much as nobody was there yet. At least the crew and the director, who we kind of need to shoot this commercial.
Apparently we were told by a nice Asian PA that they were delayed at the first location. When she got there we signed in and got out contracts to sign. Plus they cmae in with food! Okay so it wasn crap. They came in with a few boxes of cold pizza and junk food was provided. Everything from skittles to Doritos. Guess I should be thanksful we got anything. Still way better than the cheap catering on the Julia Roberts movie, "Duplicity" which bombed!
Moving along...
Our holding area which was a defunct, asbsestos laden area in midst of construction and repair, was dirty and very dusty! The floor was this cement grounding immersed in Polly filla dust. All of us were wearing nice business suits, some really expensive ones. The cement dust was so thick that you could walk all the way to Staten Island and leave a trail of your footprints!
It was so bad that once you left the area, and went into the nice lobby, you would leave imprints all over the place. It was like walking into a room filled with white flour. At least flour is natural, I'm sure the white dust in that area was NOT organic!
On top of it our seating area...well there was no seating area at this time. All there was to sit down on was the siding where there once was a functional heating unit and looked liked it was on the verge of collapsing. Guess what...It did!
My friend Bill was sitting down on this siding to fill out his release form. Mind you there were a few people sittng on it as well. Within seconds of him having a seat.."CRASH!"$%# BOOM!*** THUD!!!&*%$# The entire thing came down with a few people falling down with it and becoming immersed in that white powdery cement dust. What a mess.
After this vision of destruction fell before us, we helped my friend Bill back up. His coat was full of this white dust. Then the maintenance person came by to take a look at it. He didn't do much but look at it and tore the rest of it down.
Soon this fiasco was over and on with the actual shoot of the day. It was still pouring rain and the crew got to this location all soaked and wet. They unloaded their trucks and had plastic over their cameras. Shortly after we were summoned from inside that dusty mess to go outside into the pouring rain.
In the scene we were to walk across the street from sidewalk to sidewalk and give everyone that passes us a "High Five!" It was pouring rain at this point and when the director called "Background Action", we had to drop our umbrellas and walk into the scene. In the pouring rain, through puddles of water and flooding in pot holes, crossing the street, getting soaked and "high fiving" each other as we passed along. I was like are they going to CGI out the rain??
What a miserable mess. Well at least the rains washed off all the cement dust! Of course the rains got even heavier with each passing. To make matters even worse there were some "background newbies" or the "Retards of Background" who thought they would be discovered and would look and jump directly in front of the camera. I was like " what retards"!
Finally after we were nicely dripping soppy wet, they call "Check the Gate!" I thought this meant a wrap. Though it wasn't, they still had another scnen. This one was in the lobby of that building whihc was cleaner and had marble floors. So crew sets up the lights in the lobby and while we are waiting back in holding sneezing and trying to dry off in the dusty room.
I sit down in one of the chairs they put out and the PA comes around selecting people. I did my "Pretend I'm sleeping" routine and she passes by me not selecting me. Works every time! LOL.
Though there was really no "safety zone" sitting in that dusty mess. After coming fresh from the rains, the dust stuck to your clothes like glue. Also I could feel the residue of dirt in my teeth. It was gross. I couldnt wait to go home and take a shower.
Thsi miserable mess lasted for a few hours and finally we were called to "Wrap!" I got in the line and as usual I am one of the first people to do so. I got int line to get paid. The best part of the day of course was getting paid cash! Okay so it was worth it after all. I got my money and went back outside, where the rains finally cleared up. I went back to the subway to catch the "R" train to get back to Queens.
Back to One!
It was a really rainy day with the rains coming down in buckets. I was like "Great this is going to be an exterior shoot in the rain, wonderful!" I took the "R" train from Queens and I didn't have to transfer as it went all the way to Whitehall street/ South Ferry stop. I left the house on time, but I still managed to get there late as the train had so many delays. Though that didn't matter too much as nobody was there yet. At least the crew and the director, who we kind of need to shoot this commercial.
Apparently we were told by a nice Asian PA that they were delayed at the first location. When she got there we signed in and got out contracts to sign. Plus they cmae in with food! Okay so it wasn crap. They came in with a few boxes of cold pizza and junk food was provided. Everything from skittles to Doritos. Guess I should be thanksful we got anything. Still way better than the cheap catering on the Julia Roberts movie, "Duplicity" which bombed!
Moving along...
Our holding area which was a defunct, asbsestos laden area in midst of construction and repair, was dirty and very dusty! The floor was this cement grounding immersed in Polly filla dust. All of us were wearing nice business suits, some really expensive ones. The cement dust was so thick that you could walk all the way to Staten Island and leave a trail of your footprints!
