Boston Movie Extra

BRING BACK THE ANNUAL ACTORS TRADESHOW!!!!!

2009-11-10T13:59:00.000-08:00

For those that might remember, in the late 80's early 90's there was something called the Actor's Trade Show. It was held annually every spring at the tremont house across the Wang Center in Boston. At the trade show you had everything from casting agents, photographers, acting coaches, sag, you name it. So for 2 to 3 hours you would be submitting headshots to casting directors, networking with fellow actors and industry professionals and so much more! But all of the suddenly it stopped... I thought it was a genius idea because you can do everything in just one whim. So maybe with the resurgence of Hollywood in Boston, maybe the higher ups might consider doing it again. Just a suggestion :)

Changeing Your Professional Name? Not The Best Idea

2009-11-10T13:34:00.000-08:00

Once in a blue moon I get an e-mail about my thoughts on actors changing their name in the entertainment industry. Does it happen? Not as much as it once did at one time..most of the names of the more "established" artists have but not these days. Some people appear to think by changing their name they will be more marketable...first get the jobs and then start thinking about it if you are serious. Just don't go with the "Madonna" type of one name identity, some people get away with it...but most "made up names" are cheesey. I want to point out one thing for those that are considering, watch a recent film's credits and I will bet on most of the names of the actors listed are their real names. Most people change their names because they are too "ethnic" sounding..this might surprise most of you..that's in and more marketable than ever. Keep in mind if you do change your name and you stick with it for years and realize it doesn't work..then basically you start right from the bottom again when you go back to your real name. Make smart choices...because it's how you market yourself that counts.

Finally...THE BOX has ARRIVED!!!

2009-11-05T05:53:00.000-08:00

After 2 years the much atticipated film from the NE film community is coming out tomorrow!! This was a very fun set that most of us worked on and also A LOT of people got much face time. The story is great a "retelling / reworking" of the "button button segment" of the twilight zone. If anyone knows the full story of this movie it should be very "edge of your seat" if done right. So once you see the film post your thoughts!

People taking pictures on set..

2009-11-05T05:43:00.000-08:00

This is starting to become a big problem on set as of late. As we all know when we start a job we are specifically told no cameras, among other things. This happens prior to booking and we are reminded prior to the working day. We all know that because it is just given that we know what the rules are. Now the conterversey is people are snapping shots of actors while on set while we are working. That is a huge no-no, but even more so those people are taking those shots and putting them on facebook, myspace, and twitter, that's just not smart. This is because the people that hire you and tell you the specific rules on set are also "your friends" on these social networks and now you are caught "red-handed". So be smart..you know clearly when you are on set you are working and they (the film) are expecting you to act professional. Remember you represent yourself and more so the acting community of NE.

Don't take specific acting classes for a possible job..Do it for the training..

2009-10-29T08:28:00.000-07:00

This has been going on for a very very very long time over 20 years that I know of personally and that is actors taking acting classes at specific locations to get a job from them. That is a myth to say the least, I am not saying not to take those classes but do not spend your money going there thinking that you will get a acting job from them guarenteed. Why I find this funny is that people get "pissed" because they spent $300 + to take acting classes from a particular casting director's agency and they did not get a JOB from them. Are you kidding me?!?! Take those classes if you like, they are very good but don't think they going to offer you a role on a silver plate. They might notice you and offer you an audition or two but the rest is up to you. Some people complain about the stupidest things..the bottom line is you are taking classes to extend and expand your craft,the rest is up to you. Think of it this way you own a business, you train yourself to get the jobs to support your business and then after your focus is for your business to get bigger and better jobs..the same holds true for the life of an actor.. there is no FREE LUNCH!

Questionable Movies Heading Into NE.

