Boston Movie Extra

I just watched the movie 21 last night based on the book "bringing down the house". I went to see it for two reasons being that it was filmed in Boston and I worked on it and second that I had read the book. The good news Boston was shot fantastic and big props to that and the Boston actors that were used in the film GREAT JOB! Also the movie was entertaining but it draaaagggged. The Bad news if you read the book it was a big disappointment, other than the concept and a few scenes here in there, the book was much, much different than the film. The book was ten times more entertaining and suspenseful and I wished they filmed a big chunk of that story not the story they put on that screen. Of course this is my opinion but I would say unless you want to see it because you worked on it or because of the Boston scenes...wait for the dvd.

Well there are rumors that one of the big movies coming to Massachusetts this Fall is "The Fighter" starring Mark Wahlberg and Mr. Brad Pitt. The story is about famous Lowell boxer Micky Ward. This is not official as of yet but Brad Pitt is rumored to be in this one. Just add two more big name stars to the roster of A-list talent coming into Massachusetts this year!

I just finished watching the WCVB program Chronicle that only talked about Hollywood East. All I can say what and exciting expose, it truly makes it an exiting time in Boston's history. Soundstages, 12 films for 2008, etc,etc. I don't know where to begin, but this should put a big smile on all of our faces. Did you see the program and if you did what are your thoughts?

DVR or Tivo chronical tonight at 7:30 where they will be having an expose on the big Hollywood boom that is happening in our beloved Bay State. I think we will be see more and more of these exposes as the boom continues. So remember 7:30 tonight on channel 5 WCVB. Tell me your thoughts on the piece. As always if you have any questions or comments you can email me at bostonmovieextra@yahoo.com

Could someone pinch me...OUCH! ...thanks..wait we ARE in Boston because it feels like New York?!?! When was the last time where you actually had a choice of which movie you want to work on? Seriously when was it? I will tell you when it was...Never! This is great for the whole film community here in Boston, simply fantastic. There is work for everyone for actors, for crew, for casting directors, for scouts, you name it. For those that wanted to get into the business, really now is the best time. The opportunities are endless, you just got to want it and beat the pavement a bit, but I will promise most of you, you will get a call. So what that means is, when there is a open call and they are suggesting that you attend it other than sending a photo in, that means something. Listen to the request and act on it (no pun intended). So let's go out in force, let's show Hollywood what Boston has and let's have fun doing it. Because in the end that's what it is all ab

This is hard to believe but it is awesome to know that there are 3 yes 3 open calls this weekend. Two will be held on Saturday One for the Bruce Willis film "The Surrogates" in Boston and the other for the Rick Garvris movie in Lowell. The next day on Sunday there is an open call for the new Kate Hudson film "Bride Wars". This is totally exciting when was last time you ever saw this happening in this state. This place has truly turned into Hollywood East, let's not jinx it :)

The Cashunt company one of the best scavenger hunt games in Boston just introduced a new game to their catalog. Cashunt hosts 3 hr live multigame scavenger hunts, they have been in business for the past 8 years and have a really fun and competitive product. Their new game is called Th Boston Movie Dash which consits of a scavenger hunt, a treasure hunt, boston movie trivia, bonus Boston Movie Dash point hunt, a make your own video competition, and a hollywood theme hunt. It is a game that consits of 5 games in one and is fun for any group to do something different on a spring or summer day or night. For more information on this game on their other games go to www.cashunt.com As always if you have any questions or comments you can email me at bostonmovieextra@yahoo.com

New Kate Hudson & Anne Hathaway comedy shoots in Boston! Jodi Purdy-Quinlan of Grant Wilfley Casting Boston Office seeking locals for various non-speaking roles: • upscale men and women, specifically those with high-end, formal wedding and rehearsal dinner attire • adult ballroom dance students • DJ w/equipment • string quartet, classical musicians and wedding band types • attractive men and women 18-30 • power executives and lawyer/business types • children and school teacher types • New York socialite types, ladies who lunch, etc…. Filming begins in Boston area April-May 2008 Open Call will be held: Sunday, March 30, 10am-4pm Maria Weston Chapman Middle School 1051 Commercial Street East Weymouth, MA 02189 As always if you have any questions or comments you can email me at bostonmovieextra@yahoo.com

If you could care less about acting and want to work behind the camera a good way to start is becoming a production assistant. Sure it is a little bit of a thankless job but it will keep giving you work and you can elevate yourself to higher levels. To those who think PA's don't like there job..well some do and some don't. The ones that do will tell you that they work most of the shoot and are looking for a higher position. For example a 2nd assistant director makes roughly $2000 a week, hard work but great money. If you are looking to work crew sign up at central booking here in Massachusetts As always if you have any questions or comments you can email me at bostonmovieextra@yahoo.com

Please watch this blog as to the open call that was posted today. I guess from what I'm hearing is that it's not happening. So please do not got to Felt this Saturday. I will update you the moment I get news.

CP Casting is holding an open call Saturday at Felt for “The Surrogates,” a Disney sci-fi flick starring Bruce Willis that begins shooting here in the spring. Tentative casting time is noon to 4 p.m. Stay tuned for further details.

This poses to be a good question when I hear it. The answer is yes and no. No if you are planning not to take this that seriously and you want to extra and stand in work. You can promote yourself. But if you want to audition for speaking roles for major films coming into town then the answer is yes. These agents mostly get paid on commission so it is their goal to find you work. Best agency in Boston is Maggie Inc. but I believe you have to be in the union.