It was so bad that once you left the area, and went into the nice lobby, you would leave imprints all over the place. It was like walking into a room filled with white flour. At least flour is natural, I'm sure the white dust in that area was NOT organic!
On top of it our seating area...well there was no seating area at this time. All there was to sit down on was the siding where there once was a functional heating unit and looked liked it was on the verge of collapsing. Guess what...It did!
My friend Bill was sitting down on this siding to fill out his release form. Mind you there were a few people sittng on it as well. Within seconds of him having a seat.."CRASH!"$%# BOOM!*** THUD!!!&*%$# The entire thing came down with a few people falling down with it and becoming immersed in that white powdery cement dust. What a mess.
After this vision of destruction fell before us, we helped my friend Bill back up. His coat was full of this white dust. Then the maintenance person came by to take a look at it. He didn't do much but look at it and tore the rest of it down.
Soon this fiasco was over and on with the actual shoot of the day. It was still pouring rain and the crew got to this location all soaked and wet. They unloaded their trucks and had plastic over their cameras. Shortly after we were summoned from inside that dusty mess to go outside into the pouring rain.
In the scene we were to walk across the street from sidewalk to sidewalk and give everyone that passes us a "High Five!" It was pouring rain at this point and when the director called "Background Action", we had to drop our umbrellas and walk into the scene. In the pouring rain, through puddles of water and flooding in pot holes, crossing the street, getting soaked and "high fiving" each other as we passed along. I was like are they going to CGI out the rain??
What a miserable mess. Well at least the rains washed off all the cement dust! Of course the rains got even heavier with each passing. To make matters even worse there were some "background newbies" or the "Retards of Background" who thought they would be discovered and would look and jump directly in front of the camera. I was like " what retards"!
Finally after we were nicely dripping soppy wet, they call "Check the Gate!" I thought this meant a wrap. Though it wasn't, they still had another scnen. This one was in the lobby of that building whihc was cleaner and had marble floors. So crew sets up the lights in the lobby and while we are waiting back in holding sneezing and trying to dry off in the dusty room.
I sit down in one of the chairs they put out and the PA comes around selecting people. I did my "Pretend I'm sleeping" routine and she passes by me not selecting me. Works every time! LOL.
Though there was really no "safety zone" sitting in that dusty mess. After coming fresh from the rains, the dust stuck to your clothes like glue. Also I could feel the residue of dirt in my teeth. It was gross. I couldnt wait to go home and take a shower.
Thsi miserable mess lasted for a few hours and finally we were called to "Wrap!" I got in the line and as usual I am one of the first people to do so. I got int line to get paid. The best part of the day of course was getting paid cash! Okay so it was worth it after all. I got my money and went back outside, where the rains finally cleared up. I went back to the subway to catch the "R" train to get back to Queens.
Back to One!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Bored to Death in Brighton Beach Day 2
So this was the second day booked on this show in Brighton Beach. After yesterday's experience I was dreading coming back. Though I got this booking from one of my favorite casting people, and I wasn't going to cancel if I was still on the list.
The voice mail message was released at midnight when I got home from "day 1". I thought for sure that my number was going to be called on the list to "not return" as I was NOT used at all the day before. As the message went on and he was reading the numbers that should not return, I barely made the cut for the numbers they needed, though I was IN! This meant I had to immediately get to bed so I could get up early and get there on time.
I woke up at a decent time to leave Queens and to get to Brooklyn. I did not want to be late and sent home.I gave myself much more extra time to get down to the area. In fact I got there too early. The doors to the restaurant where holding was located, was gated and locked and shut down.
I thought that I slept in and I was an entire day late as there was no sight of anybody there. No crew, no PA's, nobody. It felt like one of those Twilight Zone Episodes where there was some nuclear explosion the day before, this man was in a safe bomb shelter avoiding the explosion. He wakes up the next day to go outside only to find everything is shut down, and he is the only person alive.
Finally after about 15 minutes, someone came and opened the gates. I was relieved and was actually one of the first few people there to check in. So we checked in, and went to the breakfast truck to get some personalized omelette's at the "omelet station". Yes Thank-you HBO!
We returned to holding, sat down had our breakfast and went to wardrobe to get the dresses we were assgiend to wear the day before. I thought, "Great, another day of just sitting around and being treated like I'm in kindergarten class and be told what to do by a power hungry PA!" Well I was wrong..it turned out to be classic background day with much fun and surprises.....
