Boston Movie Extra

BREAKING NEWS! Production begins in August on the thriller, “Edge of Darkness,” written by William Monahan, the North Shore writer who won an Oscar for his “The Departed” screenplay, Variety reported yesterday. This will be Mel Gibson's first film since "What Women Want" it has been a long time for Mel but his return to acting is starting back here in Boston! So chalk another picture here in Massachusetts! Keep the jobs coming!

Our last poll had asked if you had some money to spend on yourself to enhance your career/ hobby in this business, what would you spend it on? What came in first is joining the union, second: classes and third: coaching. As far as the union goes that sounds good, it's a good goal to reach, but remember do as much non-union jobs as you can before joining. The reason for that is when you join the union, you obviously can not turn back. As far as the classes go do your research before you spend your hard earned money on a class, read the class reviews etc. If you do your homework on the class you want to attend, it will be time well earned. As always thank you for voteing and now please vote on our new poll on the right.

This has been a rumor for sometime and now I am hearing that it's very close to coming into RI. It is from what I'm hearing a Redue of The Three Stooges, now I am really not big into redues of films ie. Psycho, Casino Royale, etc. but hey it's work! Now the guys from "Something about Mary" and "Fever Pitch" are doing this so it should be somewhat funny. The only question is with a strike looming overhead, I hope this doesn't become a production victim. I will keep you posted when I hear more info. There are films currently today that are short on people... so submit your headshots to them DO NOT BE LEFT OUT! I will talk to you guys soon....

Word is that "The Surrogates" will start filming here next week, and Bruce has been spotted all around Boston. All I can tell you is that I am so psyched about this picture because at least in my memory for being in this business for close to 20 years I never heard of a sci-fi film this big come into Boston. Usually up till now it was mostly period pieces ie. Little Women, School Ties, Kennedy's of Massachusetts, Amistad, then it got a little urban ie. Civil Action, The Firm, etc. Now we have all kinds of different films but not a big sci-fi film! I am just really interested in how they are going to do it here because it is based on a comic book.

I was just recently on a few sets as probably most of all of you have been and I got to talking with a few people. I met this woman that had come all the way from NJ to work on a film here in town. Now some people might say she is Union and she is doing this to collect her 72 days to get insurance, nope... she was non union. Now what she and others were getting paid is $65/8, that's pretty low especially for her that wouldn't even cover her gas! Now this woman's situation is a bit over the top, because she lives 4 states away. But anyhow the point of this is with everything from gas to the cost of living here in Mass Union and Non-Union alike are getting paid a little low for most people's standards. Now you can say to me "Chris...we are getting paid just to be on a movie set and sit around, why not?" This is true but how much did it cost you to get there? gas, tolls, maybe even parking? Now take out the taxes and subtract your expenses and what are yo

I think one of the funniest and effective types of training is improv training. Improv training will sharpen your instincts to acting in a dramtacic and comedic setting. There are plenty of improv groups out there but the best would be the improv asylum. First check out their show and see if it is something you would want to learn..I'm sure after a performance it will inspire you to do so.

As you might notice every week we put a new survey to this blog covering different topics. This past week the survey was "who is your favorite casting agency" and the winner is....(drum roll please) BOSTON CASTING! winning by a nose from LDI Casting. So thank you for those of you that voted a please look at our new poll on your right.

Today I had the experience to work on the new Ricky Gervais "This side of the TRUTH" in Andover. It was a short and nice shooting day under a nice warm sun. What was cool was that I got to meet some of the readers of this blog and was flattered to hear the positive responses. I just want to say a huge thank you that you continue to enjoy this blog. My mission with it, is to infrom you, answer any questions I can possibly help you with, and talk about the goings on in the world of Hollywood East. So I tip my hat to you guys, I wish you all the best of luck and I will see you soon.

