A Fly On The Wall

I can recall an interview that Richard Dreyfuss gave regarding his experience with the filming of Jaws. That after they were able to shoot the footage that didn't require the audience to see the animatronic shark, that there was a lot of standing around until the radios would suddenly sound off, "The shark is working! I repeat, the shark is working!" Then the actors and crew would all scramble into place for the scenes to be shot.

Then it was another interview that I'd seen, where the actor (or actress) mentioned that movie-making is 90% waiting and 10% working.
The reason I mention these quotes is, I got to be on-set Tuesday evening, to watch some of the filming of that movie I'd mentioned Monday evening in this very blog. Let me tell you this, folks.., it was pretty spectacular.
It wasn't a scene that had any gun-battles or car chases, that shit's overdone. Instead, it was a bar scene. But to be a fly on the wall and watching the process in motion, for me anyway, was (pardon my language) pretty f*ckin' cool. I was even invited to sit in the background as a seat-filler or an extra. I'm not certain what my exact purpose was, but I feel privileged and honoured to be asked to do it, all the same. I can hardly wait to watch the finished product and boast, "There's my shoulder! There! Right there! THAT is MY shoulder..!"

Probably the biggest surprise for me, though, was what took place on one of the breaks.
The main actor, John Diehl, was chillin' at the back of the bar, where the scene was taking place. He turned and started chatting with an on-set photographer, casually looking at some of the pictures the guy had taken. Then during a pause in the conversation, he looked over in my direction and recognized me. Without hesitation, he called out, "HEY JEFF! HOW'S IT GOIN'?" His voice was booming and it overtook the ambient chatter that was consuming the small pub.
"Good," was the only response I could muster up, "How 'bout you?" That's where the exchange came to an end. I'm not disappointed though. Here's this big time star, who didn't need to remember anything about me, but took the time to say hello all the same. That's just really cool in my books.

I've met a good share of celebrities in my distinguished life. Most have been pretty cool, like John. Some haven't been so cool, and their image to me will be forever tarnished. But for the people who were cool, they will always hold a special place in my memories. Albeit, it would've been pretty nice to have an autographed 8x10 of Mr. John Diehl, that I could hang on my wall, or post in my albums with my other collective, but that's just a trinket really. I have my memories and they'll always be as clear as day in my mind's eye.

I'm sure they're getting sick and tired of my praise and gratefulness, but I'd like to take one more opportunity to thank V__ and C___ Z______, for allowing me into this world, even for just a moment or two. But a special thanks to C___, for including me in Tuesday night's shoot. That was nice. And now my right shoulder will be forever captured on celluloid.

Have a great day, everyone!