SHREVEPORT MOVIE PARTIES SEEKING VOLUNTEERS- Hello awesome Actors/Background Actors!!! You all rock!! I was contacted today by one of the Party Planning Committee members for 2 BIG parties coming up in Shreveport,LA. Party #1 is at the Robinson Film Center on March 15th. They’re expecting 100 guests. These guest will be the 100 most influential movie people in Shreveport.

Party #2 is at Millennium Studios on 04/14. They’re expecting 1,000 guests for this. Producers, actors and directors coming from ALL OVER the USA for this event. They’re looking for actors to impersonate famous characters, and actors. They’re going to make it look like a real movie set, and they’ll need pretend photographers, camera operators, stunt people etc… it’s a GREAT way to network and gain exposure. She said you can bring your business cards and pass them out etc…

The contact’s name is Sherry Kerr and her email is shkerr@earthlink.net. Please email her a headshot, with your contact numbers. She’ll be glad to hear from you and will give you the next step in what to do. Thanks y’all! Let’s make these events amazing and all get some additional exposure and work out of it!!!

Robinson Film Center announces blockbuster ‘Backlot’ gala
April 14, 2012, at Millennium Studios

SHREVEPORT – Millennium Studios will swing open its downtown studio doors April 14, 2012, for the “Backlot”
gala of the Robinson Film Center (RFC). All proceeds from Backlot will benefit the nonprofit film and media
education organization, which operates daily in downtown Shreveport.

“This party is going to be a blockbuster!” said Waynette Ballengee, the RFC board member who is serving as gala
chair for Backlot.

Millennium Studios, a movie production studio complex in downtown Shreveport, opened its doors in early 2011
and serves as headquarters for Nu Image/Millennium Films’ Louisiana operations.

“We’re thrilled to be holding this gala on an actual soundstage at Millennium Studios,” Ballengee
said. “Millennium has graciously donated their space. This will allow us to offer our supporters a behind-the-
scenes movie experience they will never forget.”

Backlot will offer more than just great music, great food, and great entertainment. By staging the gala on a studio
soundstage, RFC and Millennium will recreate the mystique of an actual movie studio’s backlot – like the ones
idealized by Hollywood’s Golden Age.

Performers – playing actors, directors, and crew members – will restage the filming of classic movie scenes. Table
decorations and displays will showcase some of the coolest props from Louisiana-made movies. And partygoers
will grab their lunch trays and dine from the catering trucks that serve actors and movie crews on a daily basis.
(Adventurous partygoers might even be asked to act in a classic movie scene!)

“Everybody is going to get some star treatment come April 14,” Ballengee said, “and we can’t wait to turn on the
spotlight.”

Tickets for the gala will be $125 for individuals, and gala sponsorships are now available for between $1,500 and
$15,000.

“The Robinson Film Center will actually honor its $15,000 gala sponsors by installing a permanent named star in
the sidewalk in front of the film center. How cool is that?” said Lampton Enochs, RFC’s development committee
chair and a cofounder of Shreveport’s Moonbot Studios. “Our Sidewalk Superstars program is like the Hollywood
Walk of Stars, only these honorees support the critical mission of Robinson Film Center.”

Planners of the gala hope to attract 1,000 supporters and secure ten $15,000 sponsorships.

“This is a big goal, and we need the community’s support to reach it,” Enochs said. “This Backlot gala is a great way
to get a little taste of Hollywood movie magic, plus support an outstanding, vital nonprofit organization.”

Mission of the Robinson Film Center

The Robinson Film Center is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit arts organization based in Shreveport, La. Its mission is to
provide a venue for independent, international, and classic cinema while serving as a resource for film production
and media education. In addition to daily film programming, the Robinson Film Center offers film and media
production classes for all ages and provides a variety of resources and facilities to the region’s burgeoning film
industry.

THE CALL TIME WILL BE NO EARLIER THAN NOON TOMORROW!

Also NO PHOTOS ARE TO BE TAKEN ON SET ESPECIALLY WITH OUR LEAD ACTORS!!!! IT IS UNPROFESSIONAL TO ASK OR TAKE PHOTOS WITH ANYONE ON SET!!!! DOING SO WILL GET YOU BANNED FROM THIS PRODUCTION AND POSSIBLY FROM ALL OTHER LEGACY CASTING PRODUCTIONS.

PLEASE EVERYONE BRING BACKPACKS, BRIEF CASES, Water Bottles, Messenger Bags with you our PROPS Department would be VERY thankful if you can do that! Please make sure your props are NOT of the following colors, WHITE, RED or PURPLE! Thanks.