The best thing to do in this business is to network and now with the power of the internet, it easier to get the word out. Right now folks if you realize this or not we are in a historic moment when it comes to films in Massachusetts. So with that being said there are a host of different network mixers for crews, local actors, etc. Once you get word of these meetings you should attend in order to promote yourself and speak your mind, if you don't speak your mind...you won't be heard. So go onto facebook join these groups and get involved. As far as a union members go, attend these conservertory meetings because they are informative. I will be the first to say that after being union I never attended these meetings but since I have and I love it! In other words lets take advantage of the opportunities when they come to you, because if no one goes...they will end.

When the writers strike took place early this past year it also claimed a few victims in productions. One of them was "Hickory Nation" that was targeted to film in Massachusetts. Due to that strike, it was temporally put on hold, it still plans to film here but there is no word as of yet as to when.

Real Commercial Fishermen w/ their own skins and fishing gear. This is for Monday 4/21 for the film "The Proposal" with Sandra Bullock If available and interrested please send a fishing photo to with name and number theproposalcasting@gmail.com

I have many people e-mailing me about crew jobs and I happy to help:) To answer anyone that is interested in crew positions the best place to ge is central booking. Central booking is an agency that hires anything in the crew world from pa's , make up artists, grips, etc. So if you want to be a part of this booming business in the crew world, pay them a visit. Keep those e-mails coming!

Just yesterday I was on the set and one of the big discussions was that NY was going to put a 30% credit for all films filmed in New York. If that is the case that is not good news for films coming into Mass. I assume this is speculation and just rumor but if this is true it will be devastating. Has anyone else heard of this? Anyhow let's just pray that this is rumor and not fact. Let's get those studios in Weymouth and Plymouth made!!!!

Does anyone know of a person that happens to be a film location scout out there? If so, please get back to me asap. Thanks:)

I just heard today about a rumor floating around town, that the book by Dan Brown and the prequel to the Davinci Code would be filming a few scenes in Mass! Again this is rumor, but has anyone else heard of this rumor also?

Another big film is coming to RI..word is light as of late but keep your eyes open on this. Right now rumored is R.Crowe for the lead and late Nick Cage's name is being thrown around but nothing is official yet. I will keep you posted.

When it comes to marketing yourself as an actor I always say look for freebees! The best way to turn is websites like Facebook , Linked In, Myspace, I would say the best would be facebook. The reason why is because your networking and the tools that they offer are just great! Also there are many boston events that involve boston talent that are posted, so sign up today to all of them. Now when it comes to business cards with your picture on it etc. Well it's good to give to other actors just to keep in touch, but when it comes to casting directors the only place they go is in the trash. To my union brothers and sisters get yourself on IACTOR!!!! I am amazed that some of you are not on that service, go to www.sag.org and join right now!!! As always questions, coments, etc email me at bostonmovieextra@yahoo.com

This type of thing happens sometimes on film sets, but it is Not the casting directors fault. As a matter of fact it is no ones, it just how things happen. Remember in the extra world it's a numbers game. The director asks the casting director for 45 extras tommorrow 20 men 20 women and 5 children, so the casting director has to deliver. Once the people have been confirmed it's up to the director himself as to how and who he is going to use. Maybe all will be used and maybe few will. I know it is aggravating it's happened to me also, BUT do yourself the favor and DO NOT complain to the casting director! Again the Casting Director did their job and delivered the goods. Bottom line and a rule I always follow for many years and that is don't complain because if you do you might see that your phone won't be ringing.

There will be an open call this Saturday for the new Bruce Willis film shooting here in Beantown! IF YOU WENT TO THE FIRST OPEN CALL YOU DO NOT HAVE TO ATTEND THIS ONE. This is the info... The open call will be held Saturday, April 12 from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM at: Boston University George Sherman Union- Metcalf Hall 775 Commonwealth Ave- 2nd Floor Boston, MA 02215 They are seeking performers to portray ages 18-30 who are athletic, attractive, and energetic individuals.

There are always acting jobs out there, but it's not always the big Hollywood pictures out there. It's the smaller ones. There are a lot of smaller non-union acting jobs on smaller film projects which is good for training and getting your name out there. These jobs might not always offer pay but they will offer you a dvd of the project, which is great for your acting reel to distribute for marketing yourself. It's a sacrafice but it pays off in the future, everybody starts somewhere. So where do you look for those jobs? You look at websites like NEFILM.com and creigslist under film and video. So take a peak and break a leg!