After we got dressed, there was no time to wait around and we quickly got rushed to set. So we get to the set which was inside the Russian restaurant and of course we rush to get there only to wait outside in our dresses and heels on the boardwalk platform, where it was really chilly and overcast. Still at this point I was thinking " I will get through this!"
Finally we get directed to get on set and quietly proceed. We finally get into the restaurant and the tables were arranged differently. At first the PA is placing people, and then she gets called to do something else. We are just standing there feeling stupid and decide to "place ourselves" and sit down at this table which at the time we did not know that it would be the main shot for the day.
So my friend and I sat down and didn't expect anything and the PA didn't come around to throw us out of our seats. Shortly after we get situated, they bring out the principal actor, Jason. He ends up sitting directly across the table from where we are sitting! Nobody says anything about us sitting there and they begin the scene.
The scene was at this Russian restaurant. There are ten of us at this table eating, drinking, saluting, and just having a grand 'ol time. We are pretending to clink glasses and everyone is drunk and full of life. Jason's character is drunk and he is getting along with everyone and getting real chummy. This cute Russian waitress approaches the table to offer a plate of deserts.
He gestures to the waitress and asks her a question about a certain lady that sings there at the club to see if she is available for him to date. The waitress nods she will be here tomorrow night. Jason's' character is a happy drunk and of hearing this news, he gathers everyone at the table to raise their glasses and salute in Russian. So we all raise our glasses and cheer "Nazdrovje"!
What a great comic actor he is. IT was so much fun. From the get go, he is cracking jokes and making everyone feel important being there.The funniest part was that this much older woman was sitting right beside him and did not get any of the jokes or gestures he was making. Most of the jokes were the fact that this woman was clueless to what was going on.
On with the next scene.....
As if that wasn't enough fun, the best time was really yet to come. This time everyone was called to go to the middle of the dance floor of the restaurant. I was like oh great a dance scene. "Well Canada Anne doesn't dance!" While the crew took a break the AD was figuring out the scene. They were on the side, so my friend and I thought this was the opportune time to get up on that stage and get some poses!
The cool thing was that the microphone was one of those 1950's style they used for radio back in the day. I went up and did a quick few bars of the song "fever" and in my Marilyn Monroe pose. It felt great! Though it was for only a few moments. Even the bitchy "PMS PA" saw me up on the stage and didn't even say a word and just let me have my moment.
It was a short moment and it was done when the Director called everyone to the dance floor. We were instructed to form a circle after we dance a little and Jason would be in the center. In the circle Jason and his drunk Russian male partner would dance. And they danced. they danced Wildly, kicking their legs up. Doing the Russian dance.
Then it got even wilder. They got two chairs and they both sat down and were lifted up into the circle. It was just like going to a Jewish wedding. While the two guys were being lifted up we are all cheering and roaring and applauding.They had a bottle of vodka and were toasting each other while it was spilling all over the place. A couple of wild rounds of this and WOW what a day.
I was exhausted just being a part of it. Then we were told to go back to holding. I thought for sure that meant lunch and then we would have another 10 hours to go. Well I was gladly mistaken. Got to holding and "it was a wrap!" Yippee.
Got changed in my street clothes and went back to the "B" Train.
Back to one.
The voice mail message was released at midnight when I got home from "day 1". I thought for sure that my number was going to be called on the list to "not return" as I was NOT used at all the day before. As the message went on and he was reading the numbers that should not return, I barely made the cut for the numbers they needed, though I was IN! This meant I had to immediately get to bed so I could get up early and get there on time.
I woke up at a decent time to leave Queens and to get to Brooklyn. I did not want to be late and sent home.I gave myself much more extra time to get down to the area. In fact I got there too early. The doors to the restaurant where holding was located, was gated and locked and shut down.
I thought that I slept in and I was an entire day late as there was no sight of anybody there. No crew, no PA's, nobody. It felt like one of those Twilight Zone Episodes where there was some nuclear explosion the day before, this man was in a safe bomb shelter avoiding the explosion. He wakes up the next day to go outside only to find everything is shut down, and he is the only person alive.
Finally after about 15 minutes, someone came and opened the gates. I was relieved and was actually one of the first few people there to check in. So we checked in, and went to the breakfast truck to get some personalized omelette's at the "omelet station". Yes Thank-you HBO!
We returned to holding, sat down had our breakfast and went to wardrobe to get the dresses we were assgiend to wear the day before. I thought, "Great, another day of just sitting around and being treated like I'm in kindergarten class and be told what to do by a power hungry PA!" Well I was wrong..it turned out to be classic background day with much fun and surprises.....
After we got dressed, there was no time to wait around and we quickly got rushed to set. So we get to the set which was inside the Russian restaurant and of course we rush to get there only to wait outside in our dresses and heels on the boardwalk platform, where it was really chilly and overcast. Still at this point I was thinking " I will get through this!"