EXTRAS PARKING
5400 E MOCKINGBIRD LN
DALLAS, TX 75206

Please note. That some of you will be asked to play Sue Ellen’s Aides and also Press and Security. We’ll make those final decisions tonight, but ALL should bring the “SUE ELLEN SUPPORTERS” wardrobe as well!!!

EXTRAS WARDROBE JANUARY 27, 2012
SUE ELLEN AIDE: PLEASE BRING TWO OPTIONS OF A NICE
BUSINESS SUIT. LIGHT GRAY, CHARCOAL GRAY, OR NAVY SUIT
PLEASE BRING THREE DRESS SHIRT OPTIONS. NO BUTTON
DOWNS. PLEASE BRING THREE CONSERVATIVE TIE OPTIONS..
NO LOUD PATTERNS ON TIES. CONSERVATIVE STRIPES OR
DIAGONALS.
SECURITY GUARDS: PLEASE BRING A WHITE T-SHIRT, BLACK
LEATHER DRESS SHOES OR BLACK TACTICAL BOOT.
ADVISORS: PLEASE BRING THREE OPTIONS OF NICE BUSINESS
WEAR. PLEASE BRING ONE LOOK THAT IS STRAIGHT UP
BUSINESS. ANOTHER LOOK THAT IS A LITTLE MORE CASUAL
BUT SLIGHTLY PREPPY. BLAZERS, KHAKIS, BUTTONDOWNS
WITH TIES KINDA LOOK. LADIES BRING ANN TAYLOR,
TALBOTS LOOKING WASPY LIKE CLOTHEING ALONG WITH A
BUSINESS LOOK. NO BRIGHT COLORS. NO RED OR PURPLE OR
WHITE.
PRESS: PLEASE BRING THREE OPTIONS OF NICE BUSINESS
CLOTHEING. GRAYS, NAVYS, CREAMS, MEN BRING A SUIT
OPTION WITH DRESS SHIRT, TIE OPTIONS. PLEASE ALSO BRING
ANOTHER OPTION THAT IS MORE CASUAL. LIKE KHAKIS OR A
DOCKER PANT AND A SOLID COLOR BUTTONDOWN OR
LIGHTWEIGHT JACKET IN MUTED COLORS IF THEY CAST YOU
AS A SOUND GUY OR PHOTOGRAPHER. HAVE BOTH OPTIONS
AVAILABLE. LADIES BRING THREE OPTIONS OF REPORTER LIKE
CLOTHEING. NO PRINTS ON BLOUSES. NO RED NO WHITE AND
NO PURPLE. GRAYS, NAVYS, BROWNS, CREAMS,. BRING
BUSINESS SUITS, BLAZERS AND SLACKS, CLOSED TO HEELS. NO
OPEN TOE SANDALS.

SUE ELLEN SUPPORTERS: ***LISTEN UP**** YOU WILL NEED AT LEAST FOUR
DIFFERENT LOOKS. WE WILL BE DOING SPECIAL EFFECTS
SHOTS. YOU NEED TO DRESS IN LAYERS TO PROVIDE AT LEAST
THREE DIFFERENT LOOKS . THEY WILL HAVE YOU TAKE OFF A
JACKET OR SWEATER. ADD A LIGHTWEIGHT SCARF FOR
EXAMPLE. YOU WILL BE PHOTOGRAPHED IN THE SAME SPOT THREE DIFFERNET TIMES..WHICH YOU MUST HAVE BE ABLE TO
CHANGE SOMETHING ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE WEARING TO
MAKE IT LOOK DIFFERENT. THE EFFECT IS TO TRIPLE THE
CROWD. PLEASE NO RED OR PURPLE OR WHITE. PLEASE ALSO
TAKE INTO EFFECT THE WEATHER CONDITIONS. BRING
UMBRELLAS IF NEED BE.

Security Baskett Brad
Security Connally Corey

Sue Ellen Aide Moore Dan

Advisor Gautier Missy
Advisor “Hinckley
” Steven
Advisor Young Beverly
Advisor Burnett Craig
Advisor Urquidi May

Press – Photog Woodridge Arthur
Press – Photog Tostado Raymond
Press – Reporter Hotman Trent
Press – Reporter Ezelle Dawn
Press – Camera Kerr Steve
Press – Camera Skrabanek Bill
Press – Camera Freeman DeLeon Joy
Press – Camera Jimenez Steve