2009-10-29T08:08:00.000-07:00

Along the rumor mill lately we are hearing about some projects that might be hinting their arrival here in good ole' beantown. As some of you might recall JLo was to come on by this past year to film "The Governess" well it never happened and news is that the prject has resurrected, so we should be hearing about that in the near future. I have been getting emails on the "Three Stooges" project and if they are filming in RI...nothing is confirmed on that project as of yet or where it might be filming, I will let you know when I find out. The "Lincoln" biopic another picture that was slated for this Fall has also been quiet as of late..but I have a feeling we will be hearing something about that project sooner than we think..that is a film that has been in the making for ages. Last but not least the rumored Departed prequel and sequel. The only thing I can say on that rumor is that it's being penned but a few things on this. 1) Scorsese not attached yet 2) Most likely if it does happen, this time around I would believe that most of it will be filmed in Boston and 3rd) If it is that Scorsese is attached I believe that he is going to do other projects before he does this (that is again if he is to be attached to this film). So that some news on some of the more rumored films slated to come hear some sooner some much later but I am sure there are going to be a lot of projects filming here in between. More news as it arrives!

I don't think I have to explain this..

2009-10-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

I just heard this morning of a person being thrown off set for suggesting something to the director of all people. Guys and gals we know what the rules are and we all obey them, but sometimes a first timer might get overly excited and do the unthinkable. To the person that was thrown off, let it be a lesson..I know these people(directors, actors,etc) are human but on sets these people are untouchable.

Do NOT double book yourself...

2009-10-23T06:19:00.000-07:00

First of all glad to seeing most of you on current sets lately..glad you are enjoying this blog. I apologize that I haven't been too frequent with it, but I will do my best to inform you. The subject to today's blog is simple and apparently is becoming a problem on sets lately and that is people double booking themselves. Look...there are A LOT of jobs lately in this state and we should all be grateful that we have this great opportunity, so there is plenty to go around. But when people double book you give birth to two problems.. One. Your reputation to casting directors.. If you have a night shoot on one night and the next day you have booked yourself on another project with a call time of 5am and you are still working on that overnight..you got a problem. Most likely you will be sleep deprived and won't show or you simply can't because your on another set. This causes the casting agent to be short on their numbers and also makes them look bad. So guess who's not getting any future calls for any movies? Most likely you :( 2nd. You are cheating out your co-workers, by double booking you are clogging up space that could be available for another person. Don't do that...you will be found out and you will gain a rep which no one wants. As much as someone does not like a "ball bog" that doesn't pass the ball on the basketball court..same holds true in this business.

The Invention Of Lying "CAVEMEN SCENE" is being given it's own short story

2009-09-07T12:35:00.001-07:00

One of the sad news I heard earlier in the year is that the infamous "caveman scene" in the upcoming "The Invention Of Lying" was being cut out. BUUUTT word has just come out that it will appear on the DVD in it's own short story/documentary of sorts. I am sure they have lots and lots of footage from those 3 awesome days that they are going to put a fantastic mockumentary together. CAVEMEN REJOICE!

"The Lonely Maiden" going straight to DVD this October

2009-09-07T12:30:00.000-07:00

Due to the business side of thing the Made in Massachusetts film "The Lonely Maiden" will miss the theaters and go straight to video. So if you worked onthis project a couple of years back and are wondering what is taking so long...your wait is over!

Your link to purchase from amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Maiden-Heist-Marcia-Gay-Harden/dp/B002NO4ISG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1252351991&sr=1-1

Tom Cruise Already In Boston!

2009-09-07T12:21:00.000-07:00

Wichita the new movie project set to film here in Massachusetts for next few weeks starring Tom Cruise and a returning Cameron Diaz is having Boston on their toes. This project is slated to be one of the biggest projects ever to film here in Massachusetts which should make things pretty exciting with huge set pieces. Cruise has not filmed in Massachusetts since the early 90's on the set of "The Firm" which only filmed in Boston for two days and that caused a huge stir when it came to Cruise's arrival to beantown. Now he will be here for a lot longer than that filming this project, there have already been sightings of him in Boston this past weekend. So let the Cruise excitement begin.

NEW PODCAST IS UP!