Finally we get directed to get on set and quietly proceed. We finally get into the restaurant and the tables were arranged differently. At first the PA is placing people, and then she gets called to do something else. We are just standing there feeling stupid and decide to "place ourselves" and sit down at this table which at the time we did not know that it would be the main shot for the day.
So my friend and I sat down and didn't expect anything and the PA didn't come around to throw us out of our seats. Shortly after we get situated, they bring out the principal actor, Jason. He ends up sitting directly across the table from where we are sitting! Nobody says anything about us sitting there and they begin the scene.
The scene was at this Russian restaurant. There are ten of us at this table eating, drinking, saluting, and just having a grand 'ol time. We are pretending to clink glasses and everyone is drunk and full of life. Jason's character is drunk and he is getting along with everyone and getting real chummy. This cute Russian waitress approaches the table to offer a plate of deserts.
He gestures to the waitress and asks her a question about a certain lady that sings there at the club to see if she is available for him to date. The waitress nods she will be here tomorrow night. Jason's' character is a happy drunk and of hearing this news, he gathers everyone at the table to raise their glasses and salute in Russian. So we all raise our glasses and cheer "Nazdrovje"!
What a great comic actor he is. IT was so much fun. From the get go, he is cracking jokes and making everyone feel important being there.The funniest part was that this much older woman was sitting right beside him and did not get any of the jokes or gestures he was making. Most of the jokes were the fact that this woman was clueless to what was going on.
On with the next scene.....
As if that wasn't enough fun, the best time was really yet to come. This time everyone was called to go to the middle of the dance floor of the restaurant. I was like oh great a dance scene. "Well Canada Anne doesn't dance!" While the crew took a break the AD was figuring out the scene. They were on the side, so my friend and I thought this was the opportune time to get up on that stage and get some poses!
The cool thing was that the microphone was one of those 1950's style they used for radio back in the day. I went up and did a quick few bars of the song "fever" and in my Marilyn Monroe pose. It felt great! Though it was for only a few moments. Even the bitchy "PMS PA" saw me up on the stage and didn't even say a word and just let me have my moment.
It was a short moment and it was done when the Director called everyone to the dance floor. We were instructed to form a circle after we dance a little and Jason would be in the center. In the circle Jason and his drunk Russian male partner would dance. And they danced. they danced Wildly, kicking their legs up. Doing the Russian dance.
Then it got even wilder. They got two chairs and they both sat down and were lifted up into the circle. It was just like going to a Jewish wedding. While the two guys were being lifted up we are all cheering and roaring and applauding.They had a bottle of vodka and were toasting each other while it was spilling all over the place. A couple of wild rounds of this and WOW what a day.
I was exhausted just being a part of it. Then we were told to go back to holding. I thought for sure that meant lunch and then we would have another 10 hours to go. Well I was gladly mistaken. Got to holding and "it was a wrap!" Yippee.
Got changed in my street clothes and went back to the "B" Train.
Back to one.
Bored to Death In Brighton Beach day 1
I finally got booked on this new HBO series called "Bored To Death!" I got this booking through Desiree for a 2-day shoot. Yippee! When you get two days guaranteed work, it is awesome because on the second day you now how to get to the location and don't have to lug around a suitcase of clothes again.
Of all the shows I have been one, this one sounds most promising with the concept and set of characters as described below from: http://www.buzzsugar.com/1748476
Jason Schwartzman excites HBO.No, the actor who was once Max Fischer isn't yawning every time he channel-surfs past the network that once brought you The Sopranos (at least not that we know of). Bored to Death is just the name of the network's new half-hour comedy pilot that just cast Schwartzman in the lead.
It doesn't sound boring at all.The show centers on Schwartzman's character, Jonathan, a 30-something struggling writer living (and drinking heavily) in Brooklyn. After he breaks up with his girlfriend, he decides to refashion himself as a private detective in the vein of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett heroes. According to the Hollywood Reporter.
So it was appropriate that the scene that I was booked on took place in "Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. Also known as "Little Kiev!" I have never been to Brighton Beach and always wanted to go. So I hopped on the "Q" train which I caught on 57 th street in Manhattan and I was on the train for about and hour and a half!
Our call time was originally for 11:00am, and now I knew why. Though that didn't matter because I was still about 40 minutes late on arrival and thought for sure I was going to sent home by casting. Though I wasn't and I got my voucher to fill out and was sent to wardrobe.