Audience Absolom Jan
Audience Adair Stacey
Audience Adams Mike
Audience Allman Clifton
Audience Alonzo Julio
Audience Arnold Johnny
Audience Arnold Julie
Audience Arscott Bill
Audience Austin Debra
Audience Ayers Thelma
Audience Bacon Sue
Audience Baird Benjamin
Audience Barnett. Randy
Audience Bass Annette
Audience Bazazzadegan Tiffany
Audience Benuit Norma
Audience Biggs Charlotte
Audience Blount Teresa
Audience Bonzor Jon
Audience Brewer Gail
Audience Brown Nic
Audience Brown Kim
Audience Burgett Jeremy
Audience Burns Mary
Audience Capetillo Yvette
Audience Carey Chantal
Audience Carmon-Brown Schias
Audience Carroll Ric
Audience Carter Catherine
Audience Castillo Quincy
Audience Cawthon Lane
Audience Clark Vandi
Audience Collier Marsha
Audience Cooley Judy
Audience Corlis Katy
Audience Crabb Debbie
Audience Cross Dave
Audience Cuellar Melissa
Audience Cure Angi
Audience Dalton Jeff
Audience Davied Dianna
Audience Davis Jenn
Audience Dehoyas Abel
Audience Devoe Robin
Audience Ebow Donna
Audience Edd Renee
Audience Edwards Kenny
Audience Eke Osa
Audience Embry Juneau
Audience Epperson Anthony
Audience Ervin Bill
Audience Fact Robert
Audience Fechtel TJ
Audience Fechtel Charlie
Audience Ford Bryan
Audience Forsyth Devon
Audience Forsyth Dina
Audience Foster Tanya
Audience Frank Wendi
Audience Frederickson Nick
Audience Gaitan Mike
Audience Gaitan Melissa
Audience Gantz Wright Elaine
Audience Gardner Michael
Audience Gates Alan
Audience Gentry Terri
Audience George Kenneth
Audience Guistino Ian
Audience Hall Lori
Audience Hanchey Jessica
Audience Harbour Mary
Audience Hare Michael
Audience Harrington Brian
Audience Harris James
Audience Harris Keith
Audience Heinrich Shrail
Audience Hilliard Christina
Audience Hoffman Kathy
Audience Holder Chad
Audience Holmes Demetrius
Audience Holtkamp Tim
Audience Horowitz Greta
Audience Howard Ken
Audience Howell Mark Edward
Audience Hummel Roni
Audience Janvier Chris
Audience Jenkins Toni
Audience Jennings Jeff
Audience Jones Annie
Audience Jones Rita
Audience Jones Steven
Audience Kadey Wendy
Audience Kassner Jo
Audience Kautz Elizabeth
Audience Keesee Ron
Audience Kennedy Tommy
Audience King Chris
Audience Kirby Janet
Audience Koenig Michael
Audience Krakowian Kurt
Audience Krieger Lisl
Audience Kucauskas Aaron “Kyle”
Audience Kun Steve
Audience LeBras Kathryn
Audience Lewis Alvis
Audience Long Robert
Audience Lopez Barb
Audience Lorant Missy
Audience Loveday Earl
Audience Madewell James
Audience Madewell Sandra
Audience Massara Shannon
Audience Massey Melody
Audience Matsko Eric
Audience McCullough Anthony
Audience Merritt Damian
Audience Minuto Kiersten
Audience Moghadas Mitra
Audience Murtaugh Marisa
Audience Nickason Donna
Audience Ohri Gaurav
Audience Osburn Starla
Audience Owen Cindi
Audience Paiva Lisa Ann
Audience Pak Debra
Audience Pennington Jay
Audience Pennington Sarah
Audience Pernokas Nick
Audience Phillips Richard
Audience Phillips Wayne
Audience Phipps Chris
Audience Pockrus Bill
Audience Prock Chris
Audience Quinn Bryan
Audience Randall Elena
Audience Randall Janene
Audience Reeves Lisa
Audience Reichenbach Lisa
Audience Revel Alisha
Audience Reynolds Charles
Audience Richards Amber
Audience Richards John
Audience Richardson Barbara
Audience Rickards Kim
Audience Ritter Tonya
Audience Rivera Miguel
Audience Rodgers Jenaha
Audience Roetzler Steve
Audience Rogers Kennedy
Audience Romanova Olja
Audience Rose Linda
Audience Rozzell Jerry
Audience Salvaggio Frank
Audience Santos Naomi
Audience Seaton Honnor
Audience Shannon Mike
Audience Shinedling Tami
Audience Sinofsky Steve
Audience Slatten Candy
Audience Smith Troy
Audience Sparks Vance
Audience Stacha Raegin
Audience Stafford Paul
Audience Stepherson Mark
Audience Stewart Teresa
Audience “Stoddard
” Mary
Audience Swann Kathryn
Audience Swanson Joanna
Audience Tamayo Tricia
Audience Tate Debbie
Audience Thomas Ilene
Audience Thompson Kasey
Audience Toomes Art
Audience Touchstone Kim
Audience Tracey Erin
Audience Travers Rod
Audience Trice Todd
Audience Turner Maverick
Audience Valedez Vanessa
Audience Vaught David
Audience Vernegaard Pam
Audience Villa Carmen
Audience Visser Kim
Audience Von Schlehenried Hailey
Audience Von Zell James
Audience Walker Roger
Audience Wall Michael
Audience Walsh Colleen
Audience Welch Barbara
Audience Wenier Danielle
Audience Wheeler Melissa
Audience Whitney Justin
Audience Wilburn Val
Audience Wilkerson Erin
Audience Williams Willie
Audience Williams Dale
Audience Williams Kari
Audience Wilson John
Audience Wood Angela
Audience Woolford Jennifer
Audience Worley Rob
Audience Yonkman Bonnie
Audience Young Tina