Our latest survey asked our readers as to what everybody's favorite recent Boston based set did they love. First came Ashcliffe which was followed by Pink Panther 2 Bachelor #2, The Women and The Box. Looks like Marty has another win in his cap :). Our next survey is up so please vote. Thanks for joining in on the fun!

If that time has once again come up and you want to freshen up your headshot, go for it. There are many cool photographers out there and they take amazing photos, BUT do your home work PLLLEEEAAASSSEE! The reason why I say that is you should really compare and contrast each of your favorite photographers and see their feedback, their quality and their price. Most importantly make sure you own the photo(s) when it's over. Do not sign anything that gives the photographer the right to own your photos..or it will bite you right in the butt, I swear. You should have free reign as to what you do with your photo(s) where you want to reproduce them, etc. Because if you do give the photographer ownership he will be the only one to reproduce them , etc. Now I am sure some of you are saying....DUH! that is obvious! Well to some of you yes but for many others they always get bit by this especially newcomers, so keep your eyes out. Like I always say if it doesn't smell good...don'

On April 7th the SAG Conservatory will be having a meeting at Park Plaza in the evening. This is an important meeting for the whole Boston SAG body because Donna Summer will be there to listen to all. Now if you have been on a set and you have been dyeing to ask something that is bothering you this is your moment. If you can't make it for other commitments that fine obviously, but if you don't it's our duty united that we speak up and attend. Because if this doesn't happen that the usual of usual continues to happen complaints, complaints, complaints on sets and more of "why isn't Sag doing anything about this." It's a couple of hours of your time to mingle with friends and voice your concern or applause . I will be there for both, so please attend what I would and others would call an important meeting.

I get this question at times in my e-mail and the answer is as of now NO. There has been indication through the media outlets if the past 8 months of a SAG strike in June. If SAG find a resolution at that time...no worries, if they don't they will probably strike. If that happens will that delay productions? I can't answer that question but I think that would. Let's all taake this day to day and enjoy the work that is coming our way, and when that day comes we will cross that bridge also. If you have questions, comments, or advice about your wedding please feel free and e-mail me at bostonmovieextra@yahoo.com

As most of us know there is rumor of studios coming to either Plymouth or Weymouth or even both. This is exciting but it is not full proof yet until we do our part. So one individual and new friend Chuck Slavin is leading the way, for our voices to be loud and make Hollywood make a permenant rest here in Boston. You want jobs? well we have them now but you will have many more if this goes through. So log on to www.chuckslavin.com for more info. If you have questions, comments, or advice about your wedding please feel free and e-mail me at bostonmovieextra@yahoo.com

If you ever wanted to work in the film business / entertainment business this is your time to a shine. From what was recently said from the MFO is that there are plenty of jobs and not that many people. So if you are a makeup artist, crew person, actor, etc. Or you wanted to change occupation find out where the jobs are. Most jobs posted for crew are listed on criegslist under film/tv or you can approach agencies that hire crew. There are many jobs when it comes to filming one single movie but when it comes to the projected 12 this year, there is plenty to go around. If you have questions, comments, or advice about your wedding please feel free and e-mail me at bostonmovieextra@yahoo.com

I had just worked on Tell Tale just recently and I must say that it was a pleasent set to work on. Brian Cox and Josh Lucas must go on my friendly actor list really professional and nice people all together. I just want to mention that because there are many sets people hate and some that people love, so this in my opinion was one of the better ones. If you also had pleasent experience on this project please let us know.

I was on a project yesterday (Mall Cop) which was a nice experience and worked with nice people. What amazed some people is that there were a few no-shows, what I had said to them is don't be too surprised because this happens more than you think. When that happens that screws a lot of people up first the production because they are expecting their numbers for that day, and people that actually wanted to work that day. So if you can't make it on that project for any reason please call the casting director the day prior so they can fill in your spot. It's the best thing you can do in that situation to still be good with the casting directors and the production.