This was one of those sets where I could not hide from wardrobe and had to change and accept what I was given in return for my voucher as collateral. This usually sucks and I always avoid this because it means an extra line at the end of the day, but with a set of 80 people, it wasn't that bad. In fact I kind of enjoyed dressing up and putting on a dress for a change.
The worst part of the day had to be the weather. Unlike a few days ago with the unseasonably warm temps, it was freezing cold out on the boardwalk that day. We were all dressed up and were wearing high heel shoes. I brought my flip-flops to walk out on the boardwalk. A couple of women did get their heels stuck walking form the holding area to the Russian restaurant we were shooting at.
Of all the shows I have been one, this one sounds most promising with the concept and set of characters as described below from: http://www.buzzsugar.com/1748476
Jason Schwartzman excites HBO.No, the actor who was once Max Fischer isn't yawning every time he channel-surfs past the network that once brought you The Sopranos (at least not that we know of). Bored to Death is just the name of the network's new half-hour comedy pilot that just cast Schwartzman in the lead.
It doesn't sound boring at all.The show centers on Schwartzman's character, Jonathan, a 30-something struggling writer living (and drinking heavily) in Brooklyn. After he breaks up with his girlfriend, he decides to refashion himself as a private detective in the vein of Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett heroes. According to the Hollywood Reporter.
So it was appropriate that the scene that I was booked on took place in "Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. Also known as "Little Kiev!" I have never been to Brighton Beach and always wanted to go. So I hopped on the "Q" train which I caught on 57 th street in Manhattan and I was on the train for about and hour and a half!
Our call time was originally for 11:00am, and now I knew why. Though that didn't matter because I was still about 40 minutes late on arrival and thought for sure I was going to sent home by casting. Though I wasn't and I got my voucher to fill out and was sent to wardrobe.
This was one of those sets where I could not hide from wardrobe and had to change and accept what I was given in return for my voucher as collateral. This usually sucks and I always avoid this because it means an extra line at the end of the day, but with a set of 80 people, it wasn't that bad. In fact I kind of enjoyed dressing up and putting on a dress for a change.
The worst part of the day had to be the weather. Unlike a few days ago with the unseasonably warm temps, it was freezing cold out on the boardwalk that day. We were all dressed up and were wearing high heel shoes. I brought my flip-flops to walk out on the boardwalk. A couple of women did get their heels stuck walking form the holding area to the Russian restaurant we were shooting at.
Speaking of shootings..or at least a drug deal gone wrong..We all eye witnessed a "Brighton Beach boardwalk bust!" Within second two police cruised and a helicopter above captured and seized the "boardwalk miscreant" in handcuffs and stuffed him in the NYPD car. Since it was close to where the set was, some of us thought that this was the scene we would be involved in.
Th day started out exciting with that scenario, though the entire rest of the day was a complete bust and a huge disappointment for myself because I never got to be on set and was scolded out by this bitchy PA who was on the rag to "Not talk, or you're out!" Meanwhile, everyone is talking around me and they are not even shooting anything. Really tired of pissy attitudes from power hungry twenty-something PA's. I don't need that crap.
It was bad enough that this little bitch kept looking over me and gave me the evil eye as I was sitting there as quiet as a church mice and freezing as it was really bone chilling cold in there with no heat on at all. Finally I couldn't take anymore and went back to holding and changed my clothes.
About and our later, around 11pm, the other PA came to holding and was getting papers ready. It was a wrap. I was So relieved. It was nighttime now, and we headed to the subway to catch the "Q" train back. That took an hour and a half for me to get back to Queens. Tomorrow would be the same thing. Day 2 of this crap..or so I thought..Stay tuned to Day 2, which clearly was outstanding and totally made up for this day..
Back to One!
Fourth of July BollyWood style
I got a booking to be on a Bollywood movie. Actually I think everyone I know practically got booked on this one. It was advertised on the Craigslist, so it was it was passed on to everyone the the e-mail list. I told Linda about it the night before and she was excited to go.
At first the casting called for All-American types for a fourth of July celebration. They specifically asked people to wear the colors "Red, white and blue". Now since this was a "fourth of July" scene, you would think that the attire would be summer clothes. Yes that's what I thought as well, until I got the e-mail on late Sunday night that they wanted people to bring heavy winter coats!
I actually almost canceled out b/c I didn't want to go through the torture of being on set in winter parkas with the temperatures to hit high 90's that day. Though Linda said that she was going regardless, and I figured if she is going to be there, it's going to be a wonderful day.
First of all, that week was a "Spring heatwave" and the temperatures soared into the 90's for 4 days in a row. Wearing a winter coat in that heat wasn't going to happen for me. Secondly, even if I wasn't a "rule breaker" I didn't have my winter coat, because guess what it's Spring now and I already put it in storage.