I can honestly say that my last experience is the most fun I have had on set yet! Before I go into the gory details, I do want to emphasize that I am writing about the inner emotions I am currently feeling due to my own personal accounts working as BG. I don’t want to be blamed for fooling anyone into believing that any of this work is easy for everyone simply based on the things I say. I want everyone to always remember that my perception and my experience, as background, may seem even better than winning the lottery from my description. That’s honestly because I think it is better but that’s probably just me!!! I should also probably include a disclaimer saying, ‘that results not typical, outcome may vary’. I can’t help but LOL at that last comment.

I’ll be skipping and hopping right into the good stuff now.

I arrived on set around 9:30am Friday morning. I parked at the Municipal building parking lot then gathered my things from my car. I proceeded to walk across the street to the honey wagons that were sitting in clear view. Once I got to them there were two familiar faces standing nearby. I didn’t know either of their names but I asked one of the gentlemen if he knew where I needed to go. He first pointed to a building about two blocks away and said, “do you see that building across the street to your right?” and quickly laughed then told me, “no, no, I am just kidding! Do you see that girl in white over by that truck in the parking lot? That’s Ashley and she will send you where you need to go.”

I laughed and admitted that he had me fooled then thanked him for his help. I left the honey wagon area and walked over to Ashley. I knew Ashley because I had met her on Tuesday. She pointed me into the Municipal building where I then got a very pleasant surprise! I finally got to meet the man with the plan! Sitting at the table where I received my voucher was none other than Andrei Constantinescu! It truly was a great honor to meet him and I was looking forward to catching up with him later in the morning but unfortunately time didn’t allow for it and you will find out why.

I took my voucher down the hall to wardrobe where I got in line to get fitted.
A fellow veteran BG actress who I had met on Tuesday joined me in the line. It is an amazing feeling to bond with new people and make new friends. I think it’s safe to say that is one of the many reasons why this is so much fun to me.

Once wardrobe picked out what she wanted me to wear, I went downstairs to change. The outfit she had picked for me was a jumpsuit in a sort of sea foam green color with shapes/patterns including yellows, pinks, oranges and whites. It would have reminded you of a curtain or tablecloth if you could have seen it. Very retro! It was FAB-U-LOUS!!!!

I put my outfit on and guess what? If you refer to my previous blog you might have an inclination. You guessed it! RIIIIIIPPPPP! I had another wardrobe malfunction! This time it was the top zipper. You see, the clothing was not tight it is just very delicate in material and stitch. I might not be so delicate myself and when you add me into the equation with something that is, well, you end up with minor set-backs. A little stitch coming loose was not going to keep me from begging to stay in this outfit though! I asked if we could just do a quick stitch or safety pin for it. They apparently had big plans to get this clothing on camera though and said that they were going to stitch me into the clothing. I can understand that if you are potentially going to be on camera from various angles.

I get sent to the mile long hair and makeup line as a “priority”. They wanted me fully made up and sent back to them for stitching. I was placed first to go next in line in the hair station. There were four stylists working on hair and all four seats were filled at the time but the minute the next chair opened up, I plopped down in it. Since I had been in background on the pedestrian scene on Tuesday, I was determined to have a different look for the “disco” scene. I had worn my hair extensions and told the stylist that they were in place. She loved it and said that she had just the hair-do for me! She finished me up, set my hair and sent me to the makeup line.