The reason for this addition of the blog is to answer the question as to why I took off the Extra's Ego Blog out. The reason I took it out is quite simple the heat that was being collected on both sides of the issue was a little strong. Which I do not find correct even to the point I was called a hypocrite, which I find comical. The reason why I wrote is because if anyone was to tell me that egos of extras do not exsist on a set I would say are either blind or are lying. To that person that made the comment, first I respect that comment but I tell the truth in regards to what exsists on the sets here in Boston. From the cliques in the community to the favoritism that is also visible. So if you don't like the truth, that's fine. But I tell it like it is and others would agree. This blog is simply to inform, educate, discuss, and understand this rare occupation we call the movie business. With this blog you do not have to agree with me, but at least understand it. Th

I have been a proud member of SAG for 20 years now and I happen to love it. People ask me if they should be SAG because they are "a must join". My answer to that is if you want to do a few Non-Union projects for the experience then don't join as of yet, because you will not be allowed to if you are SAG. If you want to join SAG, know that it is a good thing the pay is better and the opportunities get a little better too, you just have to work at it. But please, please, please do not risk your SAG membership by doing NON-UNION work you will be found out. If anyone has opinion on this especially SAG members voice your opinion. As always if you have any questions or comments you can email me at bostonmovieextra@yahoo.com

Ricky Gervis of "Extras" and "The Office U.K.) Fame is set to direct the film "This Side of the Truth" in Lowell Mass this Spring. In the cast are Jennifer Garner, Rob Lowe, Ricky Gervais. No casting agent has been booked yet, but we will let you know when that becomes official. Jot down another film for Mass!!!

Why in the world would someone that was working as an extra be dodging a camera? I couldn't understand that when it was told to me, I thought the primary goal was to be seen? Isn't that right? Well it came to my attention that some actors when they are cast as extras unusually will find a way to dodge the camera. The reason why they do this is to get more days on the set. Ok, I can understand that to a point that you want more work, BUT! the more you dodge the less we others work, if that makes any sense. So please stop dodging and be seen :)

Have you worked on a project yet this year? Did you rub elbows with anyone, have a funny moment, etc. Please share here in this blog. Or if you want to vent this is your outlet here, but hopefully it's all positive.

Well from a couple of weeks ago I had mentioned thatI had lost the stand-in job for Mark Ruffalo on Ashcliffee because I was 2 inches too short. Well I guess the other guy didn't work so they called me in. Well I just came back after 13.5 hoursand let me say what an experience! I mean working on a scorsese set is something else, in my eyes it's not your typical set..it strickly business no room for failure. So it was a great education , great crew , and nice people. Mark Ruffalo is by far on on the most down-to-earth guys you will ever meet, and I respect him for that. As far as the continueation of this job they have to try another guy tommorrow and we will se who has the job next week I guess. It's all about....what do you think it's about....it's about 2 inches in height.

Honestly I really don't think they do, now I'm not say that at 100%. What I am saying is I have yet to hear anyone that had recieved work or even an audition from them. Now that might change when this type of promotion gets a little more main stream. But the only way I ever get work or people that I know get work is the old fashion way....headshot submission. Just my opinion if your acting website work for you please let us know.

Guys first of thank you for all the nice comments about this blog, it is very nice of you all. I am just doing my part for this community to provide a no-holds barred informative view of the goings on in this business on a local level. I have had many mention for me to give and email address so my readers can contact me directly for specific questions, comments, ideas, etc. Not a problem what so ever! That email is bostonmovieextra@yahoo.com , please use it and I will continue to do my part and inform. I will talk to you soon :) Again it is: bostonmovieextra@yahoo.com

Angela Peri is by far one of the best people in this business. I have worked for Angela and I also consider myself an old friend from the begining. This person pretty much gives everyone a shot and that to me is very important. She is a person that goes at a very nice way about her business and is very well respected. So here's to you Angela, and best of luck to you in this exciting time in Boston.

Today began filming on the Martin Scorsese film "ashcliffe" based on the novel Shutter Island. If you worked on this amazing film experience share your thoughts here on this post.

BOSTON CASTING SEEKING STAND-IN'S FOR "THE PROPOSAL"-New! Boston Casting is seeking performers to stand -in for: Betty White: Older female, 5'4" with white hair. Craig T. Nelson: Male, 6'3", balding Sandra Bullock: Female, 5'8", medium length brown hair In order for performers to be readily available, Boston Casting is requesting that performers live within a one hour driving time. If interested, please email a headshot and resume to hilary@bostoncasting.com or mail your information asap to Boston Casting at: 129 Braintree Street, Suite

Good morning just want to let you know that there is an open call that Boston Casting is having for the movie "Mall Cop" starring Kevin James. The movie will be shot at the Burlington Mall, I would assumr when the mall is closed. But the open call is today from 10am to 4pm: The following information is below. OPEN CASTING CALL FOR A NEW COLUMBIA PICTURES COMEDY TO BE FILMED @ THE BURLINGTON MALL OPEN CALL SATURDAY MARCH 1,2008 10:00 AM - 4 PM HILTON GARDEN INN 5 WHEELER RD. BURLINGTON,MA. for directions: www.hiltongardeninn.com FOLLOW THE SIGNS TO EXTRAS CASTING PLEASE BRING A PHOTO AND RESUME FILM SHOOTS MARCH 31-JUNE 3