The call time was a super early for 5:30 am to get to Central Park West area. It's hard enough to get to any set for that early in the morning, and this was no different. I had to leave Queens by 4 am to make it there. I had no problem getting up as I was not able to sleep at all. It was so hot in the apartment, and we had no air conditioner in yet, so I spent the entire night tossing, turning and sweating.
At first the casting called for All-American types for a fourth of July celebration. They specifically asked people to wear the colors "Red, white and blue". Now since this was a "fourth of July" scene, you would think that the attire would be summer clothes. Yes that's what I thought as well, until I got the e-mail on late Sunday night that they wanted people to bring heavy winter coats!
I actually almost canceled out b/c I didn't want to go through the torture of being on set in winter parkas with the temperatures to hit high 90's that day. Though Linda said that she was going regardless, and I figured if she is going to be there, it's going to be a wonderful day.
First of all, that week was a "Spring heatwave" and the temperatures soared into the 90's for 4 days in a row. Wearing a winter coat in that heat wasn't going to happen for me. Secondly, even if I wasn't a "rule breaker" I didn't have my winter coat, because guess what it's Spring now and I already put it in storage.
The call time was a super early for 5:30 am to get to Central Park West area. It's hard enough to get to any set for that early in the morning, and this was no different. I had to leave Queens by 4 am to make it there. I had no problem getting up as I was not able to sleep at all. It was so hot in the apartment, and we had no air conditioner in yet, so I spent the entire night tossing, turning and sweating.
I transferred to the "A" train at Times Square 42nd street, where I met up with two of my fellow background players. Obviously we were all heading to the same set that early in the morning. None of us have "real" jobs to go to at that time. So we waited, and waited and waited some more. Finally the train came and for all that waiting we just ended up going 2 stops to the 72nd stop at Central Park West.
We get to holding at the church and there were already over 200 background in the holding area, and in the line-up to get pay vouchers and sign in. Linda was of course already there, and saved a seat for the "A-Team!" There were SO many people and So much madness going on as there are 4 different casting agencies that booked people on it. One was this "Universal" casting in New Jersey. By the time they got through the line, there were no more vouchers left to go around for the rest of us. I was thinking' How could they not have known that they are going to need a certain number of vouchers? What a mess!"
So we had to take a seat and wait for these vouchers to be delivered. While we were waiting there and complaining, there was so much activity going on around us as they were preparing for this massive 4th of July scene. Everyone was getting into their costumes.
It was getting really colorful in that space with a wave of red, white, and blues and American flags "stars and stripes" being painted on faces. Every single patriotic costume imaginable that represented July 4th from people dressed up as Uncle Sam, Ben Franklin, George and Martha Washington to a short 4 foot 2 small Woman dressed up as the statue of Liberty! It was really coming together!
As delightful as this all was, my favorite part of the entire day had to be the marching band. They were awesome. While all this was going on inside, outside on the corner the marching band were gearing up., tuning their horns and practicing. I was so exhausted and cranky up to this point, until the entire street was captured with such delightful notes of the songs they played.
They played "Don't Stop believing" by Journey, Just a gigolo by vaious, and then one all time classic and favorite which I haven't heard of in a while which was Cannon Adderley's "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy" Linda really got into it and started dancing with the band leader and trombone player distracting them while they were playing.
There is some great horn section going on with this piece. In my opinion, this is the best version of this song with the best solos that I found on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wd4RDLGOQ3I It's long, but here it is just to give you an idea of the sounds of the day. When I hear music like this, I know I didn't waste my time taking music appreciation as a minor in college.
Moving along...
The rest of the day was literally a parade! Once all the costumes and make-up were in check, the sound of the bullhorn blared and we were all summoned to follow the PA to Central Park. An we followed. All 200 of us. The band leading the way, with Uncle Sam's, and clowns, jugglers, You name it, was a parade!
When we finally got to the park, the props people were handing out red and white balloons, flags, bells and whistles, to make this the most decorative parade around. Once we got our props, we were directed up and over the hill to where they had a huge fountain area. With the blue skies, and grand music, it was a beautiful day indeed! I was the most proudest Canadian portraying an American!
The scene was fairly simple, it was a parade enjoy and have fun! If that wasn't enough when they called for lunch around 2pm, the best was yet to come. I was thinking we would just get Indian foo, which my stomach can't take or it would some boxed lunch crap. Wow I was delightfully wrong this time to be taken around the make-shift lake, around the entire park to be guided to the legendary Boathouse restuarant!