I stood in the makeup line for about an hour. I think I was actually supposed to go to the front of the line for that too but I knew they could stitch my top up very quickly so I did the respectful thing and got at the end of the line which there were only two people ahead of me in line at the time. Unlike the hair station, the makeup station only had two makeup artists. While I was in line I stood in awe as I watched the ladies get their hair done because the hair station was right beside the makeup station. There was so much talent in the hair-makeup department. These ladies are good! After standing in line for a good hour it was finally my turn! My makeup artist gave me some green and pink eye shadow, glossy lips, blushed cheeks and instructed me to go to the bathroom and really goop up my eyelashes! I obliged!

Once I got back up to wardrobe I scouted out the head of wardrobe but she was nowhere to be found and I still needed to get my top sewn. It was not a problem according to one of the crew because she told me that they were all on set. They guided several of us out to the van because the director and AD needed us on set NOW. Since wardrobe was there they could stitch me up over on set.

Once I got to set one of the production crewmembers guided me downstairs to wardrobe and she took me to the side. I stayed in my clothing and she just stitched the separated zipper while I stood there. After she finished she informed me that I would have to get one of them to help me out of the clothing at the end of the day.

Production grabbed me and took me into the club where the other 85 background people had already been placed. He sat me beside two guys in a booth next to the dance floor. I was given instructions to sit and pantomime with the guy beside me and on the count of 15 seconds I was to get up and go out to peer into the crowd on the dance floor. Everyone was given specific instructions and most of them were given props. They even had cigarettes that were nicotine and tobacco free for more realism. It was COOL!

When the AD said BACKGROUND and BLONDIE music started blaring on the sound system … I got up and walked/danced along the isle to the outskirts of the dance floor. I ended up looking out into the disco dancers then found a fellow background crony to pantomime with. I think I left an impression because the AD came to me after that take and told me he had something bigger he wanted me to do. He grabbed the guy that I was originally sitting with and he placed us standing at a table. We were to stand there and “flirt” until Michael Shannon got to the bar, ordered a drink, and walked toward the dance floor. Once he started walking toward the dance floor it was our cue to pull one another hand-to-hand out to the disco-dancing going on! On the next take that is exactly what we did! It slowly evolved from there! We were then instructed to walk in behind Michael Shannon and Chris Evans, stop at the table, wait on Michael to go to the dance floor, then follow suit! As the night progressed we got to walk out right in front of Michael Shannon and a couple of his cronies! It was exciting. I spent most of the night standing at an elevator door with Chris Evans and Michael Shannon then proceeded to go from that to disco dancing with both of them! II have to admit that was pretty darn cool!

After multiple re-takes, and I do mean MULTIPLE we were given the go-ahead to break for lunch! The director of “THE ICEMAN” is awesome. Have I mentioned that this film is in brilliant hands? The confidence I get in knowing this director has such a vision and such high standards leaves me anxious for the final product.

Ashley led all of the background performers upstairs and to the holding tent where we were divided into two lines, one for males and the other for females. Wardrobe came around and took pictures of everyone in groups of four because there would be an exterior night shoot after lunch. They would use the pictures to help decide who they wanted to keep and for continuity.

Production and crew caught vans back to base camp first then everyone in BG lined up to catch vans back to base. This was all around 6pm that afternoon. Once back at base we got to delve right in at the lunch line. Normally background waits until the last crewmember has eaten before they can eat but since there were so many people for this particular shoot we had two separate lunch lines. Production and crew had lunch downstairs while background had lunch upstairs. I had not eaten all day so I was famished! Catering always does an outstanding job with lunch. I fixed my plate and after approval from Ashton I grabbed a seat on the stairs where I would be well out of the way of everyone else. My new friend Joy joined me. We sat, ate, and enjoyed sharing our experiences for the day.

After lunch a slight confusion set in for many people. It was rumored that we would have to do a line up for the director to come down and hand pick several of us to stay for the exterior night shoot. There ended up being a line up and head of wardrobe picked about 27 of us. Wardrobe put everyone (except me) into coats/jackets. My ‘costume’ didn’t allow for a jacket because there was not much to choose from to start and what was left for me didn’t work. Wardrobe made a wise choice because it truly wouldn’t have looked good otherwise.

