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I am actually a paid ‘actor’ now! AND for my FIRST film it was none other than George Clooney‘s political drama “The Ides of March“! And ladies, yes, he was funny, witty, polite, charming and very goodlookin’…I know you were waiting for me to say that. The film also starsRyan Gosling, Jeffrey Wright, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Paul Giamatti and the very talented and beautiful Evan Rachel Wood. This one has a very fast turnaround compared to most films that take about a year or more to be released. I’m guessing Mr. Clooney is looking to make an Oscar bid by making the release date October 14 of THIS YEAR, 2011!! Just in time for Oscar season.
This being my first gig, you can imagine my excitement when I was chosen to be one of hundreds, out of THOUSANDS to apply, to join the audience at a political rally at “Kent State University” which was actually the University of Michigan‘s Power Center auditorium. That day was unpaid but I didn’t care. My resume begins with a George-Freaking-Clooney film…..HELLO!!! The scene that day included Mr. Clooney and Evan Rachel Wood. My luck continued when they sat me along the same aisle they were shooting her scene. This means I will DEFINITELY be in the movie, I hope. You never know, things can happen but considering how many takes they made that it was important to get it right for the movie. Again I was called to join them 2 days later for another scene with Jeffrey Wright and Ryan Gosling. Another rally scene but this time I had props to hold up and again it seemed, I was in the middle of this shot as well.
All of the actors were so gracious giving autographs and taking pictures with extras during breaks. You might remember Jeffrey Wright from his outstanding role as artist Jean Michele Basquiat in the highly acclaimed art film, “Basquiat”. Ryan Gosling also stars in the film as Mr. Clooney’s character’s campaign manager that gets in over his head while being seduced by a young strong willed staffer, Evan Rachel Wood.
This seemed to be intense at times but you wouldn’t know it by Mr. Clooney’s easygoing and charming demeanor. Joking a lot about his first A.D., David Weber, being Canadian. A lot of “aboots” and “ehs” at the end of his imitations of the assistant director. All in all it was a great and memorable experience. I am so thankful that I was able to be a part of this and for getting a glimpse at what most people never do, the true behind the scenes look at making a movie. I am racing towards my next experience which should be the newest installment of the “Harold and Kumar” films. If I don’t get in on this one, thats okay. Making friends through these processes is giving me more chances at other projects and will just add to my very thin resume. Paying or not, this is how you do it!
Thank you Dave Williams of www.ActorsandCrew.com for your guidance and knowledge. I can see this is the beginning of a fruitful relationship!
If you have any questions about my experience, please include them in the comments for this blog and I will answer them as best as I can.
Thank you again Universe! It has been a delight working with you and I look forward to future endeavors.
A side note, I have heard today that you have a better chance at meeting George Clooney than winning the lottery…..and I have met him on more than one occasion……”so you’re saying I have a chance.” Gotta go now, I have some lottery tickets to buy!!