2009-07-29T13:45:00.000-07:00

http://bostonmovieextra.mypodcast.com/index.html

A Recent Article Not Really Nice To Extras..

2009-07-28T15:49:00.000-07:00

Ok. So here is the story Wicked Local an online news site for New England visted the set of Furry Vengeance last week. The reporter worked as an extra for a day and wrote his thoughts about it, now a lot of people that read it really go offended. But to be honest being in this business for almost 20 years and a lot of people that have worked on these sets for a long time would probably agree to most of the article. Look I know to some of you it might have offend you because it's how you make a living but if you read this and say that the article is not at least 50% true, then you have not been in this business for too long.. Many will say that background extras are the living aspect of the scene and I COMPLETELY agree. But to some of the higher ups on these sets (not all) we are nothing but filler. I have seen some crew members in my past 20 years treat background like crap, and no one deserves that. On the other hand there have been sets that all the crew has been FANTASTIC and treat the background like gems, it's luck of the draw. We do what we do because we love it and we love the business, but it is what it is and that is......showbiz :)

Here is the article to judge yourself
http://www.wickedlocal.com/beverly/news/lifestyle/columnists/x540129706/Lewis-On-the-set-of-Furry-Vengeance

My thoughts about traveling from state to state for extra jobs..

2009-07-28T15:30:00.001-07:00

I just got this email today asking me what my thoughts were about traveling from MA to NYC for extras jobs... My answer was unless it's a speaking role..it's not worth it. If you have a bit part, going for an audtion, or have an actual paying part...by all means go. Unless you have a place to stay it's not worth it to travel 3.5 hours to work as an extra for an avg of $120 to $300 depending on how the day goes. Because lets say you went to NYC worked as an extra and only worked 8 hrs..(it happens) and then drive back to MA or NH (buying gas,eating, coffee, etc.) what did you profit in the end. Bottom line stay in MA there is plenty of work to go around either way of the spectrum (non-union / union).

SOME UNION MEMBERS HAVE TO BE REMINDED ABOUT RULE 1..

2009-07-23T17:01:00.000-07:00

Hope all is well in N.E. movieland! The subject on today's blog is about Rule 1, what is Rule 1 you may ask.. If you are Union (SAG/AFTRA) this is one of the first things that they tell you about..Rule 1 means you can not work on a non-union project. Now I know through the years people have done it..sure I get it.. But lately it has been abused to the highest level, and on top of it some Union members are makeing it known. Now for those people that is a HUGE mistake...why? Because you will tick some Union people off that are by the book and you will be reported, so watch out. For those people that are thinking about becoming union I say to them do a lot of non-union jobs to get the experience, the feel of the set, make a good demo reel,etc. before you sign on to become union. Once you do sign on ,there is no turning back. SAG within the last 12 months has been doing as massive crackdown on this abuse in LA and NY and I am sure it will hit here sooner than later. So honor the privledge and don't screw it up for yourself or others, we are all in the same boat here in NE.

EVERYONE IS BUSY GREAT TO HEAR!

2009-07-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

So here we are July 8th 2009 and it feels like September...what is going on?!? It will feel like summer soon I promise :) Well the great news is that we are all busy once again and it's great to see many familar faces on set! It's as if we were on a very long hiatus and it suddenly became 2006-2007 again! We got Furry Vegence, The Town, Grown Ups, The Fighter..plus more down the pike..does this look familiar? Remember I don't care if you are union or non union you have to show up for these calls and if you can't send in your headshot..don't be too good for background! The more we show Hollywood how united we are it's always another incentive to come here. Background people are needed and are a very important piece of the puzzle. Think about it if it wasn't for background each picture even classics would be dry as bread. So it's nice seeing you all and talking movies and plus thank you for the nice comments and emails about the blog and podcast.

THE BOX TRAILER IS FINALLY OUT!

2009-06-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

After waiting almost 1 1/2 the Box trailer is finally out! Not to sound like a broken record but this looks very well also. Here is the link and enjoy it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vk37Iu5Zy4s

Shutter Island Trailer Is Out! Amazing!