The remaining background performers loaded up in the van and headed to a new location to shoot the exterior scenes around 8:30pm. We all got placed by the AD and were given new instructions. Several of the guys were asked to drive some of the vehicles for the shot. There was an array of old cars, one of which was an old taxicab. It was really cool and very nostalgic to see all of the props for the film. It really makes you feel like you are in a time warp! I honestly think I would enjoy scouting locations and/or wardrobe and props! To find these items must feel like you have struck gold!! I was very impressed. My feet felt like ground beef and I was in major pain by this point. It had also gotten pretty cold outside. The wind was the worst part but since I was standing next to a building I was able to walk just inside the entranceway to block the wind. In this scene I was placed with a new guy. We were apparently married in this scene so in other words we could have possibly been swingers since we were both flirting with other people inside the club! Haha! Once the principal actors walk across the street to their mark, my new “man” and I were instructed to walk down the sidewalk then out under the street lamp where would then pass through the shot directly behind the three principal actors. We did several takes then we were placed again. This time we were filming the shot where the actors go into the club. We were still at the same location but we went inside the building and hung out. The last shot only had about four re-takes and then we were done. I was a little torn because even though I was tired, I truly didn’t want to leave.

Anyhow, that last shot proved to be the last of background. We all loaded up in vans to head back to base. We had to turn in our wardrobe and get our vouchers back so we could get signed out. I have seen the same faces for twelve plus hours on two separate days during the week and I just can’t help but feel a sense of loss when I leave. These folks may not remember or notice me but once I see a face, I remember it and I miss that familiarity but always look forward to seeing them again one day!

I will say that the hardest part about being an extra is not standing in 6 inch heels for twelve hours. Your feet feel like you have skated on cheese graters by the end of the day and for the next two days of course but that’s not the hard part. The hard part is getting amped up and totally into the film then having to wait until it is released. “THE ICEMAN” is scheduled to release sometime in 2013. I highly recommend keeping your eyes peeled for news and press on this film. It’s going to be EPIC and I’ll be modest, it won’t be because of my two seconds as background. It will be a great honor to be able to say I participated in this phenomenal piece of work though! Needless to say I will be anxiously awaiting my next email, with my next project and my next call time! CHEERS!!!!

ICE ICE BABY!!

I can’t contain the excitement of my recent work on the set of “ICEMAN” and I want to just dive right in but first things first. I must brag on the LEGACY team! This TEAM is a piece of ACE! Without these guys, this opportunity would not be possible for any of us, so never forget how you got to where you are! I sure won’t!
I personally have to thank Rachel for being my own personal cheerleader and Ashton for not only being at everyone’s beck and call while in holding but for personally rescuing me from being lost Tuesday morning when I was trying to find base camp. Thanks guys!! You RAWK!

Okay, on to the “cool” stuff about working as background (BG) on the movie “ICEMAN”. I was booked for Tuesday as BG for a very special scene with Robert (played by Chris Evans) and Richard (played by Michael Shannon) but as is the business of show business, things changed. It NEVER discourages me and I only look at it as the opportunity for the possibility of an even greater experience! I arrived to the base location around 6:30am Tuesday morning. This was after speaking with our very own Ashton (I like to refer to him as Tom Cruise BUT MORE AWESOME). Ashton may not realize it but he rescued me from my directionally challenged GPS. Ashley (with production) called shortly after I had dialed up Ashton so I decided I’d call her back one I was no longer lost. Ashley was calling to see if I was going to make it because due to Mr. GPS taking me to the wrong location I was running a tiny bit late.

Ashton led me to the main route and led me to signs with arrows that said “ICE” on them so I knew I could find my way from there. I called Ashley back as soon as I hung with Ashton to let her know that I was almost there! Once parked, I was able to catch a van then head down to quickly check in with Ashley and head to wardrobe. Wardrobe hooked me up in 1970’s clothing, then hair and makeup did their magic and I was ready to roll! Around 7:45am Ashley said they were ready for us on set so she took me and the three other BG actors to transportation where we hopped in the van to head up the road to location.

Once we arrived on set the director pulled Ashley aside to speak with her briefly then Ashley came back over and let us know that there had been some alterations she had not been informed of and some changes were definitively being considered.

No probs! Flexibility, patience, and understanding are golden for anyone willing/wanting to work in the industry: no matter the position you are filling to help out. I think I have a little too much fun doing this to be honest because I always get a bit excited when things changes because I know it will always be for the good of the film!

Anyhow, we hopped back in the van and headed back to base where we sat in the holding tent. We were to sit tight and wait for further instruction. Again, no probs! It was about 32 degrees Fahrenheit that morning so the four of us huddled around a little propane heater in the holding tent and waited patiently.

Additional BG was scheduled to check in a little after 10:00am and as the time continued to creep by and 10:00am inched toward us, we were pretty certain that “our” BG scene wasn’t going to happen. Long story short, it didn’t happen but wardrobe took us out of our 70’s get-up and placed us in 1980’s attire so we could get placed in the next scene with the approximately 30 new BG arrivals. Filmmaking is an art form and if it is placed in the right hands, it’s beautiful! I hate to jump the gun but I am willing to put myself out there and say that “ICEMAN” is in the hands of brilliance! I can’t give any vital information away but from what I have seen thus far, this movie will be AH-mazing. I know how to spell amazing, BTW.