It was a luxury catered meal in the boathouse. Do you know how expensive the boathouse is?? It was so special to get to sit down and dine like human beings in this place. It was a buffet style catering, though each dish was served to us on real plates, not paper ones as we usually get. We also sat at nice tables, had cutlery, and fancy napkins to place on our laps. Who could ask for anything more?
Even though we had only 15 minutes to chow down, it didn't matter, it turned out to be a much better day than expected. Though by the time all crew and 200 people went through the line, about and hour and a half elapsed. We went back to set, though even the crew were not ready to immediately go back to work after that meal.
We finally got "Back to One" around 3pm and they would have to wrap it up in a few hours as they were dependant on the daylight. The marching band played on, and we formed a circle this time marching along with the tunes of the band who were now playing "Happy Together" by the Turtles http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxGiKgYYKvQ and even a couple of Micheal Jackson songs like "Thriller"! Talk about cheesy.
Though it was So much fun. In the end once the principal"Bollywood actors" got their lines down in a romantic setting where they shared a kiss, we were instructed to let go of all the red, white and blue balloons that we were holding. The band started playing "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WzsUOmqpaeg as we let go of all the balloons and they all flew overhead into the clear blue skies. This was the ending song and as the band played, we sang along and the director called it a "Wrap"! Yay!
Walking back to holding to get signed out, passing by Strawberry Fields, where John Lennon's "Imagine" circle is, and still hearing the horns of the band play. Great ending to a great set.
Now I just hope we get paid in US dollars for this, not in Rupees!
LOL
Here is a link to the pictures from the day.
Addendum: Life takes you in mysterious directions. Most of the time we have no idea where we are going. Most of us don't even realize that we are on our path. Most of us try to figure out and over analyze and criticize people and situations and complain of our destiny and question our faith. Most of us, not all of us. Linda, my dear friend who passed away on May 14, 2009, was an exceptional, exuberant person.
I am mentioning this here as this set was the last time I ever saw her again. To think I was going to cancel this shoot b/c I was annoyed with the wardrobe decision. When I talked to Linda on the phone, she was like "Well I am going anyways!" Nothing stopped her. She embraced life to the fullest making every minute and everyone in her life count.
It took me a while to write this addendum as I am still struggling with the fact that she truly is gone. Though her spirit lives on through her son Justin and through all the many people she touched.
This following quote is from Cannon Adderley's "Mercy, Mercy, Mercy!"
"You know sometimes we're not prepared for adversity. When it happens sometimes we're caught short. Sometimes We don't know how to handle it when it comes up. Sometimes we don't know what to do when adversity takes over..."http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRrFWp4DUho&feature=related
Forever my friend. Linda Rhodes, you will be missed. Thank-you for being a part of my life.
Back to one!
Ugly Betty Shoot at Citi Fields
Finally after a ga-zillion times of submitting to get on the ABC show "Ugly Betty", I got booked. It's amazing how the powers of "bullshitting" can work wonders. This booking was for an episode of Ugly Betty that was to be shot over in the "new" Shea Stadium, Citi fields. So "C and G" casting was looking for "Mets fans" and people who have Mets shirts and jackets, etc.
I first e-mailed C and G casting and said that I am a HUGE METS fan. A little white lie, as I am a Mets fan, though not a "die-hard" fan for sure. I also do not even own one single thread of Mets clothing. Of course you e-mail them and say you have all these things just to get booked.
After not initially hearing a reply, I took the chance to call them up. Normally these casting people hate for you to call them, though I took the risk, and it paid because I did get booked on it. The call time was for 10:30 pm. This was perfect because it gave me enough time to get a Mets shirt and cap from my friend.
I went to the local pub in Astori, the Sunswick pub, had a few beers, because ballpark prices are outrageous, and I hit the "7" train at 10pm. It took only 20 minutes to get there. As soon as I got off the subway and started walking towards the stadium, throngs of people were leaving the stadium as the game let out. The Mets won! Yippee!
So I try to get through these people and make it all the way aroun the side of the stadium and followed the arrows that pointed to holding. I get in, check my ID and get signed in. I even got an official Ugly Betty "crew" tag to wear(which I never returned heheheheh)
The room or area should I say was very dark, cement floors, probably an area used normally for shipping or loading in equipment. The room was already packed and any table and seats were limited. This was one of those sets where they had "Sagre-gation" and lableled the tables as such.
Of course I went directly to the SAG table. I figure why not? I am SAG eligible now, so I may as well start acting the part. I sat down, got my pay pay voucher, filled it out and then proceeded to the feast that was waiting and calling me with the sweet aromas of SAG food! Ah how sweet it is.