2009-06-11T04:31:00.000-07:00

Hey guys and gals! This morning the official trailer to Shutter Island is released and may I say it looks FANTASTIC!!!!! This looks like another golden man nomination for Scorsese!! Enough Talk here is the link sit back and enjoy!!! shttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9bYEor6UJ9o

New Boston Movie Extra Podcast is up For June!

2009-06-06T09:28:00.000-07:00

Talking about the latest in the world of film and more here in NE!

http://bostonmovieextra.mypodcast.com/index.html

Check out Grown-Ups Video From Adam Sandler and Crew!

2009-06-06T07:02:00.000-07:00

This directly from Adam Sandler and some of his cast on the set of Grown Ups in Southborough last week. Enjoy it! Here is the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLaFY9gyuOs

A Message To Stage Parents: Listen To Your Kids..They Might Not Like This Business

2009-06-05T09:37:00.000-07:00

Look I am a parent and I see certain things in my son that says that kid's has talent. Not in this industry but possibly in construction and oddly enough cooking. Even though I might see it and I can make him recognize it, it doesn't mean I am going to force it on him if he doesn't want to do it. When it comes to this industry...man it's annoying issue. I was on a set not too long ago where it was just a typical long day. There were kids ranging from 10 to 15yrs old, and they really didn't get to work until the 9th hour per say. Now in the morning it was all exciting that they were on a movie set, and all that stuff. But eventually they got bored and wanted to leave, the parents were not having any of that. Sad. The parent indicated they they were to stay and wait no matter how long it takes because you are "talented". This kid was so upset that it caused a huge scene. Eventually someone finally spoke up and just said "don't force the issue if they don't want to do it". I guess this parent finally realized what she was doing, got a bit embarrassed and took this persons advice. I mean come on already, they are children and we have to respect their wishes.

Recent "Shutter Island" Screening in NJ reacton is Fantastic!

2009-06-05T09:29:00.000-07:00

Just got news today that there was a recent screening of Scorsese's Shutter Island in NJ, that was filmed here for the most part of 2008. The screening was a rough cut of the picture and WAS NOT the final product. The result of screening was that this was an amazing film, a tad long at times but one of Scorsese's best. Could that lead into yet another Oscar win for Marty, if so Boston could be his Golden Ring. The final cut of the film will be released in theaters this October.

Joining the union? Yes or No?

2009-05-19T06:39:00.000-07:00

I get this question a lot the truth is it depends on you. I would say if you want to get a lot of experience with non union work and not get paid that well, that should be step one. Once you feel that you are ready and you become a "must join" for the union, go for it! Remeber once you are union, no more non union jobs.. It's not allowed. Being union has it's perks better money, possibility of insurance and pension, etc. But....don't think you will be raking in the big bucks at the start unless you are really lucky, most actors making some great money in the union body here in New England is 2 percent. Take your time and enjoy:)

Christian Bale replaces Pitt in "The Fighter"

2009-05-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

The long awaited film "The Fighter" the story about boxer Mickey Ward is back on track with a small little change. For months we heard it was a Brad Pitt and Mark Whalberg film but I guess that has changed and Batman himself Christian Bale will be taking Pitt's place. There has been some extensive training for both actors so I would believe cameras should be rolling very soon..

Camera Dodgers have got to take it easy..

2009-05-10T08:51:00.000-07:00

Now camera dodgeing has been going around for years, but I think it should be looked at pretty closely. What is camera dodgeing you may ask? It's when during the scene of a movie while filming some background actors dodge the camera so they are not established in the scene just to earn another day on the set. Now that is not right by any means, because you are taking someone else's spot that has not yet worked on the project and I really find that no fair to your co-workers. If you are established in a scene that's it..unless less the casting director, director says otherwise. Look I know to a few of you this is your full time job doing extra work on many projects and that's great but when your time is up on a project..your time is up. When that happens your are giving another person a chance to work, and that's the bottom line. Happy Mother's Day Everyone!!!