Back to the scene … it was later in the afternoon now and even though it had warmed up a tad that day, we found cooler temperatures starting to recur as it got later. Don’t think that you don’t have to possess acting skills to work background because you certainly do! It takes talent to pretend it’s warm outside when it’s really not. It takes talent and good lipstick to cover your blue lips!

So it’s pretty cool outside but this was a “summer” scene. Most of us were in summer type clothing with little protection from the cool air. Some of us were even in worse shape than others too. If I were “PC” I would simply tell you that I had a wardrobe ‘malfunction’ but I’m not really PC so I’ll just tell you that my lovely, white bell bottoms ripped at the seem around the zipper. My awesome turquoise panties were saying “HELLO!” to everyone and I was getting an extra breeze thanks to that new opening! I didn’t want to have wardrobe redress me so I asked if I could wear a camisole under my shirt to pull down over the exposed under garments and my outer shirt would just cover the cami. Wardrobe said it was fine so I was good to go! Everyone in BG is strategically placed on set and given specific cues/tasks to achieve once they hear “background”. We were all set up and given our instructions and thankfully mine was simply sitting at a picnic table. I didn’t have to worry about flashing everyone since I didn’t have to move around. Here we go!

CAMERA ROLLING! SOUND ROLLING!!! ACTION!!!! BAAAAACKGROUND!!!

The shoot was only around two hours, maybe a little less. I can’t say exactly because I didn’t have a watch at the time. That’s pretty quick but the director was pleased after about twelve takes and several re-shoots from different angles and close to 5pm we were wrapping the scene up and heading back to base. Once back at base, we all lined up in front of the honey wagon to get out of wardrobe and put our own clothing back on so we could turn their clothing back in and get our vouchers.

I was standing in line to turn my wardrobe in when the head of wardrobe walked up to me and asked if I would be available on Friday for a big disco scene. I calmly (on the outside) and ecstatically (on the inside) told her I’d be available. She also asked my two fellow BG friends beside me if they would be available as well. She told us that she would get in touch with casting and let them know! I know me and anyone that knows me, does too and I could NOT wait to get home to email Rachel so I could tell her this exciting news!!! That’s exactly what I did too. Then it was official … I was booked for the Friday “DISCO” shoot! WOOHOO!! To be continued …..

The day before . . .
5:00 pm: Reread Legacy Blog, “A Day In the Life of Extras Casting” – noted tag – ”Anyone want to be a ‘guest columnist’ about a day on set….” Oo, Oo, I do, I do! And so it began…
7:11 pm: Reviewed call for Neiman Marcus Dining Scene, call time . . . 1:30 pm bittersweet…would love first day on a film set to be full effects but, Ces’t la vie..
7:13 pm: Finish filling out Emergency Contact form – Check
7:15 pm: Make copy of DL – Check
7:25 pm: Review Garment bag for Clothing options – Oops, forgot to iron that blouse, Oops, Oops, this scarf needs pressed – Check, check and check – Oops, Ooops, Ooops forgot panty hose…will have to run to the store in the morning.
8:00 pm: Mention to hubby I will be a “RICH” matron in the scene – smirked he, “That will take some acting!”.
10:42 pm: Lights out. At least I don’t have to get up at midnight early.

Day of filming . . .

