More Movie Magic

    I like being in the Movies and TV, that has become obvious to my readers and others who know me, but, as much as I like being on camera, even as an extra, it is what goes on behind the camera that really fascinates me. I took drama classes in High School and College and enjoyed building scenery and working as stage crew as much as anything.
    I would be lying if I did not admit that I would like to be DISCOVERED. [I see old fat guys in almost everything I watch]. I would not ever expect to be a Star, but I would like to work steady and at a better pay rate !
    Working with so many attractive and some talented younger people. I have seen and met dozens who want to be “Real” actors. I have met several with genuine talent and the attitude and drive to succeed and I wish them well. [maybe I will at least get to say I have worked with that STAR].
    I have also met many people with whom I am developing real friendships and this contributes to the satisfaction I receive from this adventure. These people are bright ,intelligent and energetic and this rubs off on me and I’ll take all of that I can get. Sure there are some “Prima Donnas” , you can spot them quickly and usually avoid them.
    The casting and production people are experienced and are quick to identify these types as well and they tend not to get called often and don’t get a lot of camera time [unless they push them selves to the front which many do].
    Now that I got that off my chest and lest I digress more it’s magic time.
Wardrobe- Costumes; so far the few films I have done have been set in the 20th Century and we are asked to bring three clothing options for approval and changing for different scenes. Only twice so far have I needed to borrow from Wardrobe, once a sweater for a TV show (it was a “fall” scene) and I was give a different Tie as mine was to “flashy” [she did not like the Neon Gum Balls on mine, humph]. I have been anxious to be in a Western, every little boys dream, I auditioned for one but didn’t get the part. In a few days, however I will be in a movie set in the 14th Century
    A few days when BB and I went for costume fittings I was over whelmed by what I saw. We entered a vast building , with rack after rack of costumes , no  SuperWal-Mart, JC Penny of Ross Dress for Less has anything on this place. There were sewing machines, cutting tables, washers and dryers and at least a dozen people working very hard at their task. They were now outfitting a small town, a small army and who knows what else. A guy I know from another movie is working this one also. When he saw me he said “come over here and check this out”. He was working in what looks like an Army Surplus Store from the Crusades, Helmets of three or four different types, piles of shoes and boots, Armor, tunics, vests and CHAINMAIL, any kid would be excited to be there, this one was.
    He picked up a Chainmail “hood” that is made to wear under a Knights Helmet, he handed it to me and I was amazed at how much it weighed , several pounds probably 3-4 lbs. “How did those guys do that, the helmet had to add another 5 lbs”, I asked. He then handed me another “hood” which was even heaver than the first, now I was astonished , the first one was made of plastic links, this one was actually metal. Very heavy at least as heavy as a 5 lb bag of sugar.
He then took me over to where the Chainmail “shirts” were hanging, we knew the weight of those- plastic 15 lbs, metal 25 lbs [these numbers are necessary for stunt people to engineer their “bits”]. We did a rough calculation as to what the entire costume would weigh; 75-100 lbs.- trousers, shirt, boots, leggings, hood, Chainmail “hood“, helmet, Chainmail shirt, leather vest, tunic, belt, sword or pike. We realized the Men of Yore were some real men, the average man 600 years ago was estimated to be 5’3”-5’6” and weigh 110-130 lbs. Today it is 5’9” and 180 lbs. We will be working in Louisiana in August, our hottest month, [I have applied for the part of the fat man in the bath tub].
    The women will fare no better, my Wife’s costume consists of; wool slip. Over dress, sash, turban, hooded cape, leather shoes.The Royal Ladies will add a Brocade dress to that.

More next time, Phony Food and False Moons !