There was a line of buffet style catering which included ballpark food Alla gourmet style! There were franks probably Kosher Hebrew National brand, hamburgers with slices of Mozzarella cheese melted to perfection on top, roasted corn on the cob halves and these really great sandwiches on Onion bread stuffed with provolone cheese, Genoa salami and loaded with prosciutto!Yes thank-you ABC for providing great food!
At the end of this array of food was the desert stand which had a couple of cheesecakes, cookies and these wonderfully delightful "hypnotic" cupcakes! They were a standard chocolate cupcake though it was gorgeously decorated with blue and orange swirls in a spiral pattern. They were simply too pretty to just chomp down and eat them, so we played and amused ourselves with them. My friend, Linda really made the best poses with them!
In fact Linda takes such great photos and she is a real trooper considering she is a die-hard Yankee fan having a gig at "Shitti-Fields" as she phrased it! It was So much fun as she had tattoos of the Yankees on her backside and displaying it to the Mets players.
Finally after we consumed the food and I pilfered some of those amazing onion sandwiches for later, the bull horn went off and we were all summoned to set! We went through "the tunnel" which is basically an underpass, cement-laden walk through to get to the ballpark. Before we could get to our seats, we were stopped by the props department to acquire some Mets paraphernalia.
I first e-mailed C and G casting and said that I am a HUGE METS fan. A little white lie, as I am a Mets fan, though not a "die-hard" fan for sure. I also do not even own one single thread of Mets clothing. Of course you e-mail them and say you have all these things just to get booked.
After not initially hearing a reply, I took the chance to call them up. Normally these casting people hate for you to call them, though I took the risk, and it paid because I did get booked on it. The call time was for 10:30 pm. This was perfect because it gave me enough time to get a Mets shirt and cap from my friend.
I went to the local pub in Astori, the Sunswick pub, had a few beers, because ballpark prices are outrageous, and I hit the "7" train at 10pm. It took only 20 minutes to get there. As soon as I got off the subway and started walking towards the stadium, throngs of people were leaving the stadium as the game let out. The Mets won! Yippee!
So I try to get through these people and make it all the way aroun the side of the stadium and followed the arrows that pointed to holding. I get in, check my ID and get signed in. I even got an official Ugly Betty "crew" tag to wear(which I never returned heheheheh)
The room or area should I say was very dark, cement floors, probably an area used normally for shipping or loading in equipment. The room was already packed and any table and seats were limited. This was one of those sets where they had "Sagre-gation" and lableled the tables as such.
Of course I went directly to the SAG table. I figure why not? I am SAG eligible now, so I may as well start acting the part. I sat down, got my pay pay voucher, filled it out and then proceeded to the feast that was waiting and calling me with the sweet aromas of SAG food! Ah how sweet it is.
There was a line of buffet style catering which included ballpark food Alla gourmet style! There were franks probably Kosher Hebrew National brand, hamburgers with slices of Mozzarella cheese melted to perfection on top, roasted corn on the cob halves and these really great sandwiches on Onion bread stuffed with provolone cheese, Genoa salami and loaded with prosciutto!Yes thank-you ABC for providing great food!
At the end of this array of food was the desert stand which had a couple of cheesecakes, cookies and these wonderfully delightful "hypnotic" cupcakes! They were a standard chocolate cupcake though it was gorgeously decorated with blue and orange swirls in a spiral pattern. They were simply too pretty to just chomp down and eat them, so we played and amused ourselves with them. My friend, Linda really made the best poses with them!
In fact Linda takes such great photos and she is a real trooper considering she is a die-hard Yankee fan having a gig at "Shitti-Fields" as she phrased it! It was So much fun as she had tattoos of the Yankees on her backside and displaying it to the Mets players.
Finally after we consumed the food and I pilfered some of those amazing onion sandwiches for later, the bull horn went off and we were all summoned to set! We went through "the tunnel" which is basically an underpass, cement-laden walk through to get to the ballpark. Before we could get to our seats, we were stopped by the props department to acquire some Mets paraphernalia.
I always try to avoid getting props, as my cohort, Linda does to, though this was unavoidable. We got stopped. I got the green light as I had on my Mets cap and t-shirt on. Though Linda got stopped and was given a plush Mets doll! At first it was like, "Oh great, now you have to hand in your voucher just to hold this thing"!
In order to make a bad situation work to our benefit, we decided to have fun with this prop, and believe me, we did. I don't think Mr. Mets knew what was coming to him and how we violated the poor plush toy. I don't think I even need to explain any further, the following pics illustrates the shoot at Citi Fields:
Did we have fun. What do you think!?
Back to One..or for Mr. Mets guy.."Back for more!"
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