11:45 am: Last minute clothing preparation.
12:15 pm: God please keep I30 clear of traffic problems and keep me from becoming a traffic problem.
12:16 pm: Enter 2500 Main St, Dallas into GPS – I Love GPS!
12:40 pm: GPS took me to Ceasar Chavez Blvd South instead of North – forced stop on Hartwood while an old, hoary faced truck driver deftly maneuvers his diesel, blocking the whole street, between two SUVs in a tiny little delivery parking lot at Harry and Sons. Arrggg GPS!
12:53 pm: Woohoo! I am here at BASECAMP for filming.
12:54 pm: Meet Robin.
1:10 pm: Meet a cluster of other “RICH” Matrons in the parking lot: B.J., Sara.. “with an h”, Pam, Laura…”It’s Lori”.
1:20 pm: Waiting back in my car under the street above, watching some young, viral guy play with his very WOLF looking pet across at Dog Bark Central.
1:30 pm: Meet Andrei.
1:43 pm: Hear “RICH” Matron, B.J., frantically tell Andrei that her car won’t start and the windows are down.
1:45 pm: Handed a voucher to be filled out.
1:50 pm: Robin attempts to staple my DL copy and Emergency form to the voucher with her cute, teal colored, mini-stapler only to discover she is out of staples …she will be right back
1:53 pm: Matt checks my voucher …I failed to notice the voucher form is in Triplicate or perhaps it is
Quadruplicate…anyway back to the car to fill it all out…
2:00 pm: Waiting in line to have voucher checked again by Andrei….”My maiden name?..Oh, sorry, didn’t think that was highlighted.”
2:30 pm: Haul my bags to the wardrobe trailer to have outfit checked.
2:45 pm: Woohoo! Outfit approved, don’t have to change!
2:46 pm: Haul my bags back to the car and lock up.
2:48 pm: Share my “set bag” with Pam for her flats and newspapers.
2:50 pm: Standing out in the parking lot with a larger cluster of “RICH matrons” and Andrei waiting for vans to take us to Neiman’s.
3:09 pm: Sheila, a makeup lady, comes around and bans my red lipstick- …go to makeup trailer for tissues to clean up…Sarah there too trying to remember my name, asks me what my name rhymes with….I have never known of a real word that rhymes with Ava…but then I have not thought long on it…
3:15 pm…Corrine and Costume Designer decide I need an alligator bag to go with my outfit. They take my voucher…
3:20 pm: Van arrives and 10 or so of us all climb in… the Principle Stand-ins also happen to be in this van.
3:27 pm: Once at Neiman’s, in their breakroom, Ingrid goes over the lowdown of all the quiet stuff we have to do.
3:45 pm: Waiting with all the other “Rich Matrons” in breakroom…many are re-primping and helping others primp… the girl with the Snookie hair (she is much lovelier than Snookie and dressed far more sophisticated but I never got her name) helps Pam tease her hair….
4:23 pm: JJ and wardrobe people come in and make selections of “Rich” Matrons and Men.
4:27 pm: I along with several others are selected and shown to the dining area.
4:30 pm: Kara and I are to sit at the right front table next to the Principles’ table…right now the two Stand-in’s are sitting in…
4:40 pm: Kara and I become acquainted and practice our quiet background acting….
4:51 pm: Crew are dressing our table for dining…Kara and I have plates with bits of lettuce and tinier yellow bits of what sorta look like egg and two small chunks of chicken….I think I will pass on pretending to eat….really looks like someone already ate what was on my plate….
4:53 pm: Crew member puts ice in our glasses. He is wearing latex gloves. He gets some sort of critique by some other crew guy. First gloved crew guy walks away commenting that he needs some wine. I think that would be good too…some people have some on their tables, and some even have flutes filled with champagne or what looks like champagne, a crew guy is adding drops of Coke to the champagne to increase the bubbles I think.
5:10 pm: Still sitting, still waiting and practicing. I become concerned about looking stupid with over mouthing quiet conversations….I try to “tone down” my quiet mouthing.
5:15 pm: Someone calls for Sound, then Camera begins rolling, literally, and immediately proceeds to knock over a vase on the long table in the middle of the Zodiac Lounge, sounds like marbles fall all about. Director comes through calmly commenting for the retake.
5:30 pm: Back to breakroom while they film the left side of the scene.
5:35 pm: Starving …Pam shows me where the little snack cart is…YUM -sea salt potato chips. .Finish off little bag of almonds
5:37 pm: Christine, Pam and 4 others have not been taken for any background in the scene yet…
5:42 pm: A crew member comes in and takes half of the ladies not picked back into the dining room….Christine chuckles to Pam, “And then there were 3”.
5:48 pm: Those of us on the right side of the scene are called back in.
5:52 pm: Phil the AD, who has made sure he knows everyone’s name in the scene, adjusts me and the table. Three Makeup people actually come over and work on my hair and pony tail.
5:58 pm: Camera rolls…..pretend to converse with Kara….Principle scene sounds different…. Print….
6:05 pm: Camera Rolls for background sound.
6:15 pm: Outside Neiman’s waiting for Van ride back to parking lot…It is cold and raining….Crew and Principles come down and get in the first Van.
6:40 pm: Made 3rd Van ride back with Stand-ins and a full van load….Someone behind asks if anyone wants to go with her to some “Twisted something “ restaurant…
6:47 pm: Walk to back of the Wardrobe Trailer in the rain and turn in my alligator “clutch”, which I think was never viewed in the scene, to Corinne for my voucher.
6:50 pm: Turn in my voucher to Matt…
6:55 pm: Headed home…that’s a Wrap! Tired but delighted! Thanks Andrei and Legacy and Film Crew, You were all Awesome! Can’t wait for next time